2. February 2015: Restaurant Mercado – Sabor Local
My first touch with Colombian kitchen was at a restaurant chain called “Mercado – Sabor Local” which means “market – local flaovur” and I must it was a good first impression. The starter I went for was a “Tilapia – Camarón – Combinado (Cebolla, pimentón, jengibre, apio, vinagre de ajo y ají picante) with lulo” (19’000 COP) and it was definitely the typical ceviche I have had so far as everything was swimming in lulo juice. The seafood was fresh and aromatic and went well with the fried banana chips which are way thiner than what you are used to in Europe.
I have heard a lot about how great Colombian meat really is so my expectations were quite high – my “medallones de lomo de búfalo parrillado (y cebolla caramelizada en vino tinto)” (30’000 COP) were okay but the meat was not of outstanding quality as I had expected. However, the onions which had been caramelized in red wine added a nice spike to the dish.
The “fried bananas” (called “monedas de plátano verde” (6’000 COP)) is apparently something really popular in Colombia so I also got it for my main course. I must say as good as it is if you have it once or twice it easily becomes too much.
I finally managed to try a fruit juice I have never had before but heard a lot about – the “Jugo de Lulo” (small, 6’000 COP). I have tried it a couple of times throughout my journey through Colombia and OI must admit it was not really the best one I have had in my two weeks. Still, it was a surprising flavour I haven’t tried before.
The place itself is nice – the decoration is really artisanal. The only thing which is not so great is the fact that the air conditioning is everywhere – in a city which is pretty cold already by itself. Therefore, you have to be prepared to be exposed to ACs quite heavily. The waiters are friendly and helpful, and last but not least the prices are reasonable which applies to the dishes as well as to the beverages. If you are around the Calle #93 it is definitely okay to have a quick lunch at the Mercado.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Mercado – Sabor Local
Calle 93A No. 12-73 Carrera 6 No. 119-18
Bogotá (CO)
Tel.: +571 236 2500
Homepage: http://www.mercadosaborlocal.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
