Many delicious Colombian street foods are waiting for you to try. They are the priority choice of many tourists for their mid-day meal or drinking. It is a good idea to find out some information about them before taking a trip to Colombia in the future.
In this post, I will show you a list of mouthwatering Colombian food you easily buy on the streets in Colombia below:
1. Arepas
If you are searching for South American Foods, you cannot ignore Arepas. This recipe comes from the Spanish conquest in the pre-Columbian era. Originally, it was born when South Americans harvested corn and created it as a gift for Gods.
Maize dough is the main element, and it is usually associated with cheese, meat, avocado, or sandwiches. Records of the corn appearance in Colombia appeared 3000 years ago. Its name “Arepa” originated from “Erepa,” which means cornbread in the Cumanagoto language.
There are many different Arepa variants in Colombia with various flavors, names, and textures. The Arepa de Choclo version often appears with a crispy slab of cheese. The Arepa de Queso of Medellin is made up of corn flour, and the Arepa de Huevo contains egg.
2. Cholado or Raspao
(Shaved Ice and Fruits)
Raspao is a fantastic option to cool the body on hot days in Colombia. This cool food combines shaved ice, fruits, condensed milk, syrup, and cookies. In addition, whipped cream and cheese topping will make it more appealing.
This mouthwatering food is pretty famous in Cartagena. In particular, it is an ideal choice in towns in Tierra Caliente of Coastal Colombia because this is the hottest zone of this country.
3. Bandeja Paisa
(Paisa Platter)
Bandeja Paisa is a national food of Colombian cuisine. However, it is especially famous in the Paisa and Antioquia region. This food includes many different foods such as rice, ground meat, red beans, fried egg, sausages, etc.
This recipe is the product of the interference of many different cultures like Colombian indigenous people, colonial Spaniards, and Africans. Moreover, it was influenced by French and British colonial cuisine when they came here in the 19th century.
4. Hormiga Culona
(Colombian Ants)
A unique street dish that you should not miss when coming to Colombia is Hormiga Culona. This is a famous fat-bottomed ant originating from northern Colombia (Santander). The harvest usually takes place between April and May during the rainy season.
Local peasants will harvest ants, but they are often injured because of intense mandibles. For a great snack, the chef will soak ant bottoms in salt water and wait for 45 minutes to completely dry.
The wings and legs of ants will be removed before serving. This recipe appeared a long time ago and was a legacy of Pre-Colombian culture. This food with many proteins is ideal for mixing with wine.
5. Bollo Limpio
(Boiled Hominy Corn Rolls)
If you are looking for a dish made from corn, yuca, and potato on the streets in Colombia, Bollo is an ideal suggestion for you. It is a reasonably famous bun in Colombia and Spain. Corn and yuca Bollos are also traditional dishes in Panama.
The wrapping in leaves when steaming will bring a typical and charismatic aroma to this food. When you arrive in Colombia, let’s go to the vendors along the Colombian Coast or stores and supermarkets to buy this food. It is a perfect choice to eat with cheese for breakfast.
6. Mote De Queso
(Cheese and Jam Soup)
Mote de Queso is a favorite dish in many countries of the Caribbean, Colombia included. This soup recipe is a combination of yam and Costeno cheese. This fantastic and gentle food is a traditional dish of Sincelejo and Monteria.
It comes from the country’s Atlantic Coast. Besides two main components, you can find the taste of cumin, lime, garlic, and scallions in this item. This street food is pretty famous on Netflix when served by the renowned chef Luz Mary.
7. Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits are one of the preferred street foods of Colombians and tourists. It is a fantastic experience to enjoy fresh Colombian fruits like guava, mango, banana, papaya, and watermelon. And, you can eat strawberries in the highlands of Colombia.
When you arrive in Cartagena, you will encounter Afro-Caribbean women wearing traditional dresses and carrying baskets containing fruits on their heads for sale. You can buy diced fruit cups at the vendors to eat.
8. Empanadas
Empanada is an option I recommend trying. There are many different Empanada versions, but Colombia’s version is pretty featured with the fried cornmeal dough pastry layer, potato, and minced meat filling.
