Top 15 Must-Eat Street Foods: Savouring the Flavours of Colombia

¡Hola, amigos! Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing journey through the vibrant streets of Colombia, where a kaleidoscope of street foods awaits.

a street food vendor cooking some food in his stall in colombia.

Colombian cuisine is a fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, creating a tapestry of bold flavours and mouthwatering delights.

Join us as we explore the "Top 15 Must-Eat Street Foods" that showcase the rich culinary heritage of this beautiful South American country.

Disclaimer: The images of the recommended food in this blog post were generated by an AI image creator. As a result, the depicted images may not be the exact representation of the actual dishes. Still, the AI image creator endeavours to provide visuals as close to the real food as possible. The purpose of these images is to offer a visual reference for the culinary delights mentioned in the article.

1. Arepas (cornmeal flatbread)

arepas, a cornmeal flatbread filled with cheese or meat and fried until golden brown, a delightful street snack in colombia.

Arepas, a beloved Colombian staple, are delicious cornmeal flatbreads cooked until golden and served with a variety of toppings.

Whether filled with cheese, shredded meat, or avocado, these versatile delights are a street food favourite.

Category: Snack/Meal
Where to Find: Areperas and street food vendors
Average Price Range: COP 2,000 - COP 6,000 (USD 0.50 - USD 1.50) per arepa

Pro Tip: Try different arepa fillings to experience a range of flavours.

2. Empanadas (stuffed pastries)

empanadas, crispy pastry stuffed with season ground meat or cheese and fried until golden, a perfect quick snack in colombia.

Empanadas, golden and crispy stuffed pastries, are a delightful Colombian street food treat.

They come with various fillings, such as seasoned ground beef, chicken, or cheese, making them a perfect on-the-go snack.

Category: Snack
Where to Find: Street food stalls and bakeries
Average Price Range: COP 1,500 - COP 3,000 (USD 0.40 - USD 0.80) per empanada

Pro Tip: Enjoy empanadas with a side of ají sauce for a spicy kick.

3. Chicharrón (crispy pork belly)

chicharron, succulent pork belly deep-fried to a crunch, a must eat street food in colombia.

Chicharrón, succulent and crunchy deep-fried pork belly, is a mouthwatering Colombian street food delicacy.

Served with arepas or yuca, this flavourful treat is a must-try for meat lovers.

Category: Snack
Where to Find: Street food vendors and local markets
Average Price Range: COP 5,000 - COP 10,000 (USD 1.30 - USD 2.50) per serving

Pro Tip: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicharrón for a burst of citrusy flavour.

Related blog post: Respecting Cultures: A Traveller's Guide to Do's and Don'ts in Medellín, Colombia

4. Pandebono (cheese bread)

pandebono, a bread with chewy and cheesy interior and a crispy crust, a beloved breakfast in colombia.

Pandebono, a delightful Colombian cheese bread, features a chewy and cheesy interior with a slightly crispy crust.

These irresistible treats are perfect for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day.

Category: Snack/Breakfast
Where to Find: Bakeries and street food vendors
Average Price Range: COP 1,000 - COP 3,000 (USD 0.25 - USD 0.80) per pandebono

Pro Tip: Enjoy pandebono with a cup of hot chocolate for a classic Colombian pairing.

5. Ajiaco (chicken and potato soup)

ajiaco, a soup made with chicken, potatoes, corn and various herbs, served with capers, avacado and cream, a comforting dish in colombia.

Ajiaco, a hearty Colombian soup, is made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and a variety of local herbs.

Served with capers, avocado, and cream, this comforting dish is a celebration of Colombian flavours.

Category: Soup
Where to Find: Local eateries and restaurants
Average Price Range: COP 10,000 - COP 20,000 (USD 2.50 - USD 5) per serving

Pro Tip: Squeeze a bit of lime juice into the soup for an extra burst of freshness.

6. Buñuelos (fried cheese balls)

bunuelos, cheese balls fried to a golden brown, a popular street snack enjoyed during the holidays in colombia.

Buñuelos, golden-fried cheese balls, are a popular Colombian dessert or snack.

These airy and slightly sweet treats are enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

Category: Snack/Dessert
Where to Find: Street food vendors and local markets
Average Price Range: COP 1,000 - COP 3,000 (USD 0.25 - USD 0.80) per serving

Pro Tip: Pair buñuelos with a cup of Colombian coffee for an authentic experience.

Related blog post: Essential Travel Phrases: A Simple Guide to Exploring Colombia

7. Obleas (wafer sandwich)

obleas, thin wafer cookie sandwich stuffed with a caramel paste, a must have for dessert lovers in colombia.

Obleas are thin wafer cookies that come sandwiched with fillings like arequipe (dulce de leche), jam, or shredded cheese.

These sweet and crunchy treats are a delightful indulgence.

Category: Snack/Dessert
Where to Find: Obleas stalls and street vendors
Average Price Range: COP 2,000 - COP 5,000 (USD 0.50 - USD 1.30) per oblea

Pro Tip: Customize your oblea with your favourite fillings.

