Top 25 Latin American Foods You Must Try
Latin American cuisine is a beautiful blend of indigenous, African, European, and Caribbean influences. Each dish tells a story of culture, flavor, and history. From street food to family-style meals, here are 25 of the best Latin American foods you need to try at least once!
🇲🇽 1. Tacos (Mexico)
Tacos are the heart of Mexican cuisine. Made with soft or crispy tortillas filled with meat, beans, cheese, salsa, and more, they’re endlessly customizable. 
🇧🇷 2. Feijoada (Brazil)
This rich black bean stew is made with pork cuts and served with rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and orange slices. It’s Brazil’s national dish.
🇵🇪 3. Ceviche (Peru)
Raw fish marinated in citrus juices (usually lime), mixed with onions, chili, and cilantro. Light, tangy, and refreshing — a coastal favorite.
🇨🇴 4. Arepas (Colombia/Venezuela)
These cornmeal patties are grilled or fried and can be stuffed with cheese, meats, or eggs. They’re eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
🇦🇷 5. Empanadas (Argentina)
Savory turnovers filled with beef, chicken, cheese, or veggies. Baked or fried, they’re loved across Latin America — especially in Argentina.
🇨🇺 6. Ropa Vieja (Cuba)
Translating to “old clothes,” this dish features shredded beef stewed in tomato sauce with peppers and spices. Best served with rice and black beans.
🇨🇱 7. Pastel de Choclo (Chile)
A Chilean corn pie made with ground meat, chicken, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, topped with sweet corn purée.
🇲🇽 8. Chiles en Nogada (Mexico)
Poblano chiles stuffed with picadillo (meat and fruit), covered in creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. A patriotic dish!
🇧🇴 9. Salteñas (Bolivia)
A juicy meat-filled pastry similar to empanadas, but sweet and spicy. Often eaten as a mid-morning snack.
🇨🇷 10. Gallo Pinto (Costa Rica)
A mix of black beans and rice, typically served with eggs, plantains, or sour cream for breakfast.
🇩🇴 11. Mangu (Dominican Republic)
Mashed green plantains often served with fried cheese, eggs, and salami — known as “Los Tres Golpes.”
🇺🇾 12. Chivito (Uruguay)
A massive steak sandwich packed with cheese, bacon, ham, lettuce, and egg — a must-try street food.
🇵🇾 13. Sopa Paraguaya (Paraguay)
Despite the name, this is not a soup — it’s a dense cornbread loaded with cheese, onions, and eggs.
🇭🇳 14. Baleadas (Honduras)
Thick flour tortillas filled with beans, cheese, and sour cream. Often eaten for breakfast.
🇳🇮 15. Nacatamal (Nicaragua)
A large tamale made with masa, pork, and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
🇸🇻 16. Pupusas (El Salvador)
Thick corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or pork. Served with pickled cabbage (curtido) and tomato sauce.
🇵🇦 17. Arroz con Pollo (Panama)
A classic dish of yellow rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and spices — a comforting one-pot meal.
🇪🇨 18. Llapingachos (Ecuador)
Potato patties stuffed with cheese, grilled until crispy, and served with sausage and peanut sauce.
🇬🇹 19. Pepián (Guatemala)
A thick, spicy stew made with meat, tomatoes, chilies, and spices — one of the oldest dishes in the country.
🇧🇷 20. Moqueca (Brazil)
A seafood stew cooked in coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and palm oil. Served hot with rice and farofa.
🇵🇪 21. Lomo Saltado (Peru)
A stir-fry of marinated beef, onions, and tomatoes — served with rice and fries. A fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors.
🇨🇴 22. Ajiaco (Colombia)
A hearty chicken soup with three types of potatoes, corn, and guascas herb. Served with avocado and rice.
🇨🇺 23. Tostones (Caribbean/Latin America)
Twice-fried green plantain slices — salty, crispy, and perfect as a snack or side.
🇻🇪 24. Cachapas (Venezuela)
Sweet corn pancakes often stuffed with soft cheese. Served hot with butter or meat.
🇲🇽 25. Elote (Mexico)
Grilled corn on the cob covered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. A street food classic.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
Latin American food is rich in tradition, flavor, and diversity. From bold spices to comforting stews, every country offers something unique. These 25 dishes are just the beginning — each bite is a celebration of culture and history.
