Colombian Picada 101: The Shareable Platter NYC Is Craving
There’s no shortage of iconic bites in New York City. You’ve got pizza slices at 2 a.m., ramen bowls steaming up your glasses, and bagels piled high with schmear. But when you want a meal that feels like a celebration, nothing hits quite like a Colombian Picada.
This is Colombia’s ultimate shareable feast: a sizzling, golden, flavor-packed platter built for passing around the table with friends. You have grilled meats, fried yucca, sweet plantains, tangy sauces, and crunchy little sides all piled onto one glorious tray.
In this blog, we’re learning why the Picada is so special, what goes into it, and where to find the best one when you’re searching for “Colombian restaurant near me” in NYC.
What Makes Colombian Picada So Special?
If Colombian food had a personality test, the Picada would rank on top as the life of the party.
It’s designed for sharing. This isn’t a solo plate experience. It's a celebration platter, perfect for pulling apart while swapping stories and laughs.
It’s a mix of everything. Smoky grilled meats sitting right next to crispy fried bites, creamy dips, and golden plantains. Every reach of your fork brings something new.
It balances flavors. Bold proteins? Check. Starches for comfort? Double check. Pops of lime and avocado for freshness? Always there to brighten the bite.
In Colombia, ordering a Picada isn’t just about eating. It’s about togetherness. And in New York, that spirit translates seamlessly to the way the city loves communal dining. One look at a platter and suddenly your table feels like a family reunion.
Classic Ingredients in a Colombian Picada
What’s inside this glorious spread?
The meats: Chorizo brings the smoky spice. Grilled beef and pork belly bring the charred, juicy notes. Chicken rounds it out with tender familiarity. Every piece is seasoned with love and sizzle.
The starches: Yucca fries with their golden crunch. Potato wedges that feel rustic and hearty. And sweet plantains that caramelize beautifully.
The sauces: No Picada is complete without the dips. Ají is the zesty kick, hogao (a tomato-onion mix) is the soulful comfort, and guacamole adds creamy balance.
Every bite tells a story. Together, the platter is Colombian food culture on display, and exactly why New Yorkers are falling in love when they search for “Colombian food near me.”
Beyond the Meat: The Sides That Make It Complete
Picture this: you bite into a gooey fried cheese ball, the crispy outside giving way to a melty core. Then, a mini arepita, lightly charred, offering that nostalgic corn flavor.
Fresh elements balance the richness: creamy avocado slices, bright lime wedges you squeeze for that citrus pop, and a simple side salad that keeps things light. And just when you think you’ve had it all, those ripe plantains come in. They’re soft, sweet, and caramelized, tying the whole experience together with a golden bow.
This is why Colombian Picada feels complete. It’s a rollercoaster of textures and flavors: crispy, melty, smoky, sweet. No two bites are the same.
Where to Try Colombian Picada in NYC
So, where does one find this Colombian party platter in the city that never sleeps?
Queens is where you’ll find some of the most authentic spots in the whole of New York, especially in Jackson Heights.
Manhattan has stepped into the scene with restaurants bringing the platter to the heart of the city, perfect for when you’re downtown and craving something bold.
Brooklyn, with trendy eateries, is adding its own flair to the dish, blending Colombian roots with NYC creativity.
It’s no surprise that when New Yorkers search for a Colombian restaurant near me, a Picada platter is at the top of their cravings list. After all, it matches everything the city loves: shareable, social, and unapologetically packed with flavor.
Empanada Mama & Other Go-To Spots
Of course, we have to talk about Empanada Mama. Our empanadas may be the stars of the show, but our Colombian Picada proves that sometimes more really is more. Think sizzling chorizo, golden yucca, plantains fried just right; all coming together in a platter that practically begs to be shared.
But NYC is rich with Colombian flavors. Other Colombian restaurants and bakeries across Queens, Brooklyn, and beyond keep Picada on the menu because they know it’s a dish that captures the heart. Still, Empanada Mama is a must-stop for anyone exploring Colombian eats.
Why NYC Is Craving the Picada Experience
Colombian Picada is a platter that says, “come together, dig in, and enjoy the moment.” It’s perfect for group dinners, birthday celebrations, or just Saturday nights when you want to eat something that feels like an experience.
So the next time you’re typing “Colombian food near me” or hunting down a Colombian restaurant near you, don’t stop at the basics. Go straight for the Picada platter. It’s Colombia’s boldest flavors, all in one bite.
Ready to taste why NYC can’t get enough of Colombian Picada? Gather your crew, find the nearest Empanada Mama, and let the party begin.