FROM SALENTO TO THE HEIGHTS: BREWING COLOMBIAN HERITAGE IN UPPER MANHATTAN
- XIMENA HIDALGO-AYALA
- hace 10 minutos
- 10 Min. de lectura
Salento, el pueblo estrella del Eje Cafetero de Colombia tiene su propia representación en Nueva York.
Salento, the star town of Colombia’s Coffee Region, has its own representation in New York.
Por Ximena Hidalgo Ayala
Historiadora, fundadora y directora ejecutiva del Comité Internacional Galo Plaza y de su exclusivo network de empresarios y profesionales XHA Club, dedicado a promover la integración a través de historia, educación y cultura.
In the spring of 2020, as plans for Salento’s grand opening were taking shape, the world came to a standstill—a nationwide shutdown silenced businesses across the country. Yet through the uncertainty, founder Mariela Duque remained steadfast. Her unwavering vision and commitment transformed SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN into a beloved landmark, embodying the richness of Colombia’s coffee traditions and culinary soul right in the heart of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan.
En la primavera de 2020, mientras se gestaban los planes para la gran apertura de Salento, el mundo se detuvo—un cierre nacional silenció a los negocios en todo el país. Sin embargo, en medio de la incertidumbre, la fundadora Mariela Duque se mantuvo firme. Su visión inquebrantable y compromiso transformaron a SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN en un lugar emblemático y querido, que encarna la riqueza de las tradiciones cafeteras y el alma culinaria de Colombia, justo en el corazón de Washington Heights, en el Upper Manhattan.
Far from being deterred by the challenges of the pandemic, SALENTO emerged stronger—transforming adversity into momentum. Now, five years since its doors first opened, the café stands as a cherished emblem of Colombian culture in Manhattan. Its continued success has inspired expansion, with a second SALENTO set to bring its signature charm to Hamilton Heights, just a few blocks away.
Lejos de dejarse vencer por los desafíos de la pandemia, SALENTO resurgió con más fuerza, convirtiendo la adversidad en impulso. Ahora, cinco años después de haber abierto sus puertas, el café se ha convertido en un querido emblema de la cultura colombiana en Manhattan. Su éxito continuo ha inspirado la expansión, con una segunda sede de SALENTO que llevará su encanto característico a Hamilton Heights, a solo unas cuadras de distancia.
But SALENTO is much more than "a coffee place on a sunny corner" of Manhattan, it is a cultural representation of one of the most fascinating Andean towns in Latin America. What makes SALENTO special is not only to be a town specialized in coffee production, but its natural beauty and over all its history and cultural identity.
Pero SALENTO es mucho más que 'una cafetería en una esquina soleada' de Manhattan; es una representación cultural de uno de los pueblos andinos más fascinantes de América Latina. Lo que hace especial a SALENTO no es solo su especialización en la producción de café, sino también su belleza natural y sobre todo, su historia e identidad cultural.
COFFEE BELT
The Colombian Coffee Belt—also known as the Eje Cafetero—is a geographic, cultural, economic, and ecological region of Colombia that spans several departments and areas, where coffee production has developed and specialized. Salento stands out within this region, nestled in the Quindío River Valley. It is the town within the Coffee Belt that has best preserved much of its original bahareque architecture, typical of the region, and has also maintained traditional methods of coffee cultivation as a core part of its cultural heritage and identity.
Blessed by nature’s grace, Colombia’s Coffee Belt yields some of the world’s most exquisite Arabica beans. But this land is more than rows of coffee plants—it is a living tapestry of tradition, spirit, and soil. Honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia carries within its hills the pulse of generations: families who have sown, harvested, and celebrated the art of coffee like a sacred ritual.
It is this heritage—woven in sunlight, steeped in resilience—that Mariela Duque breathes into SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN. With every cup poured and every dish served, she brings to New York not just the taste of Colombia, but its soul.
EJE CAFETERO
El Eje Cafetero—también conocido como la Zona Cafetera de Colombia—es una región geográfica, cultural, económica y ecológica que abarca varios departamentos y áreas donde se ha desarrollado y especializado la producción de café. Salento se destaca dentro de esta región, enclavado en el Valle del río Quindío. Es el pueblo del Eje Cafetero que mejor ha conservado su arquitectura original en bahareque, típica de la zona, y que además ha mantenido los métodos tradicionales de cultivo del café como parte esencial de su herencia e identidad cultural.
