New York City boasts many cuisines, but only a few resonate with the soul like Colombian street food does. As devoted New Yorkers passionate about Latin American cuisine, we've seen the city's culinary landscape shift. From crispy empanadas to melty arepas, there's a reason this vibrant fare has been steadily rising in the NYC food ranks.

Latin American cuisine has swept the city, and Colombian food is particularly special with its indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. It's a comfort-food-based cuisine with a history and kick, served in portable form you can eat on the run or share with friends at a table. And when it comes to trying these flavors in their brightest, most addictive incarnation, we always rely on Empanada Mama, the city's go-to destination for real Colombian snack food. Come with us on a tasty tour of Colombian street food, and discover why Empanada Mama is at the center.

What Makes Colombian Street Food So Irresistible?

Colombian street food isn't food, it's a sensation. The intense flavors, the convenience of eating on the go, and the festive atmosphere that pervades each food vendor make it impossible to ignore. Colombia has street vendors on nearly every corner selling anything from empanadas to fresh-squeezed juices, transforming the streets into a hub of activity.

Among some of the most popular Colombian snacks are:

Empanadas: Fried pockets of cornmeal filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Arepas: Grilled cakes of corn topped or filled with cheese, meats, or spreads.
Pandebono: Cheesy rolls of bread made of yucca flour.
Chicharrón: Crispy pork belly or rinds, usually served accompanied with plantains or arepas.
Salchipapas: A flavorful mixture of sausage slices and fries, usually topped with sauces and cheese.

Every region of Colombia gives these snacks its twist

Top Colombian Snacks You Need to Try at Empanada Mama

When craving authentic Colombian food in NYC, our go-to is Empanada Mama. This gem brings the spirit of Colombian street food straight to Manhattan, with a modern twist that still honors tradition. Here are some must-try items from their menu:

Reggaeton Empanada: Spicy chicken packed in a crispy cornmeal shell. It’s fiery, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Viagra Empanada: A spicy seafood combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab — a favorite that earns its name.
Spicy Chicken Empanada: Spicy chicken breast slow-cooked in Mama's special picante sauce.
Cheeseburger Arepas: Cheesy and golden, hot and filling. Serve with your preferred filling or on its own.
Yuca Frita: Crisp outside, soft within. The ideal side dish that pairs with any order.

Each bite is a taste of Colombian street food, reimagined for New York City’s curious food lovers.

Arepas, Empanadas & More: What’s the Difference?

We hear this question often: What’s the difference between empanadas and arepas? Though both are corn-based and beloved staples of Colombian cuisine, each offers something distinctly delicious.

Empanadas

Usually fried to a golden brown.
Filled with meaty, savory fillings such as seasoned meats, cheese melted to perfection, or sautéed vegetables.
Constructed from a crunchy cornmeal crust.
Crunchy, portable, and perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Empanada Mama’s Cheesesteak Empanada with top round steak strips, mozzarella, and red pepper with a Latin twist.

Arepas

Typically grilled, baked, or pan-cooked
May be opened up and filled or topped
Thicker, more tender texture
Made from a wet cornmeal dough, sometimes with cheese incorporated right in

Both are spines of Colombian snacks and are typically paired with iconic sauces like ají (a zesty green salsa) or hogao (a savory tomato and onion relish). They’re favorites at spots like Empanada Mama, where traditional techniques meet bold NYC flavor.

NYC Loves Colombian Food: And Here’s Why

Colombian food is beginning to reshape NYC's culinary landscape. The expansion of Latin American food continues to gain momentum, and Colombian street food is now a legitimate contender. It is a culinary boom for people willing to try new foods, as they tremor with the dance of flavor reached through spice, crunch, and comfort. Empanada Mama is where the magic is happening and serves up Colombian-style street food authentically yet modernly.

Our Hell's Kitchen location has quickly transformed into a hub of flavor. Its thriving atmosphere and fast-casual, next-level empanadas have led to a popular venue for locals and tourists. There is excitement in the air, and legions of 5-star reviews have documented their support. It represents the evolution of culinary dreams through the cross-pollination of tradition and innovation.

Vegan, Sweet, and Gluten-Free Options Too

One thing we love about Empanada Mama is that it represents inclusivity. Colombian food may be weighty, but its weight does not signify exclusivity.

Vegan empanada from Empanada Mama with mushrooms, sautéed garlic spinach, and vegan mozzarella cheese.

Vegan Empanadas: They are stuffed with plant-based ingredients and bring the flavor.

Guava & Cheese Empanadas: This sweet option combines sweet, tangy, and creamy. It represents a traditional Colombian dessert.
Gluten-Free Options: Gluten-free options are typically found among the products that use cornmeal and yucca flour.

Empanada Mama demonstrates that being faithful to Colombian traditions does not have to negate current dietary obligations.

From Street Carts to Sit-Downs: Elevating Colombian Snacks

Though Colombian snacks might have a simple street-cart origin, Empanada Mama gives them the respect they deserve. The chef prepares each dish using fresh ingredients and care while still exemplifying the spirit of Colombian street food, which is casual, warm, and full of character.

A hand holding an empanada in front of Empanada Mama store, showcasing Colombian street food in NYC.

The colorful spaces invite you with warmth and nostalgia, and the scents of the cuisine whisk you away to the streets of Bogotá or Cali. It’s greater than just food; it’s a vibe.

Where to Find Us: Your Colombian Street Food Destination in NYC

If you're up for trying some of NYC's most excellent Colombian street food, Empanada Mama is the place to go. Stop by their Hell's Kitchen, Lower East Side, or Brooklyn spots, or see their entire menu online.

If you're just popping in for a bite to eat or meeting with friends for a night out, their food never fails.

Hungry for Colombian munchies now? You can also order ahead or check out their catering services for your next party.

We’ve made it our mission to find the best bites in the city, and when it comes to Colombian food, Empanada Mama never lets us down.

Craving Colombian Street Food in NYC? Here's Where to Find the Real Deal