Walking through the lively streets of Bogotá, the vibrant corners of Medellín, or the picturesque lanes of Cartagena, you'll encounter a so many colors, sounds, and smells! Where do you begin? What are the does and don'ts of Colombian street food? Maybe you feel a little bit outside of your comfort zone - I totally did the first time my husband led me around the streets of his birth country. Here are the must-try Colombian street foods as you make your way across Colombia.
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If sure if you are packing to head off to Colombia, you already have your todo-list set. Maybe you have planned a guided history tour of Cartagena, packed your hiking shoes to go explore Ciudad Perdida, or set your sites on the Gold Museum in Bogota. But here’s the thing: you can’t fly to another country just to hunt down the nearest McDonald’s. The real adventure lies in tasting what locals eat every day. Street food isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about experiencing culture, tradition, and community in every bite. And yes, maybe I’m a little biased as a food blogger, but trust me: you’ll regret it if you don’t try these iconic Colombian street foods!
Colombian street food offers a flavorful glimpse into the country’s diverse culinary landscape. Whether you’re biting into a crispy arepa con queso, savoring a savory empanada, or enjoying a sweet patacones, each dish tells a story of tradition and flavor. Take a bite and discover the vibrant culture and cuisine that make food in Colombia truly unforgettable.
The Colombian Empanadas: The Staple of the Country
A staple across popular food stalls throughout Colombia, empanadas are a savory favorite enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. These golden pockets of corn flour dough are filled with a delicious mixture of shredded meat, potatoes, onions, and sometimes rice.
Unlike the baked empanadas found in other parts of South America, the Colombian version is deep-fried to crispy perfection. Served with tangy ají sauce for dipping - hot spicy, vinegary hot sauce - empanadas showcase the irresistible combination of crunch and hearty filling.
Some regional varieties include empanadas de pipián, which feature a pumpkin-based filling, and empanadas de cambray, stuffed with shrimp and cheese.
No visit to Colombia is complete without savoring this quintessential street food.
Arepas: The Heart of Colombian Cuisine
Arepas con queso are an iconic part of Colombian food culture, loved for their simplicity and versatility. These corn cakes, made from corn flour or fresh-ground corn, are often served grilled, fried, or baked. Arepas de queso—filled with melted cheese—are a popular Colombian street food option that pairs perfectly with fruit juice or Colombian hot chocolate with mozzarella (yes that is a thing and yes it fantastic).
I love them so much, I dragged the family recipe out of my mother-in-law!
One of the standout street variations is the arepa de huevo, a crispy delight stuffed with a cooked egg and fried until golden. Often served with hogao (a savory tomato-and-onion sauce) and a squeeze of lime, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to taste the essence of Colombian street food.
Chuzos: Colombia’s Answer to Grilled Perfection
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Chuzos are flavorful skewers often loaded with marinated chunks of beef, chicken, pork, or sausage, grilled over an open flame. Vegetables like onions and bell peppers sometimes accompany the meat, creating a colorful and satisfying platter. Street vendors throughout Colombia frequently serve chuzos alongside arequipe (dulce de leche) for a sweet contrast or plantain for a starchy, savory balance.
Buñuelos: Crispy, Sweet, and Addictive
Buñuelos are crispy dough balls that are often served during holidays or special events in Colombia. Made from a blend of flour, eggs, cheese, and sometimes anise or cinnamon, these golden treats are deep-fried to perfection. You’ll find them sold by street vendors throughout Colombia, either plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
In some regions, buñuelos are dipped in syrup or served alongside passion fruit sauces, creating an irresistible balance of textures and flavors.
In some regions, buñuelos are dipped in syrup or served alongside passion fruit sauces, creating an irresistible balance of textures and flavors.
Tamales: Comfort Wrapped in Banana Leaves
Colombian tamales are a beloved street food known for their hearty and comforting qualities. Wrapped in banana leaves, these flavorful parcels are made with a base of cornmeal mixed with shredded chicken, pork belly, or vegetables, along with spices and rice. They are steamed until tender and fragrant.
Bogotano tamales, a popular variation, include a mix of pork, chicken, and vegetables, delivering a satisfying bite. They’re often served with avocado slices and hogao, adding fresh and tangy notes.
Papa Rellena: Golden Balls of Comfort
A beloved Colombian street snack, papa rellena features seasoned ground meat, onions, carrots, and peas encased in mashed potatoes. These stuffed potato balls are coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried until crispy. They’re often served with a side of hogao or other dipping sauces, making them a satisfying option for street food lovers.
The warm, creamy potatoes combined with the savory filling create a snack that is comforting and irresistible.
- Don't want to brave the streets of Colombia alone but still craving some authentic Colombian street food? Check out these guided street food tours.
- You can try this Graffiti and Street Food extravaganza in Medellin or Bogota food tour. You can even check out this Bazurto local food market tour in Cartagena!
- (I haven't been on them, so let me know what you think in the comments!)
More Travel Adventures on Me!
If you’re curious about how Colombia compares to other South American destinations, check out my recommendations in My Argentina Travel Guide.
For plant-based enthusiasts, there are excellent insights on traditional dishes in Top 10 Argentina Vegetarian Dishes to Eat. And if you’re seeking global dining experiences, you might enjoy my culinary finds in My Favourite New York Eats.
