Colombian Street Food: What to Eat & How to Enjoy It Like a Local

March 20th, 2023 | by E.M.H | Posted in Featured, Food

Last Updated: March 2026

Colombia is a country that is famous for its food culture. From delicious seafood to hearty meat dishes, Colombian cuisine is packed with flavors and spices. However, the country’s street food is equally popular and loved by both locals and tourists. Street food in Colombia is an experience in itself, and it is essential to taste flavors from different regions to get a true taste of the country’s culinary heritage. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best street foods in Colombia based on region. Let’s get started!

Popular Colombian Street Foods

Medellin street food - 2023 — Medellin street food – 2023 – Photo courtesy of Rizvi Rahman via Lucid Explore.

Bogotá – Empanadas & Arepas

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, has some of the most delicious offerings in the country. One of the most popular street foods is the ’empanada,’ which is a small pastry filled with either meat or cheese. Empanadas cost about 15 cents (USD) and are well worth it! Another popular street food in Bogotá is the ‘arepa.’ An arepa is a grilled cornmeal cake filled with cheese, butter and/or meat. A typical arepa costs around 40 cents (USD).

Stuffed Arepa — Arepa’s are often stuffed with meat and vegetables like a sandwich but are also served independently with butter and cheese or eggs. Photo courtesy of Frederick Medina.

Medellín – Arepa Paisa & Chorizo Antioqueno

Medellín is famous for its street food scene, which is centered around the ‘arepa paisa.’ These are slightly different from the Bogotá version and are usually stuffed with beans, cheese and/or pork. A typical arepa paisa costs 50 cents (USD). Another popular street food in Medellín is ‘chorizo antioqueño.’ These are grilled sausages made with pork and beef and cost maybe 55 cents (USD). Medellín is also famous for its perro caliente (Colombian hot dog), which is topped with crushed potato chips, pineapple sauce, mayo and ketchup – a wild but delicious combination that’s become iconic in the city.

Chorizo antioqueno on top of a choclo arepa in Mesa de Los Santos, Colombia. Image by Erik Magnus.

Cartagena – Ceviche & Patacones

Cartagena is a coastal city in Colombia and has a variety of seafood-based street foods. One of the most popular dishes is ‘ceviche,’ which is a marinated seafood dish made with raw fish, lime juice and chili peppers. A typical serving of ceviche costs around $1.25 (USD). Another popular street food in Cartagena is ‘patacones,’ which are fried plantain slices topped with meat, cheese and sauce. A serving of patacones costs about 55 cents (USD).

Visiting Cartagena? Check out our Cartagena travel guide for more tips. And if you want to experience the food scene with a local guide, book a Cartagena food tour on Viator.

Patacones with cheese, a common breakfast in Colombia. Image courtesy of Jdvillalobos via WikiMedia Commons. Barranquilla – Colombia.

Cali – Cholado & Empanadas Vallunas

Cali is a city located in the southwestern part of Colombia and is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine. One of the most popular street foods in Cali is the ‘cholado,’ which is a frozen dessert made with shaved ice, fruits, condensed milk and syrup. A serving of cholado costs around 40 cents (USD). Another popular street food in Cali is ’empanadas vallunas,’ which are similar to the ones in Bogotá but are filled with mashed potatoes, meat and vegetables. Most empanada vallunas costs about 33 cents (USD).

Cholado, shaved ice and fruit - Jamundí, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. — Cholado, shaved ice and fruit – Jamundí, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

Barranquilla – Carimanola & Bollo de Mazorca

Barranquilla is a city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and is known for its lively music and dance culture. One of the most popular street foods in Barranquilla is the ‘carimañola,’ which is a fried pastry made with mashed cassava and filled with meat and/or cheese. Carimañola costs around 27 cents (USD). Another popular street food in Barranquilla is the ‘bollo de mazorca,’ which is a steamed corn cake filled with meat and/or cheese. A typical bollo de mazorca costs 40 cents (USD).

Carimanola - a yuka fritter stuffed with meat and cheese. — Carimanola – a yuka fritter stuffed with meat and cheese.

Manizales – Bunuelo & Arequipe

Manizales is a city located in the central part of Colombia (my favorite region!) and is known for its coffee plantations and beautiful mountain scenery. One of the most popular street foods in Manizales is the ‘buñuelo,’ which is a fried dough ball made with cheese and cornmeal. Buñuelos costs around 16 cents (USD). Another popular street food in Manizales is ‘arequipe,’ which is a caramel-like sauce made with milk and sugar. Arequipe is often sold on the streets in small jars and costs around 22 cents (USD).

The best way to experience Colombia’s street food culture is on a guided food tour. Book a Colombia food tour on Viator — available in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular street food in Colombia?

Arepas and empanadas are the most popular street foods in Colombia and can be found in every city and region. Arepas are corn cakes eaten at any time of day, while empanadas are crispy fried pastries filled with meat or cheese. Both cost less than $1 USD and are beloved by locals and tourists alike.

How cheap is street food in Colombia?

Colombian street food is extremely affordable. Most dishes cost between 1,000-3,000 pesos (approximately $0.25-$0.75 USD). Even a full meal of arepas, chorizo and a drink will rarely cost more than $3 USD, making Colombia one of the most affordable street food destinations in the world.

What is a typical Colombian street food breakfast?

A typical Colombian street food breakfast includes an arepa with butter and cheese, a buñuelo (fried cheese dough ball), pandebono (cheese bread), and a cup of tinto (black coffee) or hot chocolate. In coastal regions, you might also find carimanola (yuca fritters) or bollos.

Is Colombian street food safe to eat?

Yes, Colombian street food is generally safe to eat, especially at busy stalls with high turnover. Look for vendors with lots of customers, food cooked fresh to order, and good hygiene practices. Avoid pre-cooked items sitting out in the heat for long periods.

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In conclusion, Colombia is a country with a rich street food culture, and each region has its own unique dishes to offer. From empanadas and arepas to ceviche and cholado, the food in Colombia is not only delicious but also affordable. So, if you’re ever in the country, make sure to check out the culinary diversity and try some street food.

Before your trip, make sure you’re protected with VisitorsCoverage travel insurance — covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation and theft across Colombia.

Want to cook these dishes at home? We created The Colombian Street Food Cookbook – 15 authentic Colombian street food recipes in one easy-to-follow Ebook. Get your copy below!

The Colombian Street Food Cookbook Ebook.

Tags: Bogota Colombia Food Medellin Tourism

E.M.H

About the Author

E.M.H is a writer, editor, blogger & webmaster. He is one of the main contributors to Colombia Please & spends a significant portion of each year in the country of Colombia.