Locals Can’t Understand Columbia’s Avocado Toast Trend

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The avocado toast trend is fast becoming popular among the middle-class communities in Colombia. Colombia is well-known for its production of avocados and is rated as the world’s third-largest producer. Hass avocados are produced in the country and exported to international markets. So….what does this add up to? No surprise they’re a part of a daily meal plan of locals. However, they have not garnered such recognition until quite recently.

Avocado-themed restaurants springing up in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, have capitalized on the availability of avocados in the country and are creatively spicing up their menus in a bid to increase consumption by sticking avocados in mixtures that were never thought to be possible. In the wake of this, avocado has ceased to be just another regular food but a trend.

While it has become quite the norm for locals, some have expressed shock at the dedicated troop of foreigners coming to enjoy the different varieties of the avocado delicacy. Lisa Ramirez, a customer who frequents one of the new avocado cafes, expressed her shock on seeing an American eating avocado toast with eggs for the first time. An anonymous local was particularly shocked at seeing foreigners patronize avocado-themed restaurants, while another expressed her interest in trying the new avocado cuisines but not enough to make it a daily meal.

Since they opened about four months ago, one of these cafes, Lavocaderia, has ensured all their cuisines and menus have avocado in them, ranging from smoothies to cocktails to burgers and even pancakes! According to Ximena Hoyos, the 23-year-old owner of Lavocaderia, its establishment was largely inspired by the existence of avocaderias in other countries who were not producers of avocados. Hence, it became important for the establishment of one that incorporated the Colombian culture.

The avocados being sold on the streets are cheaper for locals and those from poorer communities. The presence of foreigners and tourists was a contributing factor to the success of Lavocaderia as against local patronage because the food is way too expensive for locals.  Azahar Coffee and Lavocaderia are both located in a wealthy neighborhood and are quite popular among the youngsters; hence its reputation as an expensive millennial food.

The move to establish Lavocaderia has paid off for Hoyo because it brought a new concept from the usual option that people were used to. Both locals and tourists appreciated it and wanted to try it out.

The avocado toast trend will still be met with mixed feelings from locals; some going to the side of being interested and liking the move, some not being able to get past the “weird” vibe it passes and some being totally indifferent. Regardless of these feelings, the trend and other avocado menus have gained global recognition, and that’s really helping to give the country’s economy a boost.