Mote de Queso: Caribbean tradition served in a bowl
If there is one dish that represents the simplicity and authenticity of Colombian Caribbean cuisine, it’s mote de queso. A thick soup made with yam and coastal cheese, it has become a symbol of identity and pride for Córdoba, Sucre, and Atlántico.
More than just a recipe, mote de queso is a ritual. It’s prepared at home with the same ease as conversations in the patio at sunset. It accompanies family gatherings, patron saint festivities, and Sunday lunches, and even makes its way to big celebrations like the Barranquilla Carnival, where it’s always on the table to welcome visitors.
Origin and tradition
Mote de queso was born from the union of ingredients native to the Caribbean land: yam, an abundant tuber in the region, and coastal cheese, strong and salty in flavor. This combination, enriched with a sauté of onion, garlic, and sometimes a touch of suero (fermented milk), creates a creamy texture and a taste that balances simplicity with depth.
In Caribbean towns and cities, it’s common to hear stories of how grandmothers passed the recipe from generation to generation, always with the same advice: “the secret lies in patience and good coastal cheese.”
A dish with identity
For many travelers, tasting mote de queso is a way to discover the soul of the Caribbean beyond its beaches. Gastronomy is a direct bridge to culture, and this dish in particular connects to who we are: hospitality, flavor, and tradition.
Today, mote de queso is served in traditional restaurants in Montería, Sincelejo, and Barranquilla, but also in small roadside eateries, where it is cooked with that homemade touch that makes it unique. In Barranquilla, for example, it’s a staple in coastal food menus and a symbol of cultural identity.
Tierra Querida Tips for travelers
- ✨ If you visit Montería, look for mote de queso in restaurants near the Sinú River. Eating it while facing the majestic river gives the experience special value.
- ✨ In Sincelejo, many serve it in local markets, alongside other traditional dishes. There, you can experience local gastronomy without filters.
- ✨ In Barranquilla, it’s a highlight of homemade lunches and traditional restaurants. During Carnival, it accompanies the joy of households that open their doors to share with family and friends.
- ✨ Don’t forget to pair it with corn arepa or white rice—the perfect duo to enhance its flavor.
- ✨ If you want to take a piece of the Caribbean with you, buy artisanal coastal cheese at local markets—so you can try preparing it at home.
A journey through flavor
Traveling through Colombia also means traveling through its cuisine. Every spoonful of mote de queso reminds us that our roots are alive at family tables, in village kitchens, and in the warmth of the people who always welcome visitors with a smile and a served plate.
Because Colombia is not only discovered with the eyes, but also with the palate. And mote de queso is a perfect example of how a simple dish can take you straight to the essence of the Caribbean.
