Colombian cuisine is known for being rich, flavorful, and hearty, and this definitely extends to its street food. If you’re a tourist who’s visiting Colombia for the first time, trying out the country’s typical street food tours should be near the top of your list. From sausage-based dishes to classic Colombian breads, the items below should be a part of every tourist’s experience.
Perro Caliente
You probably know them in English as “hot dogs”, but in Colombia you’ll get a slightly different experience if you order a perro caliente from a street vendor. For one thing, the sausages are always boiled, never grilled. They’re also quite large, which is in keeping with many of the meat-based dishes in this country. However, the toppings are the most unique part about this street food. They can include the standard mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup, as well as egg, lettuce, crushed potato chips, and pineapple chunks or sauce.
Salchipapas
The name comes from two different words – salchichas, or sausages, and papas, or potatoes. Salchipapas are a popular street food composed of French fries, topped with slices of pan-fried sausages and coleslaw. You can also get a drizzle of mustard, ketchup, or olive sauce.
Empanadas
These pastries are found all over Latin America, with each country having their own take. In Colombia, empanadas are usually fairly small, and can be either fried or baked. Here are some of the most popular kinds of empanada in Colombia:
- Empanada paisa – Originating from the Medellin area, this empanada is medium-sized fried empanada. The filling is made from marinated meat and potatoes, and typically served with hogao, a condiment that’s made from onion and tomato.
- Empanada de pipian – This empanada is tiny, meaning you can eat a dozen at a time and barely notice. The fried dough is very thin, and the filling is made from ground peanuts, potatoes, achiote, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. If desired, it’s eaten with a peanut chili sauce on the side.
- Empanada de arroz – If you buy empanadas in Bogota, you’ll likely encounter empanadas de arroz. They’re large and filling, containing a mixture of expertly seasoned meat and rice, and served with red chili sauce.
Buñuelos
If you’re searching for an indulgent snack, look no further than buñuelos. These are deep-fried balls of dough and cheese, with a crunchy exterior and a smooth, creamy interior. The Spaniards introduced this dish when they invaded South America, but there’s no doubt that buñuelos are now one of Colombia’s most iconic street foods.
Chorizo
You can’t truly experience Colombian street food without trying several varieties of sausages, and chorizo is one of the most popular. It’s made with a mixture of beef and pork, as well as spicy seasonings that will leave you craving more. Chorizo is served hot, and can easily be eaten with the help of a toothpick as you take in the sights of whatever city you happen to be visiting.
Pastel de pollo
Pastel de pollo may resemble an empanada, but it’s more of a savory meat pie encased in a corn-based dough. The filling is made of shredded chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and various aromatic herbs and spices. They’re then deep-fried, and served hot.
Tamales
When most Americans hear the word “tamales”, they think of the Mexican version. The Colombian version is fairly similar, but with a lot of regional variation. The basics are the same though: corn masa, meat, and/or vegetables are wrapped with banana leaves (or sometimes corn husks) and steamed until tender. In Bogota, tamales are typically filled with chicken, pork, or chickpeas. In the Tolima region, tamales contain a combination of chicken, pork, potatoes, eggs, and rice. In the Antioquia region, tamales are made with marinated pork and vegetables.
Raspao
This is technically a drink, but it contains so many elaborate toppings that it could be considered a food too! Raspao is made with shaved ice, condensed milk, fruit, cookies, and syrup, and topped with cream cheese and whipped cream toppings. You can easily find this beverage in Cartagena and coastal Colombian cities, since they’re some of the hottest places in the country.
Arepas
Arepas may not be one of the most elaborate Colombian street foods, but they are one of the most iconic Colombian foods in general. Colombian arepas are made with corn flour and fried on a griddle; they’re usually either eaten as an accompaniment to a larger meal, or with various toppings or fillings. If you’re getting arepas as a street food, you can choose from toppings or fillings like cheese, avocado, meat, egg, and more.
Fritanga
With a name that originates from the Spanish word for “fried”, you can probably guess what this street food is all about. Actually, fritanga isn’t a single food; it’s a platter that’s made of various barbecued and fried foods. You’ll get a variety of meats and sausages, plus queso frito (fried cheese), tajada frita (fried plantains), and gallo pinto (rice and beans). This dish is often served to a group of people, especially at the end of a long night out on the town.
Fresh fruit and fruit juice
Colombia produces a huge number of delicious fruits, and many of these are sold by street vendors all over the country. You can buy cups of diced fruits such as watermelon, papaya, banana, mango, guava, and more, which are very refreshing on a hot day. Fresh fruit juices are also sold, such as watermelon juice, orange juice, passion fruit drinks, or limonada de coco, which is a combination of lime juice, ice, and milk.
Churros
There’s nothing quite like a good churro, and Colombian churros certainly don’t disappoint. If you buy churros in Colombia, you’ll notice that they’re fairly small, and maybe even circular in shape. You’ll be able to choose between churros that are rolled in sugar, or dipped in a chocolate glaze.
Which Colombian street food would you try first?
Colombia has a ton of amazing street foods to try. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, fried, or fresh, there are plenty of wonderful options to choose from.
