Colombia's appetite for authentic Asian flavors has grown beyond its approximately 1,500 Chinese restaurants, fueling the rise of specialty grocery stores stocking everything from Sichuan peppercorns to fresh bok choy. In Bogotá, a new generation of Asian supermarkets is bridging culinary traditions and local tastes, according to reporting by correspondent Michelle Begue.
Operators say Colombian home cooks and chefs are increasingly experimenting with traditional Chinese cooking techniques like stir-frying and steaming. The trend reflects deepening cultural exchanges between Asia and Latin America, with one Bogotá-based chain expanding to three locations in two years to meet demand for imported sauces, spices and frozen dumplings.
Local chefs credit the proliferation of Asian restaurants for sparking curiosity about 'real' preparation methods. A recent Colombia-China Chamber of Commerce report noted a 12% annual increase in food imports from the Chinese mainland since 2021. "People no longer see these ingredients as exotic," said one supermarket manager. "They're becoming part of our daily meals."
