If you spend any time in Medellín, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll quickly discover that arepas are more than just food. They’re a daily ritual, a cultural symbol, and one of Colombia’s most beloved culinary traditions. Made from cornmeal and enjoyed in countless variations, arepas have been a staple since pre‑Columbian times, when indigenous communities first transformed maize into these versatile, satisfying rounds.
Today, you’ll find arepas everywhere: sizzling on street‑corner grills, served alongside hearty breakfasts, or reinvented in upscale restaurants. From the thin, crispy arepa paisa of Antioquia to the sweet, cheesy arepa de chócolo, each variety tells a story about the region it comes from and the people who make it.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Colombian arepas, break down the most popular types you’ll encounter in Medellín and beyond, share authentic preparation tips, and even show you where to find the best ones in the city. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a home cook, or simply hungry, this is your passport to understanding — and enjoying — one of Colombia’s most iconic dishes.
Types of Colombian Arepas
These are just a few of the varieties that you'll likely come across during your travels in Medellín and throughout Colombia:
- Arepa Paisa: A thin and crispy arepa from the Antioquia region of Colombia, which includes Medellín. It is made with white cornmeal and no filling, and is often served with butter, cheese, hogao (tomato and onion sauce), eggs, or meat.
- Arepa de Chócolo: A sweet arepa made with fresh corn kernels and cheese (either served on top or stuffed inside) that is usually grilled or fried and can be eaten as a snack or dessert.
- Arepa Santandereana: A thick and yellow arepa from the Santander department of Colombia made with dried corn, cassava, and pork belly.
- Arepa Costeña: A fried arepa from the Caribbean coast of Colombia and Venezuela made with yellow cornmeal and cheese, and sometimes stuffed with eggs or meat. This style is often served with ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
- Arepa Andina: A soft and fluffy arepa from the Andes region of Venezuela made with wheat flour instead of cornmeal and has cheese and tomatoes as fillings. It is usually eaten for breakfast with coffee.
Taking a group of The Paisa Plan clients to one of my favorite arepa stands
In Medellín, you'll most often come across the Paisa, chócolo, and Venezuelan varieties. For plant-based eaters, arepas are just another reason why vegans love the city. The Paisa with hogao is simple yet delicious (especially the crispier variety cooked over a charcoal grill called al carbon), chócolo already has plenty of flavor and can go from great to outstanding with hogao, and the Venezuelan style gives you even more options with traditional ingredients like black beans (caraotas negras) and plantains. There is also no reason why you can't (or wouldn't!) add avocado or guacamole to each one!
Charcoal-grilled arepas are some of the best
Why Colombian Arepas Are Unique and How Chefs Are Innovating
Looking closer at the main differences between Colombian and Venezuelan arepas, Colombian arepas tend to be thinner, sweeter, and simpler, while Venezuelan arepas tend to be thicker, saltier, and more elaborate. Colombian arepas are often topped with cheese or eggs, while Venezuelan arepas are usually sliced open and stuffed with various ingredients. However, there is also a lot of diversity and overlap between the two countries, as they share a common cultural heritage.
While traditional methods of cooking and serving arepas are alive and well, there are plenty of updated takes on this much-loved culinary staple. Modern restaurants and chefs in Colombia are reinventing arepas by experimenting with new flavors, ingredients, and presentation styles that blend the classic with the contemporary. Examples include:
- Fusion Flavors: Chefs are incorporating international cuisines into arepas, creating fusion dishes that blend Colombian flavors with Asian, Mediterranean, or other culinary traditions.
- Gourmet Ingredients: Upscale restaurants are using high-quality, gourmet ingredients to elevate the humble arepa, including artisanal cheeses, organic veggies, and premium meats.
- Health-Conscious Options: With a growing focus on health and wellness, many restaurants are now offering gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian arepas using alternative flours like quinoa, yuca, or amaranth and then filling them with plant-based proteins and fresh vegetables. You'll even be amazed at the different options available at the local supermarket!
- Artistic Presentation: Presentation is key in modern cuisine, and arepas are no exception. Chefs are paying attention to the visual appeal of their dishes, plating arepas in creative ways and garnishing them with edible flowers or colorful sauces.
- Cultural Fusion: In areas with diverse populations, chefs are blending Colombian and local culinary traditions. For example, in areas with a strong Caribbean influence, you might find arepas filled with spicy jerk chicken or coconut shrimp.
These innovative approaches to arepas reflect the dynamic nature of Colombian cuisine and its ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, a meat eater or a vegan, there's an arepa out there for everyone in Colombia's modern culinary landscape.
Yuca-based arepas filled with avocado and hogao (tomatoes, onions, and olive oil)
Find The Best Arepas in Medellín
Now that you are hungry, you'll likely want to know that OCI, one of the restaurants listed in How To Plan the Perfect Day in Medellín blog, is not only one of the best dining destinations in Poblado, but it also serves an excellent arepa dish that can be made vegan.
The perfect Medellín day is also included in the FREE 16-page The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín, which you can download through the button below. But if you really want to discover where all of the best arepa spots are, then you'll want to purchase a Paisa Plus or Pro plan. They come with benefits such as access to The Magic of Medellín Map that shows you where to find the best of everything throughout the city, the chance to join an invite-only WhatsApp help group, and the opportunity to have a detailed trip planning call or a private walking tour.
To learn about my services, as well as to get the guide, click here:
Thank you for reading, enter your email address below to be notified of future blogs, and I hope you enjoy the magic (and arepas) of Medellín!
- Jason ✨🇨🇴