Before visiting Colombia, I didn’t know much about Colombian cuisine. If you’d asked me to name a traditional dish, I probably would’ve mumbled something about arepas, mispronouncing it poorly, and left it at that.
That all changed thanks to the wealth of Medellín food tours available—especially one fantastic street food tour in Envigado with our local guide, Alejandro from La Mesa food tours. If you’re like me and food is how you connect with culture, a Medellín food tour is one of the best ways to understand this vibrant city.
Flights to Medellin? Compare prices on flights to Medellin with SkyscannerGetting Started in Envigado
Our Medellin food adventure kicked off in Envigado, just south of Medellin proper. Known for its high quality of life and slower pace, Envigado has a reputation for being a senior-friendly area with plenty of charm. It’s packed with family-run restaurants, open-air markets, and boutique shops.
Our meeting point was near a beautiful colonial Parroquia Santa Gertrudis that has stood for centuries—a symbol of the neighborhood’s rich past and a perfect starting point for a Medellin day tour.
When I asked our guide why Envigado, thinking it was more of a foodie hub in Medellín, he explained that it’s known for being a safe, walkable neighborhood with a mix of traditional charm and modern spots serving dishes you can find throughout the city. I was a little skeptical at first, but that hesitation quickly faded with all the great food that followed.
📌 Book Your Medellín Food Tour Here
Meet Alejandro: Our Guide to Medellin Food
With our group for the day gathered, Alejandro, our guide, greeted us with a warm smile and gave us a quick rundown of what to expect: a Medellin street food tour through the city’s iconic flavors, a walk through bustling streets, a modern market, and the stories behind each bite. With our appetites growing, we set off on our food and exotic fruit tour Medellin experience.
First Stop: The Perfect Empanada
Our first stop served what Alejandro confidently claimed were some of the best empanadas in Medellin. This was confirmed with the long line at 10:00 in the morning. I’ve had empanadas across South America and usually prefer them baked, but these deep-fried pockets were crispy perfection.
Alejandro explained that frying food in Colombia has historic roots—a method of preserving it long before refrigeration. It’s also delicious. As I would find, fried bread and cheese, or cheese on everything, is a recurring theme in Medellin food. Our next stop, for example, was a chócolo which is sweet corn bread topped with a slab of cheese.
Dishes like chócolo and empanadas are a staple across Colombia, the latter often made with corn dough and filled with meat, potatoes, and spices. According to Berlitz.com, Colombian cuisine is heavily influenced by its geography, with coastal regions leaning on seafood and the Andean areas (like Medellin) favoring hearty, meat-centric dishes.
Medellin street food is accessible and authentic, often handmade by vendors who have perfected their recipes over generations.
Next: Medellin Exotic Fruit Tour
We wandered into a colorful and modern local market, a contrast from the cathedral and streets prior. Here, we launched into our Medellin fruit tour. Colombia has over 400 types of fruit, and we sampled several varieties I had never even heard of.
While I enjoyed all the fruit we sampled—some were sour, some were sweet, and one made my mouth pucker in surprise—I much preferred them juiced… or in a cocktail. Why does all of Colombia’s fruit go so well in a cocktail, hmm?
My favorite part was discovering how many of these fruits are used medicinally in Colombia. Fresh juices are sold everywhere, each promising some sort of health benefit. These fruits aren’t just refreshing; they’re a cornerstone of Colombian wellness culture.
One standout was the lulo, a citrusy fruit popular in juices for its tart flavor. Another was the guanabana, known for its creamy texture and often used in smoothies. As noted by Colombia Travel, Colombia’s unique biodiversity means it grows more exotic fruits than almost any other country on Earth.
Alejandro told us how locals often use passionfruit (maracuyá) to treat digestion issues and soursop (guanabana) to help with inflammation. It’s fascinating to see how food and health are so intertwined here.
Third Stop: Bean Soup with Chicharron
After the sweet fruits, it was time to balance things out with something savory. We sat down for a bowl of traditional bean soup, served with rice and an outrageously large chunk of chicharron (crispy pork belly).
Alejandro told us how pork is king in Colombian cuisine—with limited pasture land for cattle, pigs have historically been the preferred livestock. Chicharron is everywhere, and I was not mad about that. I think I ate my weight in it during my trip, which is odd as I have never enjoyed it. Turns out, I have never had proper and good chicharron.
The soup, often called frijoles antioqueños, is a regional specialty. It’s hearty, simple, and soul-warming. It also pairs beautifully with salsa and arepas, which we quickly devoured. Medellin food is unapologetically rich, and that’s part of its charm.
