Episode #1
S6/E1- Special Episode: The Arepa: Colombia's Living Heritage
The arepa has been part of Colombian tables for centuries, but only in recent decades has it started to receive the recognition it truly deserves as an important part of the country’s history, anthropology, and culinary heritage. In this episode, I invite you to discover how an everyday food became one of the strongest symbols of Colombian identity—and why its true richness goes far beyond corn. Its story is really about the incredible diversity of ingredients, landscapes, and communities that have shaped it over generations. Throughout this journey, we’ll explore arepas made not only with corn, but also with plantains, cassava, rice, yam, and many other local ingredients that reflect Colombia’s extraordinary biodiversity. Every region has created its own version, using the products of its land and the traditions of its people. That’s why talking about the arepa as if there were only one simply doesn’t tell the whole story. Every variety carries its own history, techniques, traditions, and cultural identity. We’ll also recognize the people who have dedicated their work to researching, documenting, and preserving this important heritage. From the pioneering contributions of anthropologist Julián Estrada Ochoa, who helped redefine the arepa as a cultural expression, to the ongoing work of researcher José Luis Rivera, who has now documented more than 450 varieties of arepas across Colombia. We’ll also discuss recent research, including The Flavor That Brings Colombians Together , a study presented by Bancolombia in 2024 that confirms the arepa as one of the country’s most important symbols of national identity. This episode also reflects part of my own journey documenting Colombia’s traditional cuisines over the past two decades. From my earliest travels between 2003 and 2008, to founding Astuviaje Gourmet in 2008, and later creating the Flavors of Colombia Boxes, the arepa has been much more than a food for me. It has been a gateway to understanding the incredible diversity of Colombia’s regions and sharing those stories with travelers from around the world. More than exploring a recipe, this episode is about honoring a history built by Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, and farming communities; by traditional cooks; by farmers; by researchers; and by everyone who has helped keep this remarkable culinary tradition alive. Because every arepa tells the story of a place, a community, and the generations of people whose knowledge has made its way to our tables. Follow me on social media: Instagram – LinkedIn – YouTube - Facebook And visit our website to continue discovering the world with your five senses: www.astuviaje.com
