What To Eat In Medellin : Food & Places

Colombia, Destinations / / Leave a Comment

What to eat in Medellin – When people hear Medellin, Colombia, many still think of the same things: Pablo Escobar, cartels, and crime stories. But the city is so much more than that.

Yes, its past was tough.

But today’s Medellin is energetic, colorful, young, and incredibly alive.

In this post, I’m not going to talk about crime stories. I’m going to talk about food. And if Bogotá is also on your itinerary, check out my The Best Places to Eat in Bogota & Local Delicacies.

Aguapanela con Queso

Aguapanela con Queso should be high on your list of what to eat in Medellin.

Hot sugarcane water… with cheese inside.

Sweet?
Savory?
Undecided.

Interesting?
Absolutely yes.

I tried it at a small street stand.
First sip: “What is this?”
Second sip: I was getting used to it.
Third sip: it was already gone.

Definitely try it.

A man with a joyful expression and wide eyes holding a plastic fork with melted, stringy cheese over a plastic cup filled with Aguapanela. He is wearing a grey cap and a light blue shirt.
Aguapanela con queso

Carne Molida

It may sound simple — just ground beef.
But once you add onions, spices, and a few small touches, it becomes something else.

It’s usually served with rice.
Nothing fancy, but full of flavor.
I had it several times in Medellín, and each time it felt like homemade comfort food.

A colorful plate of Carne Molida (ground meat) served with white rice and fried plantains on a glass table. The table is set with other Colombian sides like avocado, salsa, and fruit.
Carne molida

Bandeja Paisa

A true “chef’s mixed platter”!

It has everything: beef, avocado, rice, fried egg, plantain, red beans, arepa, chorizo, chicharrón…

Portion size?
Huge.

Did I finish it?
Barely, but yes.

If you’re visiting Colombia, this is a must-try.

A hearty bowl of Bandeja Paisa, a traditional Colombian dish, featuring grilled pork, red beans, white rice topped with a fried egg, a small arepa, avocado, chicharrón, chorizo, and plantain.
Bandeja paisa

Street Food in Medellin (Hot Dogs & Burgers)

When evening comes, the street corners come alive.

The price–performance ratio is excellent.
And the best part?
You’re eating right in the middle of real city life.

Hot dogs, burgers, and grilled meats line up on sizzling grills.
Many of them are better than what you’d find in proper restaurants.

A man in a blue puffer jacket and grey cap smiling at a street food stall in Medellin while squeezing a large amount of yellow sauce onto a loaded hot dog. A menu and various sauce bottles are visible in the background.
Hot dog
A close-up of a loaded Colombian-style street burger held in a hand. The burger is wrapped in foil and overflowing with melted cheese, sauces, and a thick layer of crispy shoestring potatoes (papitas fritas).
Street burger
A street food vendor in Medellin grilling thin steaks and white arepas over hot charcoal on a large outdoor metal grate. The vendor is using tongs to flip an arepa.
Fresh steaks
A man in a blue puffer jacket and grey cap smiling at a street food stall in Medellin while squeezing a large amount of yellow sauce onto a loaded hot dog. A menu and various sauce bottles are visible in the background.
Hot dog
A close-up of a loaded Colombian-style street burger held in a hand. The burger is wrapped in foil and overflowing with melted cheese, sauces, and a thick layer of crispy shoestring potatoes (papitas fritas).
Street burger
A street food vendor in Medellin grilling thin steaks and white arepas over hot charcoal on a large outdoor metal grate. The vendor is using tongs to flip an arepa.
Fresh steaks
A man in a blue puffer jacket and grey cap smiling at a street food stall in Medellin while squeezing a large amount of yellow sauce onto a loaded hot dog. A menu and various sauce bottles are visible in the background.
A close-up of a loaded Colombian-style street burger held in a hand. The burger is wrapped in foil and overflowing with melted cheese, sauces, and a thick layer of crispy shoestring potatoes (papitas fritas).
A street food vendor in Medellin grilling thin steaks and white arepas over hot charcoal on a large outdoor metal grate. The vendor is using tongs to flip an arepa.
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Chef Burger (Laureles – Medellin)

If you’re craving a burger, Chef Burger is a solid option.
The Laureles branch is quite popular.

The patty is juicy and flavorful.
Portions are satisfying.
Sauce combinations are well balanced.

If you want something classic but high quality, this is a good pick.
Click for their website!

A gourmet bacon cheeseburger served open-faced on newspaper-print parchment paper, accompanied by a cone of french fries and a bottle of Club Colombia Dorada beer on a wooden table.
Chef Burger

Cafe Revolución

Cafe Revolución is a calm and relaxed spot.
Perfect for a coffee break.

It’s located on Carrera 73, close to the university area.

A top-down view of a white cup of black coffee and a square plate with a slice of chocolate cake on a table featuring the "Café Revolución" logo.
Café Revolución

Cafe Zeppelin

Cafe Zeppelin has a cozy and friendly decoration.
It feels fresh and green, almost like sitting inside a small urban garden.

The menu offers a variety of options.
Prices are reasonable.
Ideal for both daytime and evening visits.

A view through a doorway into the interior of Café Zeppelin in Medellin. The room has white textured walls, wooden tables with dark chairs, a black leather armchair, and posters on the wall, including one of a jazz musician.
Cafe Zeppelin

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