Exploring Colombian Cuisine: Popular Street Foods

Colombia’s culinary scene is not as well-known as its Latin American cousin, Mexico. However, it still has some delicious street food that you must try during your visit. In this food guide, I’m going to share EVERYTHING foodies need to know to explore Colombia’s street food scene AND budget travelers need to know for a quick and inexpensive bite to eat.

I travel to eat, so I spend most of my time trying new foods and new restaurants, taking cooking classes, and going on food tours. After spending six months in Colombia, this is my own take on the best street foods and snacks in Colombia. This list includes anything you’d eat between meals. I do not claim to be an expert in Colombian food. Just someone who loves and appreciates good food.

Colombian Street Food Essentials

Before you start eating your way around Colombia, there are five key things to know about the country’s food:

1. **Fried Foods:** Colombians have a strong affinity for fried foods, making their cuisine one of the less healthy options around. Many popular snacks are deep-fried. One example is the “papa,” which is a deep-fried ball of mashed potatoes filled with chicken or beef and includes a boiled egg.

2. **Corn:** Corn is a staple in Colombian cuisine. You’ll notice that a wide variety of breads and pastries are made using corn flour, whereas good pastries or breads made from wheat are less common.

3. **Cheese:** Colombians really enjoy cheese, even incorporating it into dishes like fruit salads and hot chocolate. While the cheese is enjoyable, it’s not in the same league as French cheese but then again which country is.

4. **Exotic Fruits:** Colombia boasts the second most diverse variety of fruits in the world, providing ample opportunities to try exotic fruits that you may have never tasted before. The fruit juices are particularly delightful, and I have an entirely separate blog post dedicated to the best drinks in Colombia.

5. **The BEST cakes in the world** I truly believe that Colombia makes the best cakes in the world. They are a million times better than any cakes I’ve had in the United States. Do not LEAVE Colombia without at least eating its carrot cake.

Colombian Street Food – Deep Fried Fritters

When I needed a quick bite between meals or even for breakfast in Colombia, I’d go for one of the many deep-fried corn fritters. Some are not the healthiest, but they’re convenient, delicious, inexpensive, and delicious!

1. Buñuelos

The most popular street food in Colombia is buñuelos. These are fried dough balls between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball. They are made of cornstarch and costeño cheese.

I fell in love with buñuelos at first bite. It was on this El Poblado in Medellin. We were treated to freshly made bunuelos that were not just good, but absolutely divine.

A warning: Buy ONLY freshly made buñuelos. If they’ve been setting out all day, they’re going to be dry and stale. That’s what happened on a food tour I did in Bogota. The buñuelos were so bad that one person spit hers out.

There’s one kind of buñuelo that is out-of-this-world delicious. A caramelly-flavored dulce de leche (called arequipe in Colombia) is literally injected into the buñuelo. I had it at Panadería Y Cafetería La Florida in Guatapé.

2. Pandebono

I was not a fan of pandebono when I first, second and third time tried them. That’s because I hadn’t eaten them yet in Cali, where they originated. When I got to Cali at the end of my stay in Colombia, I was finally won over. They indeed are delicious!

Colombians love them and you can find them in just about every bakery. Made of yuca starch, corn starch or white flour (depending on who you talk to), eggs, and cheese, pandebono comes in a variety of shapes and sizes: a ring, long and narrow, or more traditionally, ring-shaped like a donut. They’re usually fluffier, sweeter, and lighter-tasting than other Colombian breads.

Expect to pay COP$2,000 in Cali for one and COP$3,000 to $4,000 for one in other parts of Colombia.

Close to the Gold Museum in Bogotá is a small restaurant selling pandebono and other traditional snacks called Pandebono y Café El Dorado. Better yet, take a food tour with Beyond Colombia (you pay for the food and tip the guide) and the guide takes you to the same restaurant. However, an even better idea is to just go to Cali and try them! You can try them in any cafe there, and you won’t be disappointed. I had them on this Cali walking tour and on this food tour.

3. Pan de Yuca

Pan de yuca is another beloved Colombian street food. But I have to confess, it’s not my favorite.

