🌮 Grand Rapids Eats | Colombian Gem

🌮 Grand Rapids Eats | Colombian Gem: Pochis Colombian Café If you’re hunting for flavorful, creative eats in Grand Rapids that break the “basic American diner” mold, let me introduce you to Pochis Colombian Café—a cozy spot serving up Colombian-inspired dishes with fun twists that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! 🕺 From savory mains to surprise-filled desserts, this place had me scribbling notes on my phone mid-meal (yes, it was that good). 🥩 Star Main Dish: Tongue with Ají Sauce (Total Game-Changer!) Let’s start with the standout: Beef Tongue with Ají Sauce 🐮. I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant at first—beef tongue can be hit-or-miss—but Pochis nailed it. The tongue was cooked perfectly: tender enough to cut with a fork, but still with a slight, satisfying chew, no rubbery texture here! The real star, though, was the ají sauce—bright, slightly spicy, and packed with fresh herb flavors that cut through any richness. It came paired with crispy, golden hash browns (crispy on the outside, fluffy inside—just how hash browns should be! 🍟) and a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The salad wasn’t an afterthought, either—crunchy lettuce, ripe cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of queso fresco added a nice fresh balance to the heartier tongue and potatoes. Every bite was a mix of savory, zesty, and crunchy—10/10, would order again in a heartbeat. 🦞 Seafood Appetizer: Fresh, Solid, No Frills We also tried the Seafood Appetizer—and while it wasn’t as “wow” as the beef tongue, it was still a solid pick. The plate came with plump shrimp, tender calamari, and a few pieces of flaky white fish, all cooked simply to let the seafood’s freshness shine. 🦐 There was a side of tangy tartar sauce for dipping, which complemented the seafood nicely, but honestly? The fish and shrimp were so fresh, they tasted great even on their own. If you’re a seafood lover who prefers “straightforward and fresh” over overly complicated preparations, this appetizer will hit the spot. It’s the kind of dish that feels homey, like something a coastal Colombian abuela would make—no fancy garnishes, just good ingredients done right. 🍮 Dessert: Caramel Pudding with a Brilliant Twist (My Favorite Part!) Now, let’s talk about the dessert that made me gasp a little when it arrived: Pochis’ Take on Crème Caramel 🤩. I went in expecting the classic—silky custard topped with a thick, sticky caramel sauce—but what I got was way more fun. Instead of the usual liquid caramel, the top was covered in crunchy, buttery caramel cookies (think shortbread with a caramel kick—so crumbly and good!). And where the caramel would normally pool, there was a dollop of bright, tangy passion fruit jam 🥭. The contrast was chef’s kiss: the creamy custard, the crunchy cookie layer, and the sweet-tart passion fruit jam all came together in every bite. It wasn’t too sweet (a huge win for me!), and the passion fruit added a tropical, refreshing twist that made the dessert feel light—like you could eat the whole thing without feeling guilty (though I definitely did, no regrets). Plus, the plating was so cute: the pudding was in a small ramekin, garnished with a tiny mint leaf and a drizzle of jam. It looked like something from a fancy bakery, but tasted like a cozy, creative treat—exactly the kind of dessert that sticks in your memory. 💭 Final Thoughts Pochis Colombian Café isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a spot that feels like a little slice of Colombia in Grand Rapids. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold but balanced, and you can tell the team puts thought into every dish (especially that dessert!). Whether you’re a Colombian food veteran or trying it for the first time, this café is worth adding to your Grand Rapids food list. Next time I’m in town, I’m already planning to try their arepas and empanadas—if they’re half as good as the beef tongue and caramel pudding, I’ll be a very happy diner! 😋 #GrandRapidsRestaurants#GrandRapidsFood#ColombianFoodGR#ChicagoToGR#DetroitToGR#MichiganEats