What stood out was the layering of flavors in a seemingly simple dish—smoky beans, salty pork, and perfectly steamed rice. It’s comfort food at its best.
Fill-In Stops: Arepas, Fried Cheese Bread, and Local Snacks
The rest of the food tour Medellín stops were just as delightful. One highlight was trying Colombian street churros—smaller, crispier, and bite-sized compared to the long, doughy versions I’ve had in La Condesa, Mexico City. Served plain and without any frills, they’re perfect for snacking on the go and a great example of how Colombia puts its own spin on familiar street food.
We also made a quick stop into a local bar for a shot of aguardiente, Colombia’s national spirit. An anise-flavored liquor often shared among friends, it’s smooth but packs a punch, especially in the midday heat. Slightly sweet and herbal, it’s not for everyone—but in that moment, surrounded by laughter and clinking glasses, it felt just right.
Dessert: Ice Cream with Cheese
To cap it all off, we were handed a glass of fresh fruit—topped with shredded cheese. Salpicón con queso, as it’s known, might sound strange at first, but the salty cheese against the sweet, juicy fruit somehow worked. It reminded me of how my dad used to top apple pie with sharp cheddar: unexpected, but oddly satisfying. Just another example of how Colombian cuisine manages to surprise and delight in the best ways.
Alejandro explained how sweet and savory combinations are common in Colombian desserts, especially in Antioquia, where Medellín is located. Think brevas (figs) with arequipe (caramel) or cuajada with honey. There’s a balance at play that speaks to both comfort and creativity—something I came to appreciate more with every bite.
Why You Should Take a Medellin Food Tour
This Medellin exotic fruit tour and food crawl with La Mesa Tours was the perfect introduction to Colombian cuisine. Alejandro shared not just the ingredients but the stories and culture behind every dish. By the end, I felt like I had a better understanding of Medellin, its people, and its neighborhoods.
Whether you’re staying a week (check out my 7 days in Medellin itinerary), exploring different barrios, or just visiting for the day, this kind of Medellin day tour is a great way to get your bearings. You’ll come away full, informed, and inspired to explore more. After our tour, I knew exactly where to eat in Medellin and had a list of dishes I wanted to try again.
You might even find yourself inspired to take a Colombian cooking class or visit another food tour of Laureles. Medellin Envigado might not be on everyone’s radar, but it should be. From the food to the people, this adjacent city has plenty to offer.
📌 Book Your Medellín Food Tour Here
Where to Stay (and Stay Connected) in Medellín
If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable base while exploring Medellín’s food scene, I highly recommend The Landmark Hotel. It was the perfect place to work off the food coma—whether that meant a quick workout in the 24-hour gym, relaxing by the rooftop pool, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the coworking space with a coffee. Thoughtful amenities and a great location made it an ideal spot to rest and recharge between bites.
👉 Read my full Landmark Hotel Medellín review here
Staying connected during your Medellín food tour (or anywhere in South America) is easy with a reliable eSIM. I used a GigSky eSIM throughout my trip and had smooth, consistent data to navigate, translate, and share mouthwatering moments in real time. No swapping SIM cards or hunting for Wi-Fi—just instant connectivity from the moment I landed. For more details and to purchase a GigSky eSIM through my referral link, visit here. Don’t forget to use PROMO code SHAU179 for a $3 USD credit!
FAQ: Medellin Food Tours
How much does a Medellin street food tour cost?
Most tours range from $50-$70 USD for adults. Ours was $60 USD and included 7 tastings, drinks, and a guided walk through Envigado.
What should I bring on a food tour?
Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, sunscreen, and an empty stomach! Most tours last about 3 hours.
Is Colombian food spicy?
Not really. Colombian food tends to be savory and fried, but not spicy. You might want to add ají (hot sauce) if you like heat.
Are Medellin food tours suitable for kids?
Yes! Many tours offer discounts for kids, and there’s plenty of fruit and snacks they’ll enjoy.
Can I do a Medellin food tour if I have dietary restrictions?
It depends. Always contact the tour operator ahead of time. Some dishes are pork-heavy or fried, but there may be vegetarian-friendly options.
What other experiences pair well with a food tour?
If you’re planning more activities, check out visiting Communa 13 for street art, paragliding in Medellin for some adrenaline, or learn salsa dancing to burn off all that delicious food.
What say you?
Thoughts on this Medellin food tour review?
Let’s hear it!