Sorry, Colombia!

My first taste of pan de yuca was in Ecuador, where it was melt-in-your-mouth amazing. Unfortunately, Colombia’s version didn’t quite measure up for me.

This snack, made from yuca starch and cheese, comes in various shapes, from long sticks to round buns. It’s denser and has a stronger flavor than similar treats like pandebono or buñuelos.

While it’s not my top pick, it’s still worth a try! You can usually grab one for just COP$3,000, making it an affordable option for street food enthusiasts.

Where to easily try pan de yuca when you’re in Colombia?

I tried it during a food tour in Bogota with Beyond Colombia. It was at the same spot that I tried pandebono, Pandebono y Café El Dorado, where we sampled a fresh batch. If you’re curious, it’s a great spot to give it a go!

4. Almojábana

Whatever you do, don’t leave Colombia without trying an almojábana! This tasty treat is my second favorite Colombian street food, and for good reason.

Made with corn flour and cheese, almojábanas have a perfectly balanced flavor that leans more salty than sweet. They’re soft, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Take one bite, and you’ll see why they’re so beloved.

You’ll find almojábanas more easily in Medellín and smaller towns, where they’re a local favorite, rather than in Bogotá, Cartagena, or Cali. If you come across them fresh out of the oven, don’t hesitate. This is one snack you won’t want to miss!

They usually come in packages of ten for COP$11,000. The first time I had one was on this Barrio Transformation Tour in Medellin.

5. Empanadas

Empanadas are a must-try in Colombia, just like in the rest of Latin America. They are especially different from the ones you find in Argentina.

In Colombia, empanadas are deep-fried. The crispy breading, made from corn, is packed with mashed potatoes and your choice of beef or chicken. Some versions even include rice. They’re perfect as a mid-day snack or a quick, satisfying lunch.

For the best empanadas I’ve had in Colombia, AGAIN head to Pandebono y Café El Dorado, located near Bogotá’s Gold Museum. I discovered this gem on a food tour with Beyond Colombia, and their beef empanadas were unforgettable—crispy, savory, and absolutely delicious. Skip the chicken ones. They are not as good!

6. Empanadas de Pipian

Empanadas de pipián are so unique and delicious that they deserve their own separate listing.

After six months of exploring Colombia, I only found these one-of-a-kind empanadas in a single city—Popayán, also known as the “White City” of Colombia.

These empanadas are filled with mashed potatoes, peanuts, and a hint of achiote spice. They’re so small and addictive that you need to order at least twelve to feel satisfied.

When you’re in Popayán, make your way to Mora Costilla. Their empanadas de pipián are the best in town and an absolute must-try. I ate there every day I was in the city. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

7. Papas

This classic Colombian street snack is known simply as “papa,” or potato. To order, just say “una papa,” and you’re in for a treat!

Papas are golden, deep-fried balls of mashed potatoes filled with rice, somtimes a slice of boiled egg, and either chicken or beef. For an extra burst of flavor, be sure to add some aji on the side. It’s the perfect complement.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Barichara, don’t miss the small kiosk near the ticket office for buses heading to San Gil. Their papas are fresh, satisfying, and a steal at just COP$3,500. It’s a must-try before you hit the road!

However, you can find them pretty much anywhere in Colombia by just walking down the street like 7th Avenue in Bogota. Some snack shop will surely be selling them.

8. Aborrajado

The last food I ate in Colombia turned out to be one of the most unforgettable: A delicious treat called aborrajado.

I was on a 12-hour bus ride to the border town of Ipiales with nothing to eat but this golden, deep-fried plantain stuffed with cheese. I had picked it up earlier in the day during a food tour in Cali but was too full to enjoy it right away, so I saved it for later.

Little did I know that this slightly greasy, unassuming snack would blow me away. The sweet plantain combined with the savory, salty cheese creates an explosion of flavor you just can’t forget. By the time I finished, I was kicking myself for not having a second one.

