Arauca’s cuisine is a delightful expression of its llanero (plainsman) culture, emphasizing bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking methods. Here’s what you should savor during your visit:

1. **Ternera a la Llanera (Carne a la Llanera)** This iconic dish is a must-try. Large cuts of beef are seasoned simply with salt and roasted over an open flame on wooden stakes. The smoky, tender meat is often served with boiled yucca and plantains.

2. **Pisillo de Pescado** A llanero specialty made from shredded, sun-dried fish, often combined with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a flavorful dish typically enjoyed with rice or arepas.

3. **Cachapas Araucanas** Sweet corn pancakes cooked until golden and served with fresh cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

4. **Hallacas Llaneras** Similar to tamales, hallacas are made with corn dough stuffed with beef, pork, or chicken, along with vegetables and spices, wrapped in plantain leaves, and steamed. They are especially popular during festive seasons.

5. **Chigüire (Capybara Meat)** A unique offering in Arauca, chigüire is a delicacy of the plains. Prepared in various ways, including stews and grilled cuts, it’s a savory and adventurous choice for curious food lovers.

6. **Arroz Llanero** A hearty rice dish cooked with beef, pork, or chicken, along with vegetables and local spices. It’s a staple meal full of llanero flavor.

7. **Tungos** A traditional snack made of corn dough, often filled with cheese or sweet fillings, and wrapped in bijao leaves before being steamed. Perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

8. **Queso de Arauca** Arauca is known for its fresh, handmade cheese. Creamy, slightly salty, and perfect as a topping for arepas or as a snack on its own.

9. **Sancocho Llanero** This hearty soup is made with beef or pork ribs, yucca, plantains, and corn, simmered together to create a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting dish enjoyed by families across the region.

10. **Postres Llaneros (Desserts)** Don’t miss local sweets like *arroz con leche* (rice pudding), *quesillo* (similar to flan), or *mazamorra* (a corn-based dessert). These treats offer a sweet ending to your culinary journey.

Arauca’s cuisine reflects the region’s strong ties to the land, with meals that are simple yet rich in flavor. Each bite is a celebration of llanero traditions and the bounty of Colombia’s eastern plains.