Bendecido por la gracia de la naturaleza, el Eje Cafetero de Colombia produce algunos de los granos de arábica más exquisitos del mundo. Pero esta tierra es mucho más que hileras de cafetales: es un tapiz vivo de tradición, espíritu y terruño. Reconocido como Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO, el Paisaje Cultural Cafetero de Colombia guarda en sus colinas el latido de generaciones: familias que han sembrado, cosechado y celebrado el arte del café como un ritual sagrado.
Es esta herencia—tejida con la luz del sol e impregnada de resiliencia—la que Mariela Duque infunde en SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN. Con cada taza servida y cada plato presentado, no solo lleva a Nueva York el sabor de Colombia, sino también su alma.
SALENTO FATHER OF QUINDIO
Cradled in the emerald folds of Colombia’s Coffee Belt, Salento rests where clouds kiss the mountains and tradition meets time. Founded in 1842, it was the first heartbeat of the Quindío Department—a proud patriarch among towns, known as the 'father municipality. Each January, beneath garlands of celebration, thousands gather in its cobbled streets to honor another turn around the sun. The air fills with music and memory, in a festival beloved across the nation. Its name—borrowed from a distant corner of Italy—finds new soul in Latin America. Just 24 kilometers from Armenia’s bustle, Salento stretches across 377 square kilometers of painted facades, rolling hills, and stories told in coffee and clay.
Salento is home to a number of unique festivals, including the annual commemoration of the visit of Libertador Simón Bolívar, who once stayed in the village. Known for its tranquil and relaxed pace of life, its authenticity and vibrant colors, and its gentle high-altitude subtropical climate—with an average temperature of 17°C—Salento honors this historic moment each year with the Fiestas Conmemorativas al Paso del Libertador (Commemorative Celebrations of the Liberator’s Visit).
Fundado en 1842, fue el primer latido del departamento del Quindío—un orgulloso patriarca entre los pueblos, conocido como el ‘municipio padre’. Cada enero, bajo guirnaldas de celebración, miles se reúnen en sus calles empedradas para honrar un nuevo giro alrededor del sol. El aire se llena de música y memorias, en un festival amado en todo el país. Su nombre—tomado de un rincón lejano de Italia—cobra nueva alma en América Latina. A solo 24 kilómetros del bullicio de Armenia, Salento se extiende a lo largo de 377 kilómetros cuadrados de fachadas coloridas, colinas onduladas y relatos contados en café y barro.
Salento alberga una serie de festivales únicos, incluida la conmemoración anual de la visita del Libertador Simón Bolívar, quien alguna vez pernoctó en el pueblo. Reconocido por su ritmo de vida tranquilo y apacible, su autenticidad y colores vibrantes, y su suave clima subtropical de altura—con una temperatura promedio de 17 °C—Salento honra este momento histórico cada año con las Fiestas Conmemorativas al Paso del Libertador.
Salento is an essential stop for any coffee lover journeying through Colombia. Its charm lies not only in the warmth of its people and the lushness of its landscapes, perfumed by the unmistakable aroma of the world’s finest coffee, but also in the dishes—crafted with the freshest ingredients, the highest quality, and above all, with love. These qualities, so deeply woven into Salento’s soul, are exquisitely reimagined by Mariela Duque, who brings them to life with grace and refinement for the delight of all who step into her SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN in New York.
In Upper Manhattan, the interior of SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN pays tribute to the lush vegetation of Colombia’s Quindío region, while outside, a striking mural brings to life the Cocora Valley—the principal sanctuary of Colombia’s national tree, the Quindío wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense), the tallest palm species on Earth.
Below, I’m sharing just a few handpicked favorites from the menu—each one a delicious reflection of the vibrant spirit and culinary richness that define Salento at its best."
BARISTA MENU
Colombia is a vast nation, bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but if there's one product for which it is globally renowned, it’s coffee—and SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN pays proud tribute to its roots in the Coffee Belt by showcasing its Barista Menu, which features 26 different ways, both hot and cold, to enjoy one of the finest coffees in the world.
PANADERIA / BAKERY
The bakery celebrates the freshness and tradition of Colombian classics such as Pan de Bono (cheese bread shaped into bagels or round flat discs), Buñuelos (savory cornmeal-and-cheese fritters), Arepas (humble corn cakes, lightly grilled and often paired with butter or cheese), and Natilla (a creamy custard dessert).
