A Local’s Guide to 7 Street Eats in Bogotá

Bogotá may be Colombia’s capital of art, history, and business—but let’s be honest, street food is where the city’s flavor really lives. 

In a place where food vendors roll out their carts rain or shine, and hungry crowds line up for crispy empanadas and cheesy arepas, street food isn’t just a snack—it’s a daily ritual.

Find out where to go, what locals order, and how to enjoy each dish the way we do**. Let’s dig in.

1. Arepas con Queso: Bogotá’s All-Day Comfort Food

You haven’t been to Bogotá until you’ve had an arepa con queso hot off the griddle. These golden corn cakes are stuffed with salty white cheese and toasted until crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle. You’ll see vendors grilling them on open carts, flipping them with practiced hands, and the smell draws people from blocks away.

Where we go:

• Carrera 7 & Calle 72 -A classic morning crowd gathers here. Vendors use fresh masa and generous cheese.
• Parque de los Hippies, Chapinero– Evenings only. You’ll spot students, musicians, and young professionals in line.

Local Tip: Order it with mantequilla (butter) or double cheese, but skip ketchup and pink sauce to keep the flavor pure.

2. Empanadas: Crispy, Savory, and Ubiquitous

These golden half-moons are everything you want in a street snack—crunchy corn dough stuffed with beef, potato, or rice, then deep-fried until crackling. You’ll find them on nearly every street corner, but some spots stand out.

Where we go:

• El Envigadeño, Zona G – Right by gourmet restaurants, this unassuming cart serves thick empanadas and tangy ají.
• Calle 85 & Carrera 11 – A busy commercial corner with some of the city’s most loyal empanada fans.

Local Tip: Always ask for ají casero, the homemade spicy sauce. It’s what makes the snack sing. Vegetarians: look for empanadas de queso or arroz. They’re just as good.

3. Obleas: Crispy & Sweet

Two paper-thin wafers sandwiching a messy, delicious mix of arequipe (dulce de leche), grated cheese, fruit jam, and condensed milk. That’s the Bogotá oblea. Vendors prepare them right in front of you, layering on the toppings until the stack feels like it might topple.

Where we go:

• Calle 53 near Parkway – This family-run stand always has a line after lunch
• Zona T, Calle 85 entrance – The toppings here are fantastic—sprinkles, coconut, you name it.

Local Tip: The classic combo is arequipe, blackberry jam, and cheese. Trust us on this one.

4. Salchipapas: Bogotá’s Favorite Late-Night Indulgence

This dish is messy in the best way. Think sliced hot dogs over crispy fries, covered in ketchup, mayo, pineapple sauce, corn, plantains—even tiny quail eggs. It’s the street food version of comfort food, often shared and devoured late at night.

Where we go:

• Calle 63 & Avenida Caracas – Big plates and bold toppings. Open evenings only.
• Near Parque 93 – Elevated versions with artisanal sausages and sleek presentation.

Local Tip: Order todo encima (everything on top) and salsas aparte if you want to dip instead of soak.

5. Lechona: Roasted Pork, Bogotá Style

Lechona is the crown jewel of Colombian street food: a whole roasted pig, stuffed with spiced rice, peas, and pork, then cooked until tender. Served in massive metal trays, it’s dished out with a piece of crispy pork skin on top.

Where we go:

• Carrera 30 & Calle 26 – Vendors set up only on Sundays. Go early.
• Ferias and special events in Usaquén – Check for food festivals or Día de la Lechona.

Local Tip: Make sure you ask for a piece of cuerito (pork skin). It’s the crunchy highlight.

6. Buñuelos & Almojábanas: Morning or Midday Snacks

These two go hand in hand. Buñuelos are deep-fried cheese balls—crispy outside, fluffy inside. Almojábanas are soft, slightly sweet cheese rolls. Both are sold warm from carts and bakeries, often accompanied by avena (cold oatmeal drink) or hot chocolate.

Where we go:

• Outside Universidad Nacional, Calle 26 – Morning vendors serve them hot from the fryer.
• Chapinero Alto bakeries – Look for street-facing trays and fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.

Local Tip: Grab both and pair with avena fría—a creamy, spiced oat drink sold in bottles nearby.

7. Bonus: Churros with Arequipe (Weekend Favorite)**

Bogotá puts its own twist on this Spanish classic. Fried to order, rolled in sugar, and filled with creamy arequipe, churros show up on weekends at parks, city events, and artisan markets.

Where we go:

• Simón Bolívar Park – (weekends only)
• La Candelaria during street festivals

Local Tip:  Get churros rellenos (filled) and ask for extra arequipe on the side.

Street Food Etiquette & Safety Tips

We’ve been eating street food here all our lives, and a few simple tips will keep your experience delicious and stress-free:

• Stick to busy stands where locals are lining up—high turnover means fresher food.
• Eat hot food only and avoid raw toppings if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Pay with small bills or coins. Most vendors don’t carry change for large bills.
• Be polite but quick—lines move fast, and vendors appreciate direct, friendly orders.

Savor Bogotá with Cielo Travel

Dine in of all of Bogotá’s hot spots, from the best street-food stands to the city’s finest dining restaurants with expert advice from locals. 

Our team will make sure you tick all of your foodie dreams off your list and that every other aspect of your adventure—from accommodations to transportation—is perfectly planned, too.