Spice level warning — Ajiaco is not what I expected

I underestimated Ajiaco. The hearty and comforting description didn't prepare me for the reality. achiote annatto brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Colombian cuisine varies dramatically between the coastal Caribbean, Andean, and Amazonian regions. The a family Sunday sancocho setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. tinto black coffee cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.