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An expat’s guide to living in Medellín, Colombia — since 2009

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Colombian Street Food

By Dave · October 12, 2010 · Food & Drink

Colombian Street Food

Arepa con queso y lecheria. So far, I've only seen the condensed milk drizzled on top in Medellin. I picked up this particular arepa in Jardin Botanico. — Arepa con queso y lecheria. So far, I’ve only seen the condensed milk drizzled on top in Medellin. I picked up this particular arepa in Jardin Botanico.

Colombian street food is heavy on the calories, salt, and fat, however there is something for everyone.

Fresh fruits can keep you cool, while the richness of arepas with cheese and butter can quickly become addictive.

Barbecued corn on the cob is a popular snack, and you'll see vendors selling it everywhere, from outside the soccer stadium to the streets and parks. — Barbecued corn on the cob is a popular snack, and you’ll see vendors selling it everywhere, from outside the soccer stadium to the streets and parks.

Hot dogs in Colombia are by default smothered with several sauces (salsas), including ketchup, mustard, and mayo. This makes for a colorful presentation, however they tend to be a lot messier to eat then in the USA where you're in more control of adding the toppings. — Hot dogs in Colombia are by default smothered with several sauces (salsas), including ketchup, mustard, and mayo. This makes for a colorful presentation, however they tend to be a lot messier to eat then in the USA where you’re in more control of adding the toppings.

Chicken, meat, potatoes and salad make up the typical plate of street food in Colombia. You'll find these combinations at every festival, parade and street party. — Chicken, meat, potatoes and salad make up the typical plate of street food in Colombia. You’ll find these combinations at every festival, parade and street party.

Fresh fruits such as watermelon and mango offer a refreshing break from the greasier, saltier hot foods.

These deep fried dough rings are the equivalent of doughnuts in the USA.

Cold beer and Aguardiente are staples of the Colombian street party culture. During festivals, a cooler full of both are never more than arm's reach away. — Cold beer and Aguardiente are staples of the Colombian street party culture. During festivals, a cooler full of both are never more than arm’s reach away.

Colombians love their pork skin, served here with potatoes, lime, and salad.

A large slab of meat cooks on the street.

Empanadas are everywhere. Some shops, like this one in Cali's barrio San Antonio, leave a basket of them out for people to serve themselves. They are usually offered with meet, chicken, or potatoes. — Empanadas are everywhere. Some shops, like this one in Cali’s barrio San Antonio, leave a basket of them out for people to serve themselves. They are usually offered with meet, chicken, or potatoes.

In Guatape, my friend Troy dared me to eat Chunchullo (intestines), a popular snack food. I chewed and chewed, but couldn't swallow the intestinal bits. I later learned that they hadn't been cooked long enough, which is why they had the consistency of rubber. I didn't care for the taste either. — In Guatape, my friend Troy dared me to eat Chunchullo (intestines), a popular snack food. I chewed and chewed, but couldn’t swallow the intestinal bits. I later learned that they hadn’t been cooked long enough, which is why they had the consistency of rubber. I didn’t care for the taste either.