The Best Food of the Valley in Cali: Must-Visit Restaurants
Valle del Cauca cuisine is a fusion of flavors, culture, and tradition that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. From slow-cooked chicken sancocho to crispy Valluna pork chop, each dish tells a story of Afro, indigenous, and Spanish roots. If you're in Cali and want to experience the authentic flavors of the Valley, here we present the 5 best restaurants for Valle del Cauca cuisine.
1. Restaurante Ringlete
Location: Cl. 15a Nte. #9N-31, Granada
The Best: A fusion of tradition and modernity in Valle del Cauca cuisine
Experience: Iconic dishes such as chicken sancocho and coconut seafood stew
This restaurant is a tribute to the traditional cuisine of the Valley, with a contemporary twist. At Ringlete, every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and the love of homemade recipes. Its cozy atmosphere and culinary offering make it a must-visit destination for lovers of traditional food.
Click here to view Restaurante Ringlete's Instagram
2. Hema Fogón
Location: Cl. 39 Nte. #3N-07
The Best: Valluna pork chop, hearty rice dish (arroz atollado), and chicken sancocho
Experience: Dishes prepared with traditional recipes passed down through generations
Hema Fogón is a true temple of Valle del Cauca cuisine. Its rustic, family-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy a traditional lunch. The Valluna pork chop is one of the most famous in the city, featuring a crispy breading and authentic flavor.
Click here to view Hema Fogón's Instagram
3. Traditional Valle Snacks
Location: Cl. 17 Nte. #5 Norte-21, San Vicente
The Best: Homemade food with authentic Valle del Cauca flavor
Experience: Hearty rice dish (arroz atollado), Cambray empanadas, and fried plantains (aborrajados)
If you want to feel at home, Traditional Valle Snacks is the place to go. Their dishes are full of flavor and tradition, made with fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. The aborrajados are a delicacy you must try.
Click here to view Traditional Valle Snacks' Instagram
4. Typical Valle Del Cauca Fritanga
Location (Branch 1): San Antonio - Cra 10 #3-13
Location (Branch 2): Pance - Cra 125 #19-170 - Cra 10 #3-13
The Best: Specializing in fritanga and traditional cuisine
Experience: Generous dishes full of the Valley's flavor
With over 25 years of history, Typical Valle Del Cauca Fritanga is an icon of Cali's gastronomy. Here you can find a variety of traditional fried dishes, such as empanadas, pork fritters (marranitas), and crispy chicharrón, in an informal yet flavor-packed setting.
Click here to view Typical Valle Del Cauca Fritanga's Instagram
5. Restaurante Basilia
Location: Cl 8 #23c-17, Floor 2, La Alameda
The Best: Pacific cuisine with a Valle del Cauca influence
Experience: Fresh seafood, coconut fish stew, and seafood casserole
For seafood lovers, Restaurante Basilia is a culinary gem in Cali. Its menu features the best Pacific dishes with a Valle del Cauca twist, using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes that highlight the flavor of the seafood.
Click here to view Restaurante Basilia's Instagram
Which Will You Dine At First?
Cali is a gastronomic paradise for those who wish to explore the authentic cuisine of Valle del Cauca. Whether you prefer a wood-fired chicken sancocho, a crispy pork chop, or a hearty seafood casserole, these restaurants offer a unique experience that will make you fall even more in love with Valle del Cauca cuisine.
If you love discovering new flavors, don’t miss our virtual tours and keep exploring the culinary richness of the city in our blogs section. Enjoy your meal!