Aborrajado is a snack that’s especially popular in Cali and the Cauca region. I hadn’t seen it anywhere else during my travels in Colombia. So, if you spot one of these fried plantain-cheese delights, don’t think twice. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

9. Marranitas

Another standout Colombian street food from Cali and the Cauca region is marranitas. These savory fried balls are made with green plantains and stuffed with a delicious mix of fried pork and crispy chicharrón. Since the plantains are green, marranitas have a savory flavor, unlike the sweeter plantains used in aborrajados.

Although I didn’t get the chance to try marranitas in Cali or Cauca, I did see them offered at many snack shops throughout the area. My first taste was actually in Bogotá at a Cauca-style restaurant during this food tour. They did not disappoint! If you spot marranitas on a menu or at a street stall, don’t hesitate to give them a try.

10. Carimañola

The Caribbean coast of Colombia has its own must-try street food called carimañolas! These delicious snacks are made from deep-fried yuca and stuffed with either cheese or beef.

Although I didn’t get to try carimañolas while visiting Cartagena or Santa Marta, I finally had the chance to enjoy them during a Medellín food tour, and they were fantastic! I’ve also tried them in Panama, where they’re just as popular.

If you’re exploring Colombia’s Caribbean region or spot them on a menu elsewhere, make sure to give these crispy, savory treats a try.

11. Caballeros

Caballero is one of the best things I ate in Colombia. I had it only one time—at a coffee farm tour in Jardín. Unfortunately, I can find no mention of it anywhere on the Internet or Chaptgpt, and I couldn’t find the pastry anywhere else in Colombia. I seriously thought I had gotten the name wrong or imagined eating it. But I have photos, so I know I ate many of them.

The snack, named “Caballero” (which means “gentlemen” in Spanish), consists of two crackers sandwiched with cheese and guava and then deep-fried until a beautiful golden brown. The guava gives it a lovely sweetness, while the cheese adds a salty, savory contrast. I couldn’t stop eating them, and honestly, I didn’t even try to!

Now, I’m not sure if Caballeros is a well-kept secret of Jardín or if it was just a creation from my host’s wife, but if you find yourself in the area and spot these incredible bundles of deliciousness, do NOT even hesitate to eat them for one second.

Popular Colombian Street Food – Sweet Side!

The BEST Colombian street food is its sweet snacks! Colombians are experts at incorporating their amazing fruits into their foods.
I think they make some of the best cakes in the world! Better than anythign I’ve had anywhere else in Latin America and even in France.

12. Salpicon

Salpicon is one of the healthiest street foods you can find in Colombia. It’s a refreshing cup filled with a mix of chopped fruit and its natural juices, with papaya taking center stage, followed by watermelon, unripe mango, and bananas.

I’ve had salpicon a few different ways, but one of the most memorable was in Medellín, where I tried it during a food tour. The version I had at La Jugosa in the Laureles neighborhood came with a surprising twist: cheese and ice cream added to the mix. The combination of fresh fruit with the creamy toppings was absolutely delicious! If you’re looking for a light, refreshing treat, salpicon is the perfect snack to try.

13. Salpicon Payanes

Salpicon Payanes is an unforgettable explosion of flavors and textures that I’ve never experienced before. It’s hands down the best thing I had in Colombia.

Is it a drink or a dish?

Hard to say, since it comes in a glass but is eaten with a spoon.

The vibrant magenta color alone makes you immediately want to order it. Inside, you’ll find a refreshing mix of crushed ice and three standout fruits: blackberries (mora), lulo (naranjilla), and sour sop (guanabana). The crunch of the ice, paired with the tangy kick from the blackberries and lulo, and the creamy sweetness of the sour sop, creates a taste sensation that’s truly one of a kind.

Salpicon Payanes is a specialty of the Cauca department, so if you find yourself in Popayán, make sure to visit Mora Castilla for a taste of this delicious treat. I guarantee that you won’t ever forget the experience!

14. Sliced Fresh Fruit in Cup

Planning a trip to Cartagena?

Then I guarantee that you will come across more vendors selling sliced up fruit in a cup than any other street food. And I guarantee that with the unbearable heat and humidity, you will be tempted to get one.

Please do!

