Food is one of the most powerful ways to experience culture, and when it comes to vibrant Latin flavors, few cuisines are as comforting and flavorful as Colombian food. Known for its variety, heartiness, and warm hospitality, Colombian cuisine beautifully reflects the country’s diverse geography, from the lush Andes Mountains to the breezy Caribbean coast. Each dish tells a story of family, tradition, and togetherness, often centered around freshly baked bread, golden pastries, aromatic coffee, and tropical fruits.
In recent years, Orlando has quietly become a haven for authentic Colombian flavors. The city’s growing Latin American community has introduced locals and visitors alike to a delicious range of dishes that celebrate Colombia’s culinary heritage. Whether it’s the crisp crunch of an empanada, the soft sweetness of a pandebono, or the comforting aroma of freshly brewed Colombian coffee, these flavors bring a little piece of Bogotá and Medellín straight to Central Florida.
Before diving into where to experience these incredible flavors, let’s explore some of the best Colombian food to grab when you are in Orlando. Whether visiting or a local foodie, these dishes are a must-try if you crave flavors that feel like a warm hug from Colombia. Orlando’s vibrant food scene embraces Colombian cuisine with open arms, offering visitors a delicious way to savor Latin culture through every bite. Each dish carries the comforting, authentic essence of Colombia, flavors that feel perfectly at home in the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
Empanadas: The Joy of a Golden Crunch
In Colombia, street corners are filled with the sound of sizzling oil and the unmistakable aroma of Empanadas frying to perfection. These golden turnovers are much more than snacks, but a symbol of everyday life. Each empanada tells a story about its filling: shredded beef seasoned with garlic and cumin, tender chicken mixed with potatoes, or even cheese for a vegetarian twist. The corn-based dough gives them their signature texture, crisp, rustic, and intensely flavorful. In Orlando, Colombian empanadas have become a culinary icon, beloved for their golden crunch, hearty fillings, and the way each bite captures the soul of authentic Colombian comfort food.
Pandebono: The Cheesy Embrace of Home
There are few things as comforting as the first bite of a freshly baked Pandebono. Slightly crisp on the outside and soft, chewy within, this cheese bread is one of Colombia’s most beloved bakery treasures. Made from a blend of cassava starch, corn flour, and cheese, it achieves the perfect balance of lightness and richness, making it irresistible any time of day, breakfast with coffee, an afternoon snack, or even late at night. In Orlando, Pandebono has become a standout favorite among Colombian pastries, its delicate sweetness and cheesy aroma capturing the warmth, comfort, and unmistakable spirit of home in every bite.
Arepas: Colombia’s Culinary Canvas
Few dishes embody Colombian identity as vividly as the Arepa. This golden-brown corn cake, crispy on the outside and tender within, serves as a versatile foundation for endless creations. Across Colombia, every region gives the Arepa its own twist, from the cheesy richness of the Caribbean coast’s Arepa de Queso to the thin, griddled Arepa Paisa of Medellín. In Orlando, Arepas are crafted with the same devotion, often filled with melted cheese, scrambled eggs, or tender meats that melt in your mouth. Each bite carries the warmth of Colombian mornings, evoking memories of shared breakfasts and family gatherings. Humble yet deeply satisfying, Arepas are best enjoyed fresh off the grill with a strong cup of brewed black coffee, a perfect balance of comfort and tradition.
Buñuelos: Little Bites of Celebration
Golden, round, and delightfully airy, Buñuelos are Colombia’s festive answer to the doughnut, but with their own irresistible charm. Made from a blend of cassava flour and cheese, they puff into delicate spheres that are crisp outside and soft within. Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and New Year festivities, Buñuelos symbolize joy and community. Yet, in Orlando’s Colombian cafés, their appeal transcends the holidays, offering a moment of sweetness any day of the year. Their subtle, cheesy flavor and hint of sweetness pair beautifully with a cup of brewed black coffee, creating a simple yet indulgent experience that turns an ordinary morning into something special.
Guava Pastries: The Tropical Sweetheart
If joy had a flavor, it would taste like Colombia’s beloved Guava Pastry. Layers of flaky puff pastry cradle a luscious guava filling, its ruby-red color as vibrant as its sweet-tart flavor. This treat is a celebration of Colombia’s tropical abundance and its love for simple pleasures. In Orlando, Guava Pastries gleam behind café counters, dusted with powdered sugar and ready to tempt every passerby. Whether paired with a creamy Café con Leche or enjoyed on their own, these pastries offer a burst of sunshine in every bite, a perfect finale to any Colombian meal or a sweet start to your day.