In addition, you can choose the Empanada version with veggies filling to eat. It was born in Galicia (a northwest region of Spain). It appeared in Colombia during colonial times when the Spaniards brought it.
Its “Empanadas” name originated from “Empanar”, which means “enclose something in a mass”.
9. Churros
It is excellent to enjoy crispy Churros with chocolate in Colombia. There is no exact information about the origin of this food, but many theories said that it appeared in Europe when the Portuguese brought it from China.
After that, it quickly became a famous treat in Spain. And, when the Spanish invaded South America, they brought it in the 1500s. At the same time, they took cacao from South America to Europe to combine with sugar cane and serve with Churros.
This recipe comprises flour, water, and salt. It has a long, thin, and dense structure and will be perfect when eating it with Champurrado (chocolate-based Alote), hot chocolate, and Cafe Con Leche.
Compared to Spanish Churros, Colombian versions will be smaller and often have a circle shape. In particular, Colombians often combine it with sugar or chocolate dip when eating.
10. Lechon
(Stuffed Roasted Pig)
Like other South American countries, Lechon is a favorite dish of Colombians. You will come across street stalls selling it in chunks or stripes. The chef will stuff yellow peas, yellow rice, spices, and onion into the pig and toast over charcoal for a few hours.
You will immerse yourself in the crunch of the skin, and especially the inside meat still retains the softness and succulents. In Colombia, it comes from Tolima in the Central of Colombia. It is also a national dish of many countries like Spain and the Philippines.
11. Merengón de Fresas
(Strawberry Meringue)
Many South American desserts can fascinate you, and Merengón de Fresas is one of them. This is a well-known street dessert of Colombia and other Latin American countries. You will fall in love with the sweet taste of meringue and tanginess of strawberries.
Moreover, the appearance of whipped cream will make it more flavorful. It is a traditional dish of Colombian cuisine. In particular, you can find other versions with peaches, blackberries, and guanabana.
Fluffy and crispy meringue layer will be covered by fresh fruits, such as mango, strawberry, guanabana, and whipped cream.
12. Almojabana
(Bun-Style Cheese Bread)
Almojabana is a well-known snack on many streets in Colombia. This appealing bun-style cheese bread is a harmonious combination of cornmeal, milk, eggs, and salted cottage cheese. This food is popular in Cali with bagel shape.
Colombians often use it as a street snack or breakfast recipe. This fantastic food is an invention of Spanish Moors from the medieval era and gradually became famous in the New World when corn appeared. This food has many variants between Spain and Hispanic America.
13. Fritanga (Picada)
(Fried Food Platters)
Fritanga or Picada is a famous dish in Colombia with its appealing flavor. This dish was born in Nicaragua after the earthquake in 1931 destroyed Managua. It is famous street food in the aftermath.
The name “Fritanga” originated from “Frito”, meaning “Fried”. In Latin American countries, barbecuing traditions were invented by indigenous peoples 15000 to 20000 years ago.
You will find Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), Tajada Frita (fried plantain), Queso Frito (fried cheese) in this course.
14. Pandebono
(Cassava Bread)
Until now, I still have not forgotten Pandebono’s enchanting flavor when eating it in Colombia. It is bread with cassava starch, eggs, and cheese as the main components. This food is pretty famous in Valle Del Cauca with round and ring shapes.
This recipe was born in Colombia by an Italian chef in Cali. He would scream “Pane Del Buono” (good bread) when selling it, which is also the source of its name. However, many ideas said it was attached to where it was made for the first time, Hacienda El Bono.
15. Salchipapa
(Potato Fried and Sausage)
Salchipapa is an ideal snack that you should try when coming to Colombia. Although it is not a Colombians originate dish, it is loved by many locals. In fact, the dish was created by the Ecuadorians living in Guayaquil – a city in western Ecuador.
Gradually, its popularity spread to many other South American countries. This fantastic snack includes pan-fried beef sausages, French fries, and coleslaw. You will be served with ketchup, mustard, and olive sauce.
16. Bunuelos
(Deep-Fried Cheese Balls)
Bunuelos is an ideal suggestion that you should try when coming to Colombia. This food appears at every corner on the streets in this nation. It comprises flour and curdled cheese. You will be crazy with the crunch of deep-fried dough and the smoothness of the cheese.
