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What Food To Try in Medellin and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Medellin for 2024.

National currency: Colombian Peso, symbol — (international currency code COP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Medellin cafes and restaurants
$4.8 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.65
$24.1 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $15.63
$6 
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.81

What to Try in Medellin

Must-try Dishes
Arepas con Huevo - Arepas with Egg - A delightful cornmeal cake stuffed with a fried egg, deep-fried to a golden crisp. Locals often enjoy it as a hearty breakfast on the go; you’ll find food vendors selling it at street corners in the morning.

Bandeja Paisa - Paisa Platter - A filling mix of grilled steak, chicharrón, sausage, rice, beans, and avocado, often topped with a fried egg. It’s the quintessential lunch dish enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions, and it’s hefty enough to share (or not!).

Empanadas - Empanadas - Savory turnovers filled with beef, potatoes, or chicken, perfectly flaky on the outside. These are a staple of Medellin street food, often served with ají (spicy sauce) for dipping; grabbing a couple as a quick snack is common.

La Sopa de Mondongo - Tripe Soup - This hearty tripe soup is simmered with various vegetables and spices, resulting in a rich flavor. Natives love to have this dish during rainy days, and it’s a frequent order at local eateries.

Mondongo con Plátano - Tripe with Plantain - Defined by its tender tripe and sweet plantain balance, this dish combines hearty flavors and textures. Often eaten during colder months, it's a comforting option for dinner that hints at nostalgia for many locals.

Patacón - Fried Green Plantain - Crunchy fried plantains usually served with guacamole or a meat filling. They're a popular side dish at family meals or street food stands and always a hit for late-night snacks.

Chicharrón - Crispy Pork Skin - Fried pork belly that’s irresistibly crunchy and savory, often enjoyed with aji and corn. It's a common occurrence for this to accompany a meal, traditionally eaten during festivities due to its rich flavors.

By the way, don’t forget to ask for a side of arequipe with your cheese; the locals swear by this unique combination!

Desserts & Drinks
Agua de Panela - Agua de Panela (cane sugar water) - A refreshing drink made by dissolving panela (unrefined cane sugar) in warm water, often served chilled with lime. Locals enjoy this at any time of the day, especially in the evening after work, as a casual and sweet way to wind down.

Elado - Elado (frozen treat) - A frozen dessert made with fresh fruit, such as maracuyá (passion fruit) or mango, blended with water and sugar, and served on a stick. You’ll find these icy delights mainly at street vendors, especially during hot afternoons, making them a perfect refresher on warm days.

Palenque - Palenque (local rum) - A smooth, locally distilled rum often enjoyed neat or mixed with cola, showcasing the sugar cane heritage of the region. Locals typically sip on this after dinner during celebrations or social gatherings, sharing stories and laughter around the table.

Bebida de Leche - Bebida de Leche (milk drink) - A sweet and creamy beverage made with milk, vanilla, and dissolved arequipe (Colombian caramel), served warm. This is particularly popular during festive occasions, often shared among families while reminiscing about traditions.

Buñuelo - Buñuelo (cheese fritter) - A light and airy pastry created from a dough made with cheese, yuca flour, and eggs, then deep-fried until golden. Traditionally consumed during Christmas, this delightful treat is often paired with hot chocolate, as families gather to celebrate. By the way, they can be surprisingly addictive, so don't hesitate to grab a few!

Food and Groceries in Medellin

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.19
Bananas $0.82
Oranges $1.27
Potatoes $1.13
Apples $2.37
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.69
0.5L Local Beer $0.98
Imported Beer $1.65
Wine Rating >4.0 $7.82
Milk 1L $0.9

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $7.61
Chicken $5.36
Cigarettes $2.01
Rice $1.13
Local Cheese $4.22

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

The mealtime rhythm in Medellin stands out, especially during lunch when the city comes alive with aromas and chatter. From around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, locals flock to eateries, with bustling lunch spots in neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles drawing crowds. A typical bandeja paisa, often the choice of the day, will cost you between 15,000 and 30,000 COP, depending on the spot—street vendors being the cheaper option and higher-end places raising the price, sometimes as high as 50,000 COP.

Dining habits differ from other cities in the sense that lunch is the main meal of the day here. Many people will even take an extended break from work to enjoy a leisurely meal—something that’s a stark contrast to the grab-and-go culture in many other urban environments. Despite the relaxed pace, one common mistake that visitors make is choosing dinner as the primary meal, often finding restaurants eerily quiet and food options limited post-8 PM.

When it comes to paying, it’s worth mentioning that cash is still king in most casual dining spots, though many high-end restaurants now accept credit cards. I’ve often found that splitting the bill can confuse new visitors inexperienced with Colombian customs. And while tipping isn't mandatory, rounding up the bill as a gesture of appreciation is customary and shows your politeness. Expect to leave about 10% at sit-down restaurants.

One notable dining custom I’ve encountered is the communal feel of the food scene. Vendors will often encourage you to eat “a lo callejero”—at the street level, where food is meant to be shared and it’s common to see friends and families gathered around a food stall. For those planning to eat out, I’d recommend making a reservation during peak hours, especially at the more popular spots like Parque Lleras—otherwise, you might be in for a wait!

Timing is another key factor; many locals prioritize their mid-day meals, leading to rushed service during busy hours. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and really experience the vibe, consider dining a bit earlier or later—around 11:30 AM or after 2:30 PM.

As for seasonal changes, the climate can shift dining patterns; during the rainy season, street food might take a hit, as sellers pack up when it pours. Expect prices to rise slightly during peak tourist seasons as demand increases, particularly in El Poblado, where international visitors converge.

In summary, Medellin's culinary scene is deeply rooted in its local habits and rhythms. Paying attention to when and where to eat can truly enhance your experience in this vibrant city.




Tourist Reviews

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@ilyakarimdjanov
« Limes in Colombia are super cheap - about $0.40 per kilogram. Now let me tell you how much this treat costs in Kyrgyzstan - at least $8 per kilogram. That's why I don't indulge in them as often in my country... 🍋 »