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The indigenous recipes of Colombia combined with outside influences from other regions make for a distinct cuisine. For lovers of Colombian food, it matters how seemingly simple ingredients such as rice, beans, plantains and egg come together to make something that’s savory, spicy and hearty. In Las Vegas, opportunities for classic Colombian dishes do not abound, but a few restaurants are available for those who wish to seek out fried fish with cassava, Colombian arepas, and bandeja paisa.
Here are three places to find classic Colombian food in Las Vegas:
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Chicken steeped in tradition
Chicken takes center stage at Brasa Roja. The casual restaurant is known for its whole rotisserie chicken which owes its flavor to a marinade that’s an old family recipe. Other menu items include char-broiled strip streak or beef ribs with rice, cassava, plantain, and potato; fried red snapper; or bandeja paisa — a sampler of distinctive Colombian foods that offers a little bit of everything.
Brasa Roja, 953 E. Sahara Ave., Suite E29; 702-836-0815
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All day Colombian breakfast
Oiga Mire Vea Colombian Cuisine is a brightly colored little spot on Sahara Avenue where diners can enjoy all-day breakfast favorites including eggs with arepas, carne asada with rice and beans, and liver with sautéed tomato, onions, and fried green plantains. The restaurant also serves a popular oxtail soup made with potatoes, plantains, and yucca root plus Colombian dinner entrees. On select nights, the small restaurant becomes a hub for dancing, karaoke, and beer specials.
Oiga Mire Vea Colombian Cuisine, 2580 S. Decatur Blvd., Suite K4A; 702-221-4359
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Arroz con polla in Chinatown
Located on the outer reaches of Chinatown, Aracely’s Sazón Colombian offers a little slice of Colombia not far from the Strip. For breakfast, there’s freshly made bunuelos and other baked goods. For lunch and dinner, diners can stop in for empanadas, arroz con pollo, soup, seafood, and imported soda to wash everything down. Side orders include fried plantains, rice, and French fries. [ELV]
Aracely’s Sazón Colombian, 3650 S. Jones Blvd., Suite 2; 702-483-3133
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