Walk through New York City on any given night and you’ll smell it: the garlic sizzling from food trucks, the sweet whiff of roasted nuts, the steam rising off pizza slices bigger than your head. But tucked into this patchwork of global flavors, two Colombian staples make even the most jaded New Yorker stop mid-stride: the arepa and the empanada.

Together, they’re Colombia’s love letters to comfort food: one soft and golden, the other crispy and stuffed. The main question remains: Arepas or Empanadas? Which wins?

Spoiler alert: you’re in NYC, which means you don’t have to pick sides. You can and absolutely should have both.

In this blog, we’ll dig into the roots of these iconic bites, break down what makes each one irresistible, and, most importantly, show you where to grab the best versions when you’re searching “Colombian empanadas near me” at midnight.

The Cultural Roots of Arepas & Empanadas

Arepas trace their roots back thousands of years to pre-Colombian times. Made with ground maize dough, they were staples for Indigenous communities long before New York skyscrapers ever touched the sky.

Empanadas, on the other hand, arrived with Spanish influence. The concept involves meat or vegetables wrapped in dough, fried or baked, and spread throughout Latin America. They found a new identity in Colombia. Here, they took on their own bold personality, filled with local meats, potatoes, and spices that turned them into a national obsession. Today, in Colombian food NYC spots, both dishes thrive side by side.

What Exactly Is an Arepa?

If you’ve never had one, think of the arepa as Colombia’s golden disc of happiness. It starts with a base of cornmeal dough: white or yellow, and can be grilled, fried, or baked.

But what makes arepas shine is their versatility:

Breakfast? Slice one open and stuff it with cheese or eggs.
Lunch? Load it with pulled chicken, avocado, or beans.
Dinner? Serve it as a side with meats, or make it the star with rich toppings.

In NYC, arepas are popping up everywhere: from cozy Colombian bakeries in Manhattan to trendy eateries in Times Square. And each one feels like a little pocket of Colombia on your plate.

What Exactly Is an Empanada?

Stack of three stuffed arepas with meat, cheese, and chicken from Empanada Mama on a white plate.

Now let’s talk about the empanada: the crunchy cousin that takes snack food to legendary levels.

A typical Colombian empanada is made with corn dough stuffed with goodies like seasoned beef, chicken, potatoes, or cheese. Then it’s deep-fried until golden, crispy, and almost too hot to hold in your hand. Almost.

Take that first bite and hear the crackle give way to steamy, savory filling. Pair it with green sauce: a tangy, spicy dip or red sauce, Colombia’s tomato-onion sauce, and you’re in pure bliss territory. In NYC, empanadas are everywhere, from late-night carts to sit-down Colombian restaurants.

Arepas vs Empanadas: Key Differences

Although the two dishes have Colombian origins, their differences are what make arepas vs empanadas such an entertaining argument: here are the major differences that make each stand out:

Cooking style: Arepas are often grilled or pan-fried, giving them a softer, chewier vibe. Empanadas are fried to a crisp golden shell.
Texture: Arepas are pillowy and hearty. Empanadas? Crunchy, flaky, and handheld.
Portion size: Arepas can be a full meal on their own, stuffed with cheese, meats, or veggies. Empanadas lean snack, though let’s be honest. You’ll never eat just one.
Fillings vs. toppings: Empanadas hide their treasures inside. Arepas proudly wear theirs on top or tucked in between.

At the end of the day, it’s about recognizing how beautifully both dishes complement each other. Together, they’re the yin and yang of Colombian comfort food.

Where to Order in NYC

New York loves its Colombian street food almost as much as it loves bagels. And if you’re craving a platter of both, you’re in luck.

Times Square: This neighborhood has bakeries, street vendors, and restaurants serving arepas and empanadas that taste straight out of Bogotá.

Hell’s Kitchen: Trendy Colombian restaurants are putting modern spins on traditional bites, making them a hit at brunch and late-night.
Manhattan: Midtown and downtown are filled with spots where you can sit down for a meal or grab empanadas to-go on your lunch break.

The city’s obsession with communal dining makes these foods a natural fit. So next time you’re typing Colombian restaurant NYC into Google, remember: your search is really about finding comfort in a crispy shell or a golden round of cornmeal.

Empanada Mama & Other Favorites

Colombian plate with steak, egg, plantain, sausage, avocado, beans, and arepa from Empanada Mama.

At Empanada Mama, the arepa and the empanada don’t just exist; they thrive. Their empanadas are iconic: crisp shells stuffed with everything from classic beef to gooey cheese or creative, playful fillings. Each one is a bite-sized celebration.

Their arepas are cheesy, melty, perfectly grilled discs that make sharing impossible because you’ll want the whole thing to yourself.

The best part? You don’t have to choose a side in the arepas vs empanadas debate. At Empanada Mama, you can order both, pair them with your favorite dip, and discover just how perfectly these two dishes balance each other.

And while other Colombian spots across NYC bring their own flair, Empanada Mama remains a must-visit whenever that craving for golden, cheesy, crispy bites strikes.

Final Bite: Which Should You Choose?

So, arepas or empanadas?

Craving a hearty, corn-forward meal you can dress up however you like? Go for an arepa. Want something crispy, handheld, and packed with flavor in every bite? Grab an empanada.

But the real New York move is this: get both. When it comes to Colombian empanadas near me, the answer is usually “yes, and an arepa too.”

Because in NYC, when comfort food calls, you don’t have to choose between arepas vs empanadas. You can savor both, one golden bite at a time.

Ready to taste it for yourself? Swing by Empanada Mama today, order a spread of both arepas and empanadas, and let your cravings thank you later.

Arepas vs Empanadas: NYC’s Tastiest Debate