You’ll find a variety of fruits, but mango is by far the favorite. For an extra kick, squeeze some lime juice and sprinkle a little tajín (a tangy, spicy powder) on top. I paid COP$10,000 for mine, and it was totally worth it.

A quick tip: To make sure your fruit is as fresh and safe as possible, ask the vendor to slice it right in front of you, rather than grabbing a pre-made cup that may have been sitting out all day. It’s also a good idea to look for a vendor wearing gloves or who isn’t touching the fruit directly.

Enjoy!

15. Obleas

If you’re craving something sweet and sinfully delicious, oblea is the perfect street food to satisfy your sugar fix. You’ll find these treats being sold by vendors in every city and small town in Colombia, and once you try one, you’ll understand why they’re so popular.

An oblea is essentially a wafer sandwich—crispy, light wafers filled with a spread of arequipe (a caramel-like dulce de leche). To take it to the next level, vendors often top it with a variety of extras like chocolate, marmalade, cheese, condensed milk, or colorful sprinkles. It’s the ultimate indulgence, combining the crunch of the wafer with the creamy sweetness of the fillings. Don’t miss out on this simple yet satisfying treat!

16. Helados (Cremas)

This refreshing Colombian version of a icecream is even more popular than obleas. It goes by different names depending on where you are. In Medellín, they’re known as cremas, but throughout most of Colombia, they’re simply called helado, though they’re nothing like the ice cream you might be used to. For me, they’re more like the American popsicle but healthier.

These homemade popsicles are made from the frozen juices of common Colombian fruits like mango, passion fruit, strawberries, sour sop, watermelon, and coconut. They’re the perfect, budget-friendly treat to cool off on a hot, humid day or to reward yourself after a long hike.

17. Mango Biche

Mango biche is one of the healthiest and most vibrantly colorful street foods you can find in Colombia. It’s also one of my favorite!

Served in a plastic cup, you’ll find thin, noodle-like strips of unripe mango, bursting with tartness, and topped with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of tajín, a spicy red powder that adds the perfect kick.

It’s perfect to eat on a hot and humid day or just went you want something that’s tangy and spicy.

Mango Biche isn’t as common in Colombia as the previous foods on this list. I’ve seen it only a few times on the streets of Medellina and Cali, but never tried it until I was at a Food Festival in Popayan.

18. Bocadillo

If you’re craving something sweet while in Colombia, then try a bocadillo. It’s a classic treat found in convenience stores all over the country.

This small, rectangular piece of guava jelly (guayaba) is wrapped in a banana leaf, giving it a rustic charm. Colombians also add bocadillo to breads and desserts.

It’s a beloved snack in Colombia, bursting with sugar, but be warned: It’s seriously, seriously sweet!

I had my first bocadillo on a food tour in Medellín. It was my first week in Colombia and during the next six months, I’d pick up bocadillo every once in a while when in a convenience store. They were always sitting temptingly at the cash register. And they’re usually only COP$500.

19. Breva Con Manjar Blanco

Another sweet snack food that you can find at your corner convenience store is breva con manjar blanco.

I prefer it to a bocadillo.

It’s made of figs and Colombia’s greatest contribution to the culinary world: the caramely goodness of arequipe (also known as dulce de leche).

But like bocadillo, bravo con manjar blanco is seriously sweet. And it’s only possible to eat it once in a while.

The first time I tried one was on this food tour in Bogota and the second time was on this other food tour in Bogota.

20. Milhojas

Milhojas, which means “a thousand sheets,” is a pastry that will haunt your dreams long after you leave Colombia. Seriously, it’s pastry perfection. While you can find this delicious treat in pastry shops and bakeries all over the country, nothing compares to the milhojas you’ll find in the picturesque town of Villa de Leyva. Trust me, anything else is just a poor imitation.

This dessert is made up of thin, crispy layers of puff pastry, each one lovingly filled with sweet arequipe (dulce de leche) and cream. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the whole thing is drizzled with more arequipe, or chocolate sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

The classic version of milhojas is with arequipe. However, most cafes and restaurants I’ve been to will offer different versions like substituing chocolate or almond sauce for the arequipe or adding passion fruit or simply fruit to the arequipe. I’ve only had the classic.

