The Unmissable Street Snacks of South America

16 December 2025

If your suitcase isn't packed yet, it should be—because South America isn’t just about Machu Picchu, vibrant carnivals, and breathtaking beaches. It’s a street food utopia. Seriously, ask anyone who’s been, and they’ll gush about the snacks just as much as the sights.

From the Andes to the Amazon, food vendors are cooking up some of the most addictive, flavorful bites you’ll ever try. It’s a culinary carnival on every corner. So grab a napkin, loosen your belt, and join me on a delicious journey through The Unmissable Street Snacks of South America.

Why Street Food in South America is So Special

You might be wondering—what makes South American street food so amazing?

Well, it’s more than just the taste (though let’s be honest, the taste is incredible). It’s the culture. It’s the way locals pour passion into a simple cart or stall. It’s the blend of Indigenous, African, Spanish, and even Asian influences, all wrapped up in one juicy empanada.

Eating street food in South America is like reading a nation’s diary—it tells stories, shares history, and satisfies your cravings all at once.

Argentina: Empanadas – The Pockets of Happiness

Let’s kick things off in Argentina, where the humble empanada reigns supreme.

These golden, half-moon-shaped pastries are stuffed with love—and a whole lot of delicious fillings. The classic version? Ground beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and maybe even some olives or raisins. But depending on the province, you’ll get everything from spicy chicken to blue cheese and ham.

Not only are empanadas cheap and filling, but they’re also the perfect on-the-go snack. Whether you're wandering the cobbled streets of Salta or waiting for a tango show in Buenos Aires, these little pastries are everywhere.

Tip: Go for the baked ones in the north and fried ones in the south. Trust me, the locals will notice your snack-savvy skills.

Brazil: Coxinha – Brazil’s Teardrop of Joy

Over in Brazil, street food is straight-up legendary. Among all the options, coxinha is a star.

This teardrop-shaped snack is crispy on the outside and bursting with creamy, shredded chicken on the inside. Think of it as Brazil’s answer to the chicken nugget—if chicken nuggets leveled up and went gourmet.

Often sold near metro stations, in parks, or at beachside kiosks, the coxinha is a snack you’ll crave long after you’ve left Rio.

Bonus Round: Pair it with a can of Guaraná, Brazil's favorite soda—you’ll thank me later.

Peru: Anticuchos – Skewers with a Kick

If you’re strolling through Lima as the sun sets, the smoky aroma of anticuchos will call to you. These are not your average kebabs.

Anticuchos are marinated beef heart skewers, grilled to perfection and usually served with boiled potatoes and a spicy Peruvian sauce. Sounds intense? It is—in the best way possible.

Eating anticuchos on a street corner near the Plaza de Armas is the ultimate local experience. And hey, if beef heart isn’t your thing, some vendors also grill up chicken or sausage versions.

Street Food Fact: Anticuchos date back to Inca times—talk about timeless flavor!

Colombia: Arepas – The Corn-Powered MVP

Colombia’s street food crown jewel? Without a doubt, it’s the arepa.

These thick corn cakes come in so many varieties, you could eat a different type every day and never get bored. Grilled, baked, or fried—they’re often stuffed with cheese, eggs, or meat.

One of the most popular versions is the arepa de queso—gooey, cheesy, and handheld heaven. And if you’re in Cartagena or Medellín, keep an eye out for arepa con huevo, where a whole egg is cracked inside and deep-fried until crispy.

Pro Tip: Add some ají sauce for a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Chile: Completo – Hot Dogs Gone Wild

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve had a completo in Chile.

This is not your average hot dog situation. A completo is a fully-loaded, flavor-packed monster covered in chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut, and a mountain-high squirt of mayonnaise. Some versions add avocado, mustard, or even green salsa.

Its name literally means “complete,” and yep—it’s got everything you need. You can find completos in tiny carts or fast-food spots all over Santiago.

