4 Vegeterian Friendly Colombian Snacks
Quick answer: Four vegetarian friendly Colombian snacks you shouldn’t miss are buñuelos, arepas, chontaduro and obleas. You’ll find them on almost every corner of the country, and most cost just a few thousand Colombian pesos (COP).
Colombia isn’t all about the coffee, locally known as tinto. These four popular vegetarian snacks are something you can’t miss while you’re in the country.
Vegetarian Friendly Colombian Snacks at a Glance
| Snack | What it is | Price |
| Buñuelo | Fried cheese dough balls | 600–3,000 COP |
| Arepa | Maize dough or cooked flour patty | 1,000–4,000 COP |
| Chontaduro | Peach palm fruit with salt, lemon or honey | 1,000–4,000 COP |
| Oblea | Thin wafers filled with arequipe | 3,000–5,000 COP |
1. Buñuelo
Buñuelos are hugely popular in Colombia. They are made with a small-curd white cheese, formed into doughy balls and fried golden brown.
This popular street food goes well with a cup of tinto (Colombian coffee) and is easy to find in panaderías (bakeries).
Price: between 600 and 3,000 COP
2. Arepa
The arepa is an iconic food in Colombia, with some 75 distinct forms of preparation. Arepas are normally made from ground maize dough or cooked flour and are considered part of Colombia’s cultural heritage.
Every region has its own variation, so it’s worth trying different arepas as you travel around the country.
Price: between 1,000 and 4,000 COP
3. Chontaduro
Also known as peach palm, chontaduro is an intensely dry, starchy fruit, almost yam-like in colour and texture. It is high in protein, carotene and vitamin A.
Chontaduros are usually peeled, cut and served in a bag with salt, lemon or honey, all of which enhance the flavour.
Price: between 1,000 and 4,000 COP
4. Oblea
Obleas are a popular Colombian dessert. They mainly consist of arequipe (sweetened milk caramel) spread between thin wafers.
Obleas may also contain jam, cheese, fruit, raspberry sauce, coconut and other toppings.
Price: between 3,000 and 5,000 COP
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best vegetarian snacks in Colombia?
Buñuelos, arepas, chontaduro and obleas are four popular vegetarian friendly Colombian snacks found almost everywhere in the country.
Where can I buy buñuelos in Colombia?
Buñuelos are sold as street food and are easy to find in panaderías (bakeries), often enjoyed with a cup of tinto.
How much do Colombian street snacks cost?
Most cost between about 600 and 5,000 COP, with buñuelos the cheapest and obleas at the top of the range.
Conclusion
From cheesy buñuelos and regional arepas to salty-sweet chontaduro and arequipe-filled obleas, Colombia’s street snacks are cheap, delicious and easy for vegetarians to enjoy. Pair any of them with a tinto for the full local experience.