8. Carimañolas (yuca fritters)

carimanolas, yuca fritters stuffed with seasoned ground meat or cheese and fried to a golden crisp, a flavourful on the go street snack in colombia.

Carimañolas, yuca fritters filled with seasoned ground meat or cheese, are a popular Colombian snack.

These golden and crispy delights offer a perfect blend of textures and flavours.

Category: Snack/Appetizer
Where to Find: Street food vendors and local eateries
Average Price Range: COP 2,000 - COP 5,000 (USD 0.50 - USD 1.30) per carimañola

Pro Tip: Dip carimañolas in aji sauce for an extra burst of spice.

9. Hogao (Colombian sofrito)

hagao, a flavourful condiment sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, a must try for spicy food lovers in colombia.

Hogao is a flavourful Colombian sofrito made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices.

Used as a base or condiment in many Colombian dishes, this aromatic sauce adds depth to the country's culinary treasures.

Category: Sauce/Condiment
Where to Find: Included in various dishes at local eateries
Average Price Range: N/A (generally served as part of a dish)

Pro Tip: Hogao adds a delicious twist when drizzled over arepas or rice.

Related blog post: Top 10 Must-Try Desserts: A Sweet Tooth's Journey to Colombia

10. Papas Rellenas (stuffed mashed potato balls)

papas rellenas, mashed potato balls syuffed with seasoned ground meat and fried to a golden crisp, a common street snack in colombia.

Papas Rellenas, mashed potato balls filled with seasoned ground beef or chicken, are a scrumptious Colombian street food.

These fried delights offer a savoury surprise in every bite.

Category: Snack/Appetizer
Where to Find: Street food stalls and local eateries
Average Price Range: COP 2,000 - COP 5,000 (USD 0.50 - USD 1.30) per papas rellenas

Pro Tip: Pair papas rellenas with a side of ají sauce for an extra kick.

11. Tamales (steamed corn cakes)

tamales, steam corn cakes stuffed with seasoned meat wrapped in banana leaves, a dish enjoyed during special occasions in colombia.

Tamales, steamed corn cakes filled with seasoned meat and wrapped in banana leaves, are a traditional Colombian dish enjoyed on special occasions.

These flavourful delights are a labour of love and a must-try when visiting Colombia.

Category: Meal
Where to Find: Street food vendors and local markets
Average Price Range: COP 4,000 - COP 8,000 (USD 1 - USD 2) per tamale

Pro Tip: Unwrap the tamale from the banana leaf before savouring the delicious filling inside.

12. Mangos con Bocadillo (mango with guava paste)

mangos con bocadillo, ripe mango slices served in a guava paste, a good dessert to beat the heat in colombia.

Mangos con Bocadillo is a delightful Colombian dessert featuring ripe mango slices served with guava paste.

The sweet and tangy combination is a refreshing treat, especially during mango season.

Category: Dessert
Where to Find: Street food vendors and local markets
Average Price Range: COP 2,000 - COP 5,000 (USD 0.50 - USD 1.30) per serving

Pro Tip: Pair Mangos con Bocadillo with a slice of cheese for a delightful contrast.

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13. Ceviche (marinated seafood salad)

ceviche, a seafood salad featuring fresh fish or shrimp marinated in citrus juice mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, a delightful appetizer for seafood lovers in colombia.

Ceviche, a refreshing and zesty seafood salad, is popular along Colombia's coastal regions.

The dish features fresh fish or shrimp marinated in citrus juices and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.

Category: Snack/Appetizer
Where to Find: Coastal restaurants and beachside eateries
Average Price Range: COP 10,000 - COP 20,000 (USD 2.50 - USD 5) per serving

Pro Tip: Enjoy ceviche with a side of crispy plantain chips for added texture.

14. Arequipe (dulce de leche)

arequipe or dulce de leche, a sweet and creamy caramel usually used as a topping of filling in desserts in colombia.

Arequipe, also known as dulce de leche, is a sweet and creamy caramel spread enjoyed as a topping or filling in various Colombian desserts.

This luscious treat is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.

Category: Sauce/Condiment
Where to Find: Included in various desserts and sweets
Average Price Range: N/A (sold in jars or as part of a dessert)

Pro Tip: Try arequipe drizzled over pancakes or stuffed in obleas for a delightful treat.

15. Changua (milk and egg soup)

changua, a soup made with milk, eggs, and scallions, flavoured with cilantro, a hearty breakfast to try in colombia.

Changua is a traditional Colombian breakfast soup made with milk, eggs, and scallions.

Flavoured with cilantro and seasoned with a pinch of salt, this unique soup is both comforting and nutritious.

Category: Soup/Breakfast
Where to Find: Local eateries and traditional restaurants
Average Price Range: COP 5,000 - COP 10,000 (USD 1.30 - USD 2.50) per serving

Pro Tip: Enjoy changua with a side of bread for a complete breakfast experience.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the "Top 15 Must-Eat Street Foods in Colombia."

Each dish reflects the diverse and vibrant culinary tapestry of this South American gem, offering a delightful array of flavours and textures.

So, when you explore the streets of Colombia, be sure to savour these culinary treasures and immerse yourself in the country's rich food culture.

Note: The average price range provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the establishment and location.