What is Pan de Bono? 

Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—Pan de Bono holds a secret that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many across Latin America. What makes this humble bread so irresistible? Why has it sparked curiosity beyond its homeland? Before you take your first bite, discover the story behind Pan de Bono.

TL;DR:

Pan de Bono is a beloved Colombian bread known for its soft, spongy texture and slightly sweet, cheesy flavor. Made from cassava starch, corn flour, and cheese, it stands out from other Colombian breads due to its balanced ingredients and unique consistency. Deeply rooted in Colombian culture, Pan de Bono is easy to make at home, commonly enjoyed with hot or cold drinks, and symbolizes tradition, comfort, and national identity in every bite.

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How is Pan de Bono different from other Colombian breads?

Pan de Bono stands apart from other Colombian breads because of its unique combination of ingredients and its soft, spongy texture with a hint of sweetness. Unlike breads made with wheat or corn alone, Pan de Bono uses cassava starch, corn starch, and costeño cheese or fresh salty cheese, creating a chewy interior and a balanced sweet-savory flavor.

Pan de Bono is unique due to its rich mix of cassava starch, corn starch, and cheese, resulting in a chewy and spongy texture with a lightly sweet taste. Compared to pan de yuca or pandequeso, it is more complex in ingredients and more balanced in flavor—an example of Colombia’s rich baking tradition.

The ingredients of Pan de Bono

Pan de Bono is a small, round baked bread known for its airy texture and mildly salty flavor, sometimes with a touch of sweetness. Its recipe relies on specific ingredients that work together to create its unmistakable consistency and taste. While there are regional or family variations, the following ingredients are the core of this traditional bread.

The success of Pan de Bono lies in this simple yet effective combination. Cassava starch, masarepa, cheese, and egg form the base, with optional ingredients like sugar or milk creating a versatile and flavorful bread that’s deeply tied to the Valle del Cauca region. Its unique flavor and texture have made it a national favorite.

How Pan de Bono is made

Though it may look elaborate, making Pan de Bono is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide using basic ingredients and traditional techniques. The recipe can be adjusted to modify texture, sweetness, or shape depending on personal preference or oven type.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Prepare the dry ingredients
   • Sift the sour cassava starch to remove lumps.
   • Finely grate the costeño cheese.
   • In a large bowl, mix cassava starch, corn starch, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add the wet ingredients
   • Add the grated cheese to the dry mixture.
   • Mix in the beaten egg and butter.
   • Slowly add a mix of milk and water until the dough is smooth and not sticky.
3. Knead and rest the dough
   • Transfer the dough to a clean surface.
   • Knead for at least 10 minutes.
   • Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Shape the dough
   • Divide into portions of 60 to 80 grams.
   • Optionally, add a small sweet filling (like guava paste) inside each ball.
   • Roll each portion into a round shape.
5. Bake
   • Preheat the oven to 482°F.
   • Place the dough balls on a greased, floured baking sheet, leaving space between them.
   • Bake for 20 minutes or until golden on top.

This artisanal process turns basic ingredients into soft, slightly sweet bread with true Colombian flavor. It’s perfect for sharing with family or pairing with a hot drink. Anyone can make it with success at home.

Why Pan de Bono is a Colombian classic

Pan de Bono has earned its place at the Colombian table thanks to its unmistakable flavor. Made mainly with cassava starch, cheese, and sometimes corn flour, it delivers a soft, spongy bite and a mildly salty taste that stands out.

More than just food, Pan de Bono is a cultural tradition. Found in bakeries, cafes, and homes across the country, it’s part of breakfasts, school snacks, and afternoon breaks. Its widespread presence makes it a true symbol of Colombian cuisine.

Its popularity also comes from its adaptability. It can be eaten plain, stuffed, or paired with traditional drinks. Whether sweet or savory, it fits any setting and appeals to people of all ages and regions.

Taste the tradition with every bite of Pan de Bono

Its unmistakable taste and soft, spongy texture come from a time-tested blend of ingredients that have long been part of Colombian cooking. Whether with hot chocolate or a cold drink, Pan de Bono always brings a sense of home, warmth, and culture.

At our restaurant, we believe every Pan de Bono tells a story. Each bite is filled with memory, identity, and tradition. This humble yet special bread is part of both everyday life and celebrations. It connects generations and bridges the gap between those in Colombia and those abroad who carry its flavor in their hearts.

Welcome to our home, where Colombian tradition meets culinary creativity. Every dish is made with quality ingredients and respect for time-honored recipes. If you know Colombian food, you’ll feel at home. If it’s your first time, you’ll discover a culture full of flavor and warmth.

There’s more than just ingredients in every Pan de Bono—there’s a piece of Colombia. Join us on this flavorful journey. Reconnect with your roots or explore something new through taste. In our restaurant, every visit is a celebration, and every Pan de Bono is an invitation to feel at home.

Key Takeaways

1. Pan de Bono is a beloved Colombian bread known for its crispy exterior, soft and cheesy interior, and slightly sweet flavor. Its unique texture and taste have made it a culinary favorite across Latin America.
2. It stands out from other Colombian breads (like pan de yuca and pandequeso) due to its balanced mix of cassava starch, corn flour, and cheese, resulting in a chewy, spongy texture and a subtly sweet profile.
3. Core Ingredients:
   • Cassava starch (elasticity and chewiness)
   • Precooked corn flour (structure and flavor)
   • Costeño cheese or grated cheese (saltiness and creaminess)
   • Optional ingredients: egg, milk, sugar, baking powder, and salt
4. Preparation Process:
   • Mixing dry and wet ingredients to form a smooth dough
   • Kneading and resting the dough
   • Forming small balls (with optional sweet filling)
   • Baking at 482°F for about 20 minutes until golden
5. Pan de Bono is more than food—it’s a symbol of Colombian identity and heritage, found in homes, bakeries, and cafes. It’s enjoyed during breakfasts, snacks, or family gatherings.
6. This bread is adaptable, pairing well with both sweet and savory flavors, and can be eaten alone or with beverages like hot chocolate or coffee.
7. Each bite of Pan de Bono carries emotional value, connecting people to their roots, families, and shared cultural experiences.
8. The featured restaurant emphasizes preserving authentic Colombian recipes while integrating modern culinary techniques, offering every guest a flavorful, nostalgic, and welcoming experience.

Our location

Raíces Colombianas Restaurant

4.8 - 208 reviews in google

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Carlos Moreno

A month ago

My girl and I came to Raices on a Thursday night and I had such a good time. Antonia was our bartender and she was amazing! Great drinks and food! My girlfriend had a Colombian punch and I had whisky. We love this place and the service! 100% recommended.

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Attila Mocanu

A month ago

Great place for authentic Colombian food. Service is fast and portions are big. Lots of screens to watch sports.

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Ivonne Demera

A month ago

Excellent service!! I’m so pleased with the food and attentive service from Luis and Julian. I’ll definitely recommend and will keep coming back.

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