A standout offering is the selection of Pasteles (puff pastry turnovers), baked fresh each morning, with an enticing variety of fillings: sweet options like guava, dulce de leche, apple, strawberry, and plantain; and savory ones featuring chicken with mushrooms, beef with corn, or cheese with spinach. Each offering is a warm tribute to Colombia’s enduring baking traditions—handcrafted with memory, meaning, and morning aromas that linger.
The pastries are baked every morning and elevate the authenticity of Colombian bakery tradition.
The pastry menu features a delightful selection of cakes (Tortas) and exquisite desserts in a variety of sweet flavors, including Carrot Cake (Torta de Zanahoria), Banana Cake (Torta de Banana), Cocoa Cake (Torta de Chocolate), and my personal favorite—the Bride’s Cake—enhanced with dried fruits and a hint of wine. The menu also offers charming confections such as the sophisticated Empanadas de Cambray and the playful Hawaiian Chicharrón, a whimsical pastry filled with guava that bears no relation to pork chicharrón.
DESAYUNOS/BREAKFASTS
In addition to the world’s finest coffee, Salento serves traditional breakfasts, including Huevos Pericos (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and scallions) served with a warm arepa, and the ever-popular Calentado—a Colombian-style blend of rice and beans, crowned with a fried egg and accompanied by crispy pork belly and an arepa. You'll also find the Salento Omelette and a Breakfast Croissant filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of ham or bacon.
I've had the pleasure of trying them all, but my heart belongs to Huevos Pericos. Its comforting flavor brings back cherished memories of my mother and her Colombian roots—a simple yet soulful dish that speaks of home.
MUNCHIES · ANTOJITOS
SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN proudly offers the beloved Colombian Empanadas—crispy cornmeal pastries filled with potato and beef, with several other tempting filling options. These golden delights are freshly fried to order, ensuring unmatched crispness and flavor. They’re served with a delectable sauce so good, it stands on its own.
Arepas, a staple of Colombian cuisine, take center stage as their own dish. Choose from variations such as Arepa Rellena (stuffed arepa), or Arepas accompanied by morcilla (blood sausage), chorizo, or indulgent chicharrón (pork crackling).
A regional classic from Quindío, the Papa Rellena—a tender potato croquette stuffed with seasoned ground beef—never fails to make the menu, alongside Aborrajados, sweet ripe plantains layered with cheese and guava, cloaked in a velvety batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.
For gatherings and celebrations, the Picadas are a must: a generous platter featuring pieces of steak, chicken, arepa, potato, pork crackling, morcilla, and fried plantains—a true feast for sharing.
LUNCHES · MAIN COURSES · HEARTY DISHES
Salento’s kitchen, open until 8 PM, offers a satisfying array of main courses perfect for lunch. Start with comforting soups like the Soup of the Day (chicken or lentil), the beloved Sancocho, Bogotá’s signature Ajiaco, and the traditional Changua broth.
The traditional dishes pay tribute to Salento’s festive, homey spirit—none more emblematic than the generous Bandeja Paisa, a feast featuring your choice of ground beef or steak, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), crispy pork belly, arepa, fried sweet plantain, rice and beans, fried egg, and avocado. A lighter variation, La Paisita, is also available.
The mains continue to celebrate Salento’s rich culinary heritage with beloved specialties such as locally favored Trout (trucha), Salmon, juicy Churrasco, and various chicken preparations. You’ll also find Arepas Rellenas (stuffed arepas), the playful Arepa Burger, and El Chori—a whimsical take on the Colombian hot dog made with authentic chorizo and a wild mix of toppings.
Sandwiches, salads, and tasty sides round out the offering, ensuring something delightful for every appetite.
BEVERAGES
To round out the experience, the menu features refreshing juices made from a selection of twelve tropical fruits, including mamey, lulo, guanábana, guava, and tamarind. You’ll also find the traditional Agua Panela—a rustic Colombian lemonade made with raw sugar cane—and a variety of Colombian sodas that offer a sweet taste of home.
I’ve only shared a few of my personal favorites in this article, but there’s so much more to discover. I invite you to visit SALENTO COLOMBIAN COFFEE AND KITCHEN’s website to explore the full menu and see everything this charming place has to offer.
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