If you’re searching for the best Medellín food tour, chances are you’re arriving in Colombia like I did—excited, curious, and with absolutely no idea what Colombian food actually is.
Before landing in Medellín, I could barely name more than empanadas and arepas. That was it. But after spending time in the city—and more importantly, eating my way through it—I quickly realized Colombian cuisine is massively underrated.
The challenge? Knowing what to eat, where to go, and what’s actually worth trying.
That’s exactly why doing a Laureles Medellin food tour ended up being one of the smartest decisions I made.
After having a great experience on a free walking tour with Medellin Real City Tours, I decided to tag along on their Laureles food tour—and I’m glad I did.
If you’re planning your trip, especially something like 7 days in Medellín, this is one experience worth prioritizing early.
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Why This Is the Best Medellín Food Tour in Laureles
This isn’t just any Medellín street food tour—it’s a curated walk through Laureles, a neighborhood ranked the coolest in the world by Time Out Magazine in 2023.
Instead of bouncing between tourist-heavy spots, this tour focuses on local favorites—the kind of places you’d walk right past if you didn’t know better.
What makes this one of the best Medellín food tour options is the storytelling. At each stop, you’re not just eating—you’re learning about Colombian culture, traditions, and how these dishes fit into everyday life.
Exploring Laureles on a Medellín Street Food Tour
Laureles is one of those neighborhoods that just feels easy to explore.
Wide, tree-lined streets, a circular layout, and a strong local vibe make it perfect for a Medellín street food tour. Everything is walkable, and the pace of the tour reflects that—relaxed, social, and never rushed.
It’s also packed with restaurants, cafés, and small food spots that feel authentic—not curated for tourists.
If you’re planning your stay, check out where to stay in Medellín or browse the best hotels in Medellín.
🏨 Find the Best Hotels in Medellín
What You’ll Eat on This Medellin Real City Tours
Over roughly 2.5 hours, you’ll sample a wide range of Medellín food, including:
- Salpicón (fruit drink/dessert)
- Two types of arepas
- Patacón
- Chorizo
- Chicharrón
- Grilled cheese
- Guandolo (traditional drink)
- Bocadillo with cheese
- Carimañola or empanada
- Buñuelo
There’s a heavy emphasis on fried food—something you’ll quickly notice across Medellín street food in general.
What to Expect on This Laureles Medellín Food Tour
The Medellin Real City tour kicked off with introductions to the group and our guide before heading straight to our first stop—La Jugosa, a local juice spot that perfectly sets the tone for what’s to come.
Here, we were served salpicón, a refreshing fruit-based drink that sits somewhere between a juice and a dessert. Packed with chopped fruit and sweet juice, it’s one of those simple but iconic Colombian staples that immediately gives you a sense of the country’s incredible produce.
Oddly enough, it was topped with cheese—which caught me off guard at first—but it worked. The mix of sweet fruit and salty cheese reminded me of something my dad used to do: putting a slice of cheddar on top of apple pie. It always sounded strange, but somehow just made sense once you tried it.
It was a great icebreaker—light, refreshing, and a nice contrast to what was coming next. It also gave everyone a chance to loosen up, chat, and settle into the rhythm of the tour.
From there, we made our way through Laureles, stopping at a mix of street vendors, casual eateries, and even a funky house-turned-restaurant that I never would have found on my own.
Everything was within walking distance, which made the experience feel more like exploring with friends than being on a structured tour.
Top Food Stops on This Medellín Street Food Tour
One of the standout moments for me was a stop at Fidelina, a quirky house-turned-restaurant in Laureles that I never would have found on my own.
From the outside, it looks like a typical residential home, but inside it’s full of character—plants growing out of unexpected places, mismatched décor, and a cozy, lived-in vibe that feels very Medellín. It’s the kind of spot that locals love and tourists usually miss.
This is where things shifted from snacks to something a bit more social.
We sat down for a drink and were introduced to Colombia’s national spirit—aguardiente. Slightly sweet with a strong anise flavor, it’s one of those drinks you’ll either love or learn to love. Either way, it’s a rite of passage in Colombia.
It was also one of those moments where the tour slowed down a bit—in a good way. Instead of rushing between stops, we got to sit, chat, and take in the atmosphere.
The Best Medellin Street Food Tour
The tour continued with more street eats (and a few pours of aguardiente) as we moved through Laureles, stopping at a mix of casual spots and local vendors along the way.