Warning: It’s messy. Like, napkins-in-both-hands kind of messy. But every bite is sooo worth it.

Ecuador: Llapingachos – Potato Pancakes with Personality

Ecuador might just have the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Meet llapingachos.

These golden potato patties are stuffed with cheese, then grilled until crispy and gooey. Served with a fried egg, sausage, avocado, and spicy peanut sauce, it’s basically a meal disguised as a snack.

While they’re usually more common at markets or roadside stands in cities like Cuenca and Otavalo, some vendors keep it simple and sell them as grab-and-go street snacks.

Foodie Fun Fact: "Llapingacho" is almost as fun to say as it is to eat.

Bolivia: Salteñas – A Juicy Surprise

Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry only to discover a tiny, delicious stew inside. That’s the magic of salteñas, Bolivia’s signature mid-morning snack.

These baked pockets look like empanadas, but don’t be fooled—they’re juicier and sweeter. The filling usually includes spiced beef or chicken, peas, potatoes, and a slightly sugary dough.

You’ll find lines of hungry folks at stalls and bakeries in La Paz or Sucre patiently waiting for their turn to get one. There's literally a technique to eating them without spilling… but we'll let you figure that out the fun way.

Quick Tip: Eat it over a napkin or you’re wearing it for the rest of the day.

Paraguay: Sopa Paraguaya – Not Soup, But Still Delicious

Here’s a fun linguistic twist: sopa Paraguaya isn’t soup at all. It’s actually a moist cornbread—and yes, it’s sold on the streets too!

It’s made with cornmeal, cheese, onions, eggs, and milk. The result? Something like a savory, cheesy cake that’s perfect for nibbling on while exploring Asunción or heading toward the Iguazu Falls region.

You’ll often see vendors selling slices wrapped in paper, warm and ready to go. Great with coffee, soda, or by itself, this snack is simplicity and soul food in one bite.

Uruguay: Chivito al Pan – The Mighty Mini Sandwich

Don’t let the word “mini” fool you. The chivito al pan may be a sandwich, but it’s a beast of a meal.

Picture this: tender steak, mozzarella, ham, egg, olives, and sometimes bacon—all piled into a toasted bun. It’s Uruguay’s national sandwich, and it’s a street food feast.

While fancier restaurants serve it, you’ll also find grab-and-go versions from street grills and food trucks. Beach-goers in Punta del Este swear by it after a surf session.

Try This: Ask for the “completo” version if you're extra hungry.

Venezuela: Tequeños – The Cheese Stick of Your Dreams

Venezuela offers loads of tasty bites, but tequeños are hands-down the most addictive.

These crispy fried sticks of dough are filled with melty white cheese and often dipped in guasacaca (a creamy green sauce, kind of like a tangy guacamole).

They’re served at pretty much every wedding, party, or gathering—but street vendors sling 'em too, piping hot and irresistible. It’s a simple snack that delivers serious satisfaction.

Snack Hack: They make a great breakfast on-the-go or late-night munchie option.

Street Food Tips for First-Timers

New to the South American street food scene? Here are a few quick tips to make your snack-hopping experience smooth:

- Follow the crowds: Locals know where the best bites are.
- Watch the prep: If it looks fresh and clean, you’re good to go.
- Ask about spice: Some sauces pack real heat—don’t be caught off guard!
- Have cash: Many street vendors don’t accept cards.
- Try something new: Even if it sounds strange, give it a bite—you might be surprised.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Sightsee, Snack Your Way Through South America

Let’s be honest—sightseeing is great, but snacking is better. South America’s street food isn’t just about fueling your adventures. It’s a huge part of the adventure itself.

Whether you’re biting into a cheesy arepa in Bogotá or savoring a skewer of anticuchos in Cusco, you’re connecting with a culture in the most delicious way possible.

So go ahead—ditch the tourist restaurants now and then. Wander the streets, follow your nose, and taste your way across this vibrant continent.

Just don’t forget the napkins.