Why Colombians Start Feeling Christmas in September

Buñuelos, natilla and arepas: the flavours behind Colombia’s most-loved saying

If you ask any Colombian, they’ll tell you: “Desde septiembre se siente que viene diciembre” — from September onwards, you can already feel December coming. It’s a saying passed down for generations, and it’s not just about the calendar. It’s about food.

The moment the ninth month rolls around, kitchens across Colombia start preparing for the country’s biggest celebration of the year, and three dishes always lead the way: buñuelos, natilla, and arepas.

Here in New Zealand, the Colombian community — and every Kiwi who’s fallen in love with Latin flavours — doesn’t have to wait until December to get a head start. At Taste of Colombia, we bring these festive staples to your door anywhere in NZ, so the countdown to Christmas can taste just like it does back home.

Buñuelos: The Golden Star of Colombian Christmas

No Colombian Christmas table is complete without buñuelos — golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside cheese fritters that pair perfectly with hot chocolate or coffee. Traditionally made with corn starch and fresh cheese, buñuelos are more than a snack; they’re a symbol of the season. Families gather in the kitchen to fry them together, and the smell alone is enough to signal that the festivities have begun.

Our frozen, ready-to-fry buñuelos make it easy to bring this tradition into your home in New Zealand — no need to track down hard-to-find ingredients, just heat and enjoy.

Natilla: The Creamy Custard Colombians Can’t Skip

Alongside buñuelos sits natilla, a soft, cinnamon-spiced custard made from milk, panela (unrefined cane sugar) and corn starch. Unlike the eggy Spanish version, Colombian natilla is egg-free, silky and slightly firm — traditionally set in a dish, sliced, and served alongside buñuelos. In fact, in many Colombian homes, you genuinely cannot have one without the other.

We stock the mixes and pantry staples you need to recreate authentic natilla at home, so you can bring this Christmas classic to your table wherever you are in New Zealand.

Arepas: The Everyday Staple That Shows Up at Every Celebration

While buñuelos and natilla are the Christmas specialities, arepas are the year-round heartbeat of Colombian cuisine — and they absolutely make an appearance at every family gathering, December included. Whether filled with melted cheese or served plain alongside a holiday meal, arepas bring that comforting “taste of home” that so many Latin families in New Zealand miss most.

Our frozen arepas — from classic white corn to cheese-stuffed varieties — are ready in minutes, making it simple to add an authentic touch to any spread this festive season.

Bring the Countdown to Christmas Home, NZ-Wide

You don’t need to wait until December to start celebrating. From September onwards, stock your freezer and pantry with the Colombian favourites that make the season special — buñuelos, natilla, and arepas — all available online with fast delivery anywhere in New Zealand.

Suggested internal links: “buñuelos” → Pan Pa’Ya / Bakery category · “arepas” → Arepas & Empanadas category · CTA button → Shop or a dedicated December collection.