Best Street Food Destinations in South America

South America is a culinary paradise where lively cultures join hands to create a rich blend of flavors. Forget the Michelin stars, and ditch the white tablecloths. If you want to taste the soul of a place, hit the streets. Street food is an integral part of this gastronomic experience, offering travelers an authentic taste of local life at an affordable price.

From the busy markets of Lima to the colorful streets of Cartagena, each destination has its own unique offerings that reflect its cultural heritage. This article will take you on a journey through some of the best street food destinations in South America, where the food is not just a meal but an experience.

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Lima, Peru

Lima is often hailed as the gourmet capital of South America and its street food scene is evidence to this title. The city’s street vendors offer a variety of dishes that reflect Peru’s diverse culinary heritage. One must-try is anticuchos, skewers of marinated beef heart grilled to perfection and typically served with a spicy sauce. Another popular dish is ceviche, a refreshing mix of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, onions, and cilantro.

For those looking to explore Lima’s street food scene, head to Mercado de Surquillo or Parque Kennedy, where you can find a wide range of options. The cost of dining here is incredibly affordable, with most dishes priced between $2 to $5. Restaurants like Sanguchería La Lucha also offer street food favorites in a more formal setting, with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per dish.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a city that celebrates food, and its street food culture is deeply rooted in Argentine traditions. The star of the show here is the empanada, a pastry filled with various ingredients such as beef, chicken, cheese, or corn. Each region in Argentina has its own take on the empanada, but Buenos Aires offers some of the best.

San Telmo Market is a great place to start your street food adventure in Buenos Aires. Here, you can find empanadas for as little as $1 each. For a more upscale experience, visit El Hornero or La Cocina Discreta, where you can enjoy gourmet versions of empanadas for around $3 to $5.

Another must-try is the choripán, a chorizo sausage sandwich typically served with chimichurri sauce. You can find this at various street stalls across the city, with prices ranging from $2 to $4.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena’s street food scene is a vibrant reflection of its Caribbean influence, offering a range of flavors that are both unique and delicious. One of the most popular street foods here is arepas de huevo, a deep-fried corn cake stuffed with egg and sometimes meat. Another favorite is patacones, fried green plantains often topped with cheese, meat, or seafood.

The best place to sample these delights is at Plaza de la Trinidad in the Getsemaní neighborhood, where vendors sell arepas for around $1.50 each. For a more varied experience, visit Mercado Bazurto, where you can find everything from fresh seafood to local snacks.

Dining in Cartagena is very affordable, with most street food items priced between $1 to $3. Restaurants like La Cevichería also offer street food-inspired dishes with a more refined twist, with prices ranging from $10 to $20.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago’s street food scene is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish and modern influences offering a wide range of delicious options. The completo, a hot dog topped with avocado, tomatoes and mayonnaise is a must-try for any visitor. Another popular dish is sopaipillas, fried dough discs often served with a spicy chili sauce.

For the best street food experience in Santiago, head to La Vega Central, a busy market where you can find completos for around $2 each. Barrio Bellavista is another great spot for street food, especially for sopaipillas, which can be found for as little as $0.50 each. Restaurants like Fuente Alemana serve gourmet completos, with prices ranging from $5 to $8, offering a more refined take on this classic street food.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito offers a street food experience that is rich in traditional Ecuadorian flavors. One of the most iconic dishes is llapingachos, potato patties stuffed with cheese and served with a variety of toppings such as avocado, chorizo and fried eggs. Another local favorite is empanadas de viento, deep-fried empanadas filled with cheese and sprinkled with sugar.

The best place to sample Quito’s street food is at Mercado Central, where you can find llapingachos for around $1.50 each. Plaza Foch is another popular area, especially in the evenings when food vendors set up stalls offering a range of dishes.

Most street food in Quito is very affordable, with prices ranging from $1 to $3. For a more upscale dining experience, visit Achiote Ecuador Cuisine, where traditional street food dishes are given a gourmet twist, with prices ranging from $8 to $15.

Conclusion

Street food isn’t just about eating; it’s about connecting with a place through its flavors, its people, and a shared love of messy, unpretentious bites. South America’s street food scene offers a culinary adventure that is both diverse and accessible. From the chaotic markets of Lima to the sizzling grills of Buenos Aires, South America’s street food is a dance of flavors that’ll make you forget about fine dining altogether.

Each city has its own unique flavors and dishes, making it a continent where food lovers can explore endlessly. So go ahead—take a bite, make a mess, and let the streets of South America serve up the best darn meal of your life.