The Santander region in Colombia is well-known for a unique delicacy known as Hormigas Culonas, which translates to "big ass ants." These leafcutter ants are around a centimeter in size and have a distinctive large rear end, likely packed with protein. The tradition of eating these ants dates back centuries to the pre-Colombian tribes of the area. Today, Santander remains the primary place where you can easily find and buy them, although some end up being exported to cities like London and Tokyo.
While a few upscale restaurants in San Gil and Barichara have found creative ways to incorporate Hormigas Culonas into their dishes, as a budget-conscious traveler, I opted to purchase some from a street vendor and enjoy them back at my hostel as a snack after lunch. I must admit, I approached this culinary adventure with some hesitation, considering the ants’ appearance. However, upon trying them, I was pleasantly surprised by their taste. They were crunchy and salty, reminiscent of popcorn, with a hint of a roasted chicken flavor, similar to chicken-flavored crisps. The only downside was the legs, which were a bit tough and tended to get stuck between my teeth.
Overall, I found Hormigas Culonas to be a decent snack. Colombia, you’ve impressed me. My rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Nearby a statue of an ant in San Gil, street vendors sell plastic cups of various sizes filled with Hormigas Culonas. What’s the most adventurous food you’ve tried? Feel free to share in the comments below.
