When you think of coffee pairings, you might imagine a buttery croissant or a sweet slice of cake. But in the mountainous regions of Colombia, coffee is often paired with something far more surprising: cheese. This unexpected combination has deep cultural roots and offers a sensory experience unlike any other.
In this article, we’ll dive into the origin of this tradition, why Colombians love it, and how to try it yourself.
What Is “Café con Queso”?
“Café con queso” literally translates to “coffee with cheese.” This is not just a snack served alongside coffee, but a practice of actually placing cheese directly into a hot cup of black coffee. The cheese begins to melt, absorbing the rich flavor of the brew while softening to a gooey, chewy texture.
The result? A warm, savory-sweet drink that challenges expectations and excites the palate.
Origins: High-Altitude Comfort
This tradition is particularly popular in the Andean regions of Colombia, especially in areas like Boyacá, Nariño, and Antioquia. Historically, these cold, rural areas needed calorie-dense, comforting foods. The locals found that adding fresh cheese to their coffee provided both warmth and sustenance—perfect for chilly mornings.
The Type of Cheese Matters
Not all cheese works well in hot coffee. Colombians typically use “queso campesino”, a fresh, white cheese with a firm yet soft texture. It holds up well to heat without dissolving completely.
Other Cheeses That Work:
- Mozzarella (low-moisture, for a stringy pull)
- Queso blanco (mild and firm)
- Halloumi (grills well, also resists melting)
Cheeses that are too salty or aged, like cheddar or parmesan, clash with the coffee’s profile and are not recommended.
How Is It Served?
The preparation is simple but specific. A thick slice or cube of cheese is placed into a mug of freshly brewed tinto (Colombian-style black coffee). Over a few minutes, the cheese starts to soften and absorb flavor. Some people eat the cheese first, then drink the coffee; others let the cheese sit until the end for a strong coffee-infused bite.
In many homes and cafés, it’s accompanied by:
- Fresh bread or arepas
- A side of panela (unrefined sugar cane)
- Traditional Colombian pastries
A Tradition Passed Through Generations
What began as a regional comfort has turned into a symbol of Colombian heritage. In some households, sharing “café con queso” is a bonding moment between generations. Grandparents pass down their exact preferences—how much cheese, what kind, how long to let it soak.
It’s not unusual to see this combination served during:
- Family breakfasts
- Long chats with neighbors
- Early morning farm work routines
Coffee Tourism and Global Curiosity
With Colombia being one of the world’s top coffee producers, many travelers are drawn to the country for coffee tourism. Trying “café con queso” is often a highlight experience on plantation tours, especially for foreigners who have never encountered anything like it.
Some high-end cafés in Bogotá and Medellín are even giving the tradition a gourmet twist, offering:
- Artisan cheeses
- Single-origin Colombian beans
- Coffee and cheese tasting flights
Why It Works: The Science of Flavor
While it might sound strange at first, there’s a scientific reason why cheese and coffee can complement each other:
- Fat content in cheese rounds out coffee’s bitterness
- Saltiness of cheese enhances natural coffee sweetness
- Umami richness adds depth to the coffee’s body
Just like salted caramel, or dark chocolate with sea salt, the contrast enhances the overall experience.
Reactions From Around the World
Tourists often react with surprise or curiosity, but most are pleasantly surprised by the creamy richness. Food bloggers, culinary travelers, and baristas around the world have begun experimenting with their own versions—some even introducing café con queso-inspired drinks in fusion cafés.
How to Make It at Home
Curious to try this tradition in your own kitchen? Here’s a quick how-to:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of strong black coffee
- 1 thick slice of mild white cheese (queso blanco, mozzarella, or halloumi)
Instructions:
- Brew a strong cup of black coffee (no milk or sugar).
- Place the cheese directly into the mug.
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Scoop out the cheese with a spoon—or eat it at the end for a surprise finish.
Optional: Serve with fresh bread or a small piece of panela on the side.
Beyond Colombia: Could This Trend Spread?
While café con queso remains a deeply Colombian tradition, its uniqueness could make it the next global café sensation, much like matcha lattes or dalgona coffee.
Chefs and baristas worldwide are embracing experimentation, and it’s easy to imagine this comfort drink showing up in trend-forward cafés from Tokyo to Brooklyn.
One Sip, One Culture
Café con queso is more than just a quirky combination—it’s a story of tradition, warmth, and local ingenuity. It shows how coffee culture is shaped not only by taste but by climate, lifestyle, and heritage. If you’re ever in Colombia, don’t miss your chance to sip—and chew—this one-of-a-kind experience.