This fantastic street food originates from Spain. The Spaniards brought it to Colombia and American countries when they invaded this continent. It appeared in the De Agri Cultura book with the name “balloons” in the 2nd century BC.
You can choose the version with a savory or sweet filling to enjoy. Besides ball shapes, you can also find Bunuelos with disc shapes. It is a popular choice for Christmas and Ramadan because it symbolizes luck.
Explore some essential things about Bunuelos and try its taste.
17. Pan De Yuca
(Cassava Bread)
Bread made from cassava is very famous in South America. However, different countries have different ways to make them. In Colombia, Pan de Yuca is a common one.
Another key ingredient is cheese. By combining all components, then bake them to create a big batch of golden, fluffy, and cheesy bread. You can enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or chocolate as a breakfast, or they can be a perfect afternoon snack.
18. Jugos
If you feel thirsty while walking on the streets in Colombia, Jugos is a tasty Colombian drink that should appear in your thoughts now. This delicious fruit juice recipe will help you feel relaxed and refreshed immediately.
There are many different Jugos versions you can try, like Sandia (watermelon), Limonada De Coco (a mixture of milk, lime, and ice), or Maracuya (passion fruit). This cool drink appears in the stalls near the football stadium as it is the favorite choice of soccer fans.
19. Obleas
(Wafer Dessert)
If you are looking for sweet and enchanted Colombian dessert, Oblea is an ideal choice. It is a typical food of Spain and Latin American countries. This recipe usually has 2 or more thin-wafer sandwich layers.
The fillings like jam, cheese, cream, or fruits will lie between these sandwiches. Its flavor becomes more remarkable when eating with condensed milk, raspberry sauce, coconut, or other toppings.
It appeared in Colombia more than 300 years ago. Initially, this food was popular on the streets in Bogota. It gradually became famous nationwide and in many other countries when the Oblea production industry was established in the 40s.
20. Patacones
(Fried Green Plantains)
Plantain is a typical food in many Colombia and other Latin American countries. Patacones are one of the great snacks containing plantain. You will be addicted to the crispness of the deep-fried green plantain slices. Its eye-catching yellow will captivate you right away.
The name Patacones comes from a Spanish word meaning “toast”. Besides, its name is the same as a currency used in the Great Columbian period in the 18th century.
There is no accurate information about its origins, and many Latin American and Caribbean nations argue about it.
21. Tamales
(Steamed Corn Dough)
Most Colombians know Tamales because it is a long-standing and famous dish here. It is an ancient food and originated in Mesoamerica from 8000 to 5000 BC, and it is associated with Pre-Columbian history.
Corn dough, meat, and vegetables are the main ingredients that create this fantastic snack. The chef will wrap them into banana leaves and steam to bring a tender and flexible texture. Colombians often use corn husks to replace banana leaves.
Instead of being wrapped in corn leaves, the Colombian Tamales version is wrapped in banana leaves. Tamales have many different variants with various types of filling. The Tamales Santafesinos or Bogotanos versions include pork, chicken, and chickpeas.
Meanwhile, the version of Tolima region uses pork, chicken, egg, potatoes, and rice to make the filling. You can choose Tamales in the Antioquia region with marinated pork and veggies filling.
22. Butifarra
(Minced Pork Sausage)
Butifarra is a sausage made from minced pork meat, salt, pepper, and herbs. This recipe is famous in many regions in Colombia, but Mompos (a small village) is the best place to eat it. During the Spanish colonization, eating Butifarra was a cultural activity in Colombia.
It is inspired by ancient sausage recipes, such as Botulu and Lucanica (Romans). Colombia’s Butifarra version is usually short and dry, and it is combined with lime juice and yuca when eating. Its name originated from sausage in Catalan, Spain.
23. Perro Caliente
(Colombian Hot Dog)
One of the hot dogs that I recommend trying when traveling to Colombia is Perro Caliente. The large size and its unusual toppings will surprise you. You will love boiled sausage topped with pineapple chunks, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and crushed potato chips.
Vendors in Colombia often clamp hot dogs in bread rolls and wrap them in the paper for sale. You can find many different variants across this beautiful country. Do not forget to add lettuce and egg to enhance its flavor.
