Author Archives: Jessica Wong

When ‘On my way’ doesn’t mean on my way


Colombians’ time perception translated – for the benefit of newly arrived foreigners who are still acclimatising to the culture here. I’ve often been deceived (perhaps unintentionally, in their defence?) when meeting the locals, when the person I’m supposed to meet says ‘ya voy en camino’ (I’m already on my way). The expression actually means something really […]

The Best cheesecakes in Bogotá..


  are probably from Myriam Camhi, just because of their sheer resemblance to the real thing (American style, of course) and the wide range of renditions. Myriam Camhi is also an overall winner for cakes because you know you’ll get plenty of options. The only problem is not knowing which one to pick! Apart from cheesecakes, you can choose from the mind-boggling […]

How to say no in Bogotá


Foreigner: My dear, let’s go to the cinema! Bogotano: We’ll see.   Foreigner: Can we go to the supermarket to get some tea? Bogotano: Er..   Foreigner: It’s Sunday! Looks like it’s gonna be a nice day! Shall we go to La Candeleria and have tamales and go to the Museum of Central Bank? Bogotano: Let’s […]

Who the f is this?


Colombian phone calls The phone rings You pick up the phone, ‘hello.’ ‘Who am I speaking to?’ WTF? YOU called me, and you’re asking me ‘WHO I am???’ Is there something wrong with you?! This is quite a typical phone call that you will receive here. I’m yet to understand how this phone etiquette came into being. When […]

‘3-milk’ pudding!!!


  The other day I wrote about one of Bogotá’s most popular ‘not-quite-so-Colombian’ dessert. Today’s feature is the ‘3-milk’ dessert (tres leches). Tres leches is an important member of the myriad traditional desserts from Bogota that are mostly milk-based, either in the form of cheese, rice pudding or arequipe. Anyone who’s got a liking for creamy and moist desserts like custard, Eton mess or tiramisu would love this one. Tres leches is essentially […]

the ubiquitous chocoflan


It’s Easter so let’s talk about something eggy. The other day it occurred to me that I should write about chocoflan, a immensely popular dessert and therefore a common presence in Bogotá. It’s a genius invention that solves the dilemma of choices because you get crème caramel and chocolate cake in one dessert. Sometimes you can […]

Bogotá’s Indian Gin Bar


I can’t say that Gin and Indian food will work for everyone.. Try it only if you have a strong stomach. Little Indian Super Star may stand for an unappealing combo of overpriced gin cocktails, slightly stuck-up service and inauthentic Indian food, but it’s worth going once for the sake of novelty, to marvel at incredulously over-the-top decorations and the potentials of […]

Watery milk soup – Not for the faint-hearted


  Indeed, just the look of the white frothy soup dish, changua, may be a shock to anyone. Changua’s a prominent member on Bogotá’s breakfast menu. It makes up city’s psyche. Talk to any Bogotanos (most, anyway) about changua and it’s likely that they’ll give you a longing, happy look. It’s the ultimate comfort food of […]

Bogotá’s human side


I might have written a lot about how terrible the busetas are in Bogotá, but it’s also on these vehicles that you get to experience the warm and fuzzy feeling among human beings. Passengers help each other on these busetas. It’s quite a strange sight, especially given the stigma of asking a passerby on the streets for directions or […]

Fancy Rabbit for dinner in Bogota?


For those who were expecting to read about having rabbit as a Colombian dish, you may be disappointed. Well, rabbit may exist in Colombia cuisine given available rarities like cuy (guinea pig) in the South West region, Nariño, but unfortunately I haven’t come across it yet. What other nation has utilised the animal kingdom for the menu as well as the […]