When I visited Villa de Leyva, I saw people waiting for hours to get into La Galleta Pastelería for their famous milhojas. But personally, I preferred the version at Museo de Chocolate—it’s a tough choice, but someone had to make it!

If you can’t make it to Villa de Leyva, Bom Bon’s in Bogota also serves decent milhojas.

21. Carrot Cake (Pastel Zanahoria)

Colombia has the BEST carrot cake in the world.

Seriously, I’m not exaggerating here. I don’t know what kind of wizardry they use, but whatever it is, it works. The cake is moist without being overly sweet, and every bite will have you wondering what kind of sorcery is behind it.

It’s made with all the usual suspects: carrots, sugar, flour, eggs, and a rich buttercream topping. But there’s something extra in there. Maybe it’s a secret ingredient, or maybe it’s just the magic of Colombia, but whatever it is, it’s delicious!

I’ve traveled all over the country, and no matter where I go, if I see carrot cake on the menu (which is usually in a coffee shop), I’m ordering it. And 9 times out of 10, it’s an absolute hit.

So, here’s my advice: Don’t leave Colombia without trying its carrot cake. But here’s the catch—you probably won’t just try it once. You’ll keep coming back for more. It’s that good.

Colombian Street Food – Not Sweet and Not Fried

22. Hormigas

Eating Hormigas, which are essentially ants, isn’t something on most people’s travel bucket lists. But if you make it to cities in Santander like San Gil or Barichara, you’ve got to try this regional specialty that goes back to pre-Hispanic times–big-bottomed ants.

These are no ordinary ants that you find in your house or on the street, they’re giant big-ass (literally) ants. The ants are roasted until they become crunchy and then salted, making them an interesting high-protein snack. They taste a bit earthy and nutty. Not bad but not something I want to eat on an every day basis. Locals like to eat them with beer or aguardiente.

You can find them in specialty shops or tourists or street vendors. In Barichara, one of the street vendors near Parque Santa Barbara was selling them. On this walking tour, our guide let us try some for free.

So go ahead, be brave, and give them a try. You might just find a new favorite snack! Or at least you’ll have a great story to tell your friends back home!

23. Picada

When you’re in Cartagena, go to Plaza de la Trinidad in the evening. The place is hopping with lots of locals, tourists, street performers, and most importantly, food vendors. Everyone one seems to be buying one particular street food called picada.

The picada at Plaza de la Trinidad consists of a bottom layer of french fries or patacones. Then it’s topped with an assortment of grilled sausages and meats. Next, they squirt some sauce like mayo, and ketchup on top of the meat. After that, they top with a bunch of thin crunchy deep-fried potato sticks and finally a slab of melted cheese. It’s hearty, filling, and maybe not the healthiest thing you can eat in Colombia. But what is?

Final Thoughts on Best Street Food in Colombia

Obviously, you don’t have time to eat all of this street food in Colombia. So, which ones are the MUST eats?

Here are my recommendations for what to eat in Colombia:

• Buñuelos
• Pandebono (only if you’re in Cali)
• Empanadas
• Almojabanas
• Salpicon payanes (if you make it to Popayan)
• Obleas
• Helado
• Milhojas
• Carrot Cake
• Caballeros (if you can find it!)
• Aborrajados

These are all the food tour that I took when I was in Colombia and my rating from A+ to F:

• Medellin Food Tour with Real City Tours – C (good food but not many stops)
• Medellin Fruit Tour with Real City Tours – A (you must do a fruit tour in Medellin, Bogota, Cartagena, or Cali)
• Bogota Food Tour with Beyond Colombia – B (some good recommendations)
• Bogota Food Tour with A Chef’s Tour – A- (cool stops, lots of food, and lots of info)
• Bogota Food Tour with The Real Colombian Experience – B (it was around the New Years and two places were closed.)
• Cali Food Tour – B- (just snack food)

I also did this cooking class in Cartagena, which I highly recommend. We made ceviche, but each day they focus on a different set of dishes.

Read all my reviews of the Medellin tours and Bogota tours.