Colombian Coffee: The Soul of Every Morning
Beyond its rich aroma and smooth taste, Colombian coffee embodies a legacy of dedication and artistry. Cultivated in the country’s lush, high-altitude regions, where fertile volcanic soil and perfect weather conditions meet, Colombian coffee beans develop a flavor profile that’s unmatched in balance, aroma, and smoothness. Each sip tells a story of tradition, of farmers hand-picking cherries at the peak of ripeness, of generations passing down their knowledge, and of mornings that begin with the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the air.
In Orlando’s Colombian cafés, that same spirit lives on. The brewed black coffee served here embodies everything that makes Colombian coffee world-renowned: rich yet mellow, full-bodied yet easy to drink. Whether you enjoy it black, creamy with steamed milk, or just slightly sweetened, every cup feels like an invitation to slow down and savor the moment.
Beyond the classic brewed black coffee, many cafés offer a tempting variety of coffee creations. Try a Café con Leche, a silky blend of strong coffee and warm milk; a Mocha Frappe, where coffee meets chocolate in a refreshing icy treat; or an Iced Caramel Latte, perfect for those hot Orlando afternoons. For purists, a shot of Espresso delivers the purest expression of Colombian beans, bold, aromatic, and invigorating.
To experience Colombian food in its truest form, you must embrace its coffee, not as a companion, but as the essence that ties every flavor together. From the first pour to the final sip, Colombian coffee remains the soulful heartbeat of every meal, every café, and every conversation.
Craving Authentic Colombian Food in Orlando? Visit Mecatos Bakery and Café, Metrowest!
If you’re craving any of these delicious Colombian dishes while in Orlando, the best place to satisfy your appetite is Mecatos Bakery and Café Metrowest, located at 2900 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811.
This location perfectly blends cozy atmosphere with the lively energy of the surrounding neighborhood. Whether you’re stopping by before work, meeting friends for lunch, or looking for a place to unwind, Mecatos Metrowest offers the ideal spot. The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee fills the air, and the friendly staff ensures every visit feels like coming home.
Their menu includes all of the Colombian classics you love, from empanadas, arepas, and pastries to fresh fruit smoothies and handcrafted coffees. Mecatos Bakery and Café in Metrowest isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a community hub for those who appreciate authentic Colombian culture and comfort.
Mecatos Bakery and Café – A Colombian Experience in Every Bite
Beyond the Metrowest location, Mecatos Café has become an Orlando favorite by staying true to its Colombian roots. Every location follows the same philosophy, combining quality, tradition, and exceptional hospitality. Their menu celebrates the heart of Colombian cuisine, balancing sweet and savory options with drinks that capture the spirit of the tropics.
Whether you’re enjoying breakfast with friends, grabbing a quick coffee on the go, or indulging in pastries with family, Mecatos creates moments that feel special. Their success comes from a passion for authenticity and a dedication to sharing the rich flavors of Colombia with the Orlando community. It’s also worth noting that Mecatos offers catering services, perfect for office meetings, birthdays, and special gatherings where you want to share the joy of Colombian flavor with others.
Other Mecatos Locations Across Central Florida
If you’re not near Metrowest, don’t worry, Mecatos operates in the following locations throughout Orlando and the surrounding areas, each offering the same authentic Colombian experience:
- Apopka: 1725 Ocoee Apopka Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
- Waterford Lakes: 12400 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 103, Orlando, FL 32828
- Lake Underhill: 7790 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 101, Orlando, FL 32822
- Lake Nona: 10783 Narcoossee Rd, Suite 125–129, Orlando, FL 32832
- Downtown Orlando: 20 N Orange Ave, Ste 102A, Orlando, FL 32801
- West Colonial/Ocoee: 10151 W. Colonial Dr, Ocoee, FL 34761
- Hoffner/Edgewood: 5645 Hansel Ave, Edgewood, FL 32809
- Curry Ford West: 2904 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
A Culinary Journey to Remember
Orlando is home to many flavors, but few are as heartfelt and authentic as those of Colombian cuisine. Every dish, from the humble Arepa to the sweet Guava Pastry, carries centuries of culture, craftsmanship, and connection. And if you’re searching for a place that embodies that spirit, Mecatos Bakery & Café is where your journey should begin. Step inside, order your favorite pastry or empanada, sip on freshly brewed coffee, and let the taste of Colombia remind you how food can bring joy, comfort, and community, no matter how far from home you are.
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