Between stops, we sampled a rotating lineup of Colombian staples—crispy arepas, salty chorizo, golden fried patacón, and of course, plenty of chicharrón. Like much of Medellín street food, a lot of it leaned on fried textures and bold, simple flavors—but that’s part of the charm. It’s hearty, satisfying, and unapologetically indulgent.
One of the things I appreciated most about Medellin Real City Tours was how the experience balanced quick bites with moments to slow down. Whether it was grabbing something off the street or sitting briefly with a drink, it never felt rushed. The addition of aguardiente along the way didn’t hurt either—it kept things social and added to that “out with friends” feeling rather than a formal tour.
By the time we reached the final stop, I was already full—but the tour wasn’t quite done yet.
It ended on a memorable note at a small local market, where we were given a bonus sample of chunchurria—fried intestines.
Not something I would have ever ordered on my own… but surprisingly, it was excellent.
Crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside, and packed with flavor, it was one of those dishes that challenges your expectations in the best way possible—and a perfect example of why doing a Real City Laureles Medellin food tour is worth it.
It’s not just about eating—it’s about trying things you normally wouldn’t.
Not something I would have ordered on my own… but surprisingly, it was excellent.
Crispy, salty, and packed with flavor, it ended up being one of the most unexpected highlights of the entire Medellín street food tour.
The Cultural Side of Medellín Food
What really sets this apart as the best Medellín food tour is the context behind the food.
You’re not just tasting dishes—you’re learning:
- Why frying is so common
- How dishes evolved over time
- What locals actually eat day-to-day
That added layer of understanding makes a huge difference.
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Is This the Best Medellín Food Tour for You?
If you want:
- A local, non-touristy experience
- A walkable food tour
- A mix of traditional dishes and street food
Then yes—this is easily one of the best Medellín food tour options.
How This Compares to a Medellín Fruit Tour
If you’re looking for a Medellín fruit tour or Medellín exotic fruit tour, this one only scratches the surface with drinks like salpicón.
There’s a strong focus on fried and savory dishes, so I’d actually recommend pairing this with something like my experience on the La Mesa food tour, which includes a lot more fruit.
You could also explore a Medellín coffee tour for another angle on Colombian flavors.
What to Pair With This Medellín Day Tour
This fits perfectly into a broader Medellín day tour itinerary.
Pair it with:
Final Thoughts on Medellin Feal City Tours
After doing multiple tours in Medellín, this one with Medellin Real City Tours stood out for how genuinely local it felt.
It wasn’t just about ticking off dishes—it was about understanding them. Walking through Laureles Medellín, stopping at places I never would have found on my own, and trying foods I probably wouldn’t have ordered without a guide made the entire experience feel more immersive.
From the first sip of salpicón at La Jugosa to ending the night with crispy chunchurria at a local market, this tour delivered a full snapshot of Medellín street food and culture in just a few hours.
It’s relaxed, social, and perfectly paced—more like exploring with friends than being led around on a strict itinerary.
If you’re new to the city, this is one of the best ways to get your bearings. And even if you’re not, it’s still a great way to discover new spots and deepen your appreciation for Medellín food.
Just come hungry—and maybe don’t plan a big dinner afterward.
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Where to Stay (and Stay Connected) in Medellín
If you’re looking for a comfortable base while exploring Medellín’s food scene, choosing a centrally located hotel with solid amenities can make a big difference. After a food tour, having a place to unwind—whether that’s by a pool, in a gym, or just a quiet room—helps balance out all the eating. You can browse some of the best hotels in Medellín here to find something that fits your style.
👉 Read my full Landmark Hotel Medellín review here
And if you’re flying in, don’t miss the SALAS VIP lounge. Also, here’s my Avianca A320 Business Class review to see if upgrading is worth it! Have an early flight out? Consider a stay at this great Medellin Airport hotel!
Staying connected during your time in Medellín—or anywhere in South America—is easier than ever with an eSIM. Having reliable data on your phone makes a huge difference when you’re navigating between food stops, translating menus, or quickly looking up recommendations on the go.
No need to swap SIM cards or hunt down Wi-Fi—just instant connectivity from the moment you land. You can order your eSIM through my referral link here. Don’t forget to use PROMO code SHAU179 for a $3 USD credit!
FAQ: Medellín Food Tour Guide
What is included in this Medellín food tour?
Around 10 tastings, a guide, and cultural explanations.
How long is the tour?
About 2.5 hours—perfect for a Medellín day tour.
Is it vegan or vegetarian-friendly?
No—many dishes include meat and dairy.
Is this Medellin day tour worth it?
Yes—especially if you want to understand Medellín food beyond just eating it.
What say you?
Thoughts on this Medellin food tour review?
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