When people think of Orlando, the wonderful world of Walt Disney World Resort probably comes to mind.

But as a plant-powered foodie, I’m almost ashamed to admit that when I travel my first thought is often:

“I wonder what exciting food I can find?” 😄

Florida is known for its incredible cultural diversity, with influences from across Latin America and the Caribbean. That means an amazing food scene filled with rich traditions and bold flavors.

While it’s not always easy to find fully vegan restaurants, these days it’s much easier to find traditional restaurants that offer vegan-friendly options.

And those options don’t always involve tofu or meat substitutes.

Many cultures around the world have enjoyed plant-forward dishes for centuries, and as a foodie, I love discovering them.

A Quick Look at Colombian Food Culture

The cuisine of Colombia reflects the country’s rich history and diverse regions.

Colombian cooking blends influences from:

• Indigenous cultures that cultivated corn, cassava, beans, and potatoes
• Spanish colonial traditions
• African culinary influences brought during the colonial era

Together these traditions created a cuisine known for hearty comfort foods, fresh herbs, and bold sauces.

Common ingredients include:

• corn
• cassava
• plantains
• beans
• rice
• potatoes

Many of these ingredients are naturally plant-based, which means it’s often possible to enjoy elements of Colombian cuisine even as a vegan.

10 Traditional Colombian Foods That Are Naturally Plant-Based

Although many Colombian dishes include meat or dairy, several traditional foods from Colombia are naturally plant-based or can easily be prepared without animal products. Many of these staples come from Indigenous culinary traditions that relied heavily on corn, cassava, beans, and tropical fruits.

If you’re exploring Colombian cuisine as a vegan, here are some foods to look for.

1. Arepas

Arepas are one of the most iconic foods in Colombian cuisine.

These thick corn cakes are made from ground maize dough and grilled or fried. While many are served with cheese or meat, plain arepas are naturally vegan and can be topped with vegetables, avocado, or tomato-based sauces like hogao.

2. Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)

Patacones are made by smashing green plantains and frying them until crispy.

They’re often served as a side dish or appetizer and are usually vegan when simply fried in oil and topped with salt or garlic sauce.

3. Tajadas (Sweet Fried Plantains)

Tajadas are slices of ripe plantains that are fried until caramelized and slightly crispy.

They’re sweet, comforting, and one of the most common side dishes in Colombian meals.

4. Yucca Fries (Cassava)

Yucca—also known as cassava—is a staple root vegetable throughout Latin America.

It’s often served fried as yucca fries or boiled and paired with dipping sauces.

5. Arroz con Coco (Coconut Rice)

In Colombia’s Caribbean coastal regions, coconut rice is a beloved dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk and sometimes a touch of sugar or spices.

Many versions are naturally vegan.

6. Lentils (Lentejas)

Lentils are commonly served in Colombian households as part of a comforting meal with rice and vegetables.

While some versions include meat, vegetarian preparations are also common.

7. Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)

Beans are a staple throughout Latin America.

When prepared without pork or meat broth, black beans can be a nutritious plant-based protein source.

8. Avocado

Fresh avocado is often served sliced on the side of meals or added to salads and rice dishes.

Colombia produces some of the world’s best avocados thanks to its ideal growing climate.

9. Fresh Tropical Fruit

Colombia is famous for its incredible fruit diversity.

Markets and restaurants often serve fruits like:

• mango
• papaya
• pineapple
• guava
• passion fruit

Many of these fruits are enjoyed fresh or blended into juices.

10. Hogao Sauce

Hogao is a traditional Colombian sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs.

It’s often served with arepas, rice, and beans, and it adds a rich savory flavor to plant-based dishes.

Pro Tip for Plant-Based Travelers 

Before visiting a restaurant while traveling, I like to check the menu online to see if they offer vegan options.

I also use the app HappyCow, which helps locate vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants around the world.

That’s actually how I discovered this Colombian restaurant during my Orlando trip.

What I Ordered

I found a few plant-based options at
 Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar.

Here’s what I tried.

Yucca Fries

I started with yucca fries, made from crispy fried cassava.

Cassava is a staple food throughout Latin America and has been cultivated in the region for centuries. When fried, it develops a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy interior similar to potatoes.

These were served with a bright cilantro sauce that added a fresh herbal flavor.

Simple and delicious.

Colombian-Style Empanadas

Next up were Colombian-style empanadas.

Empanadas are one of the most popular street foods in Colombia. Traditionally, they’re made with yellow cornmeal dough and deep-fried, then filled with savory ingredients like:

• beef
• chicken
• potatoes
• cheese
• pork

The version served at this restaurant was filled with lentils, which is not a traditional Colombian filling but rather a vegetarian-friendly adaptation.

While lentil empanadas aren’t commonly found in traditional Colombian street food, some modern restaurants and vegetarian-friendly kitchens create variations like this so more people can enjoy the dish.

I appreciated the creative plant-based option—it was hearty and flavorful while still capturing the crispy texture empanadas are known for.

Veggie Arepica

My main dish was the Veggie Arepica.

An arepa is a traditional corn cake that’s grilled or fried and served with a variety of toppings. It’s one of the most iconic foods in Colombian cuisine.

This version included:

• sautéed mushrooms
• onions
• bell peppers
• hogao (a classic Colombian tomato and onion sauce)
• cilantro
• spicy jalapeño relish

It was savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Fried Plantains

And of course…

What is Latin American food without fried plantains?

Sweet, caramelized, and slightly crispy on the edges—always a favorite.

My Rating

I give this spot 8/10.

I really enjoyed the food and appreciated that they offered some vegetarian options that allowed me to enjoy a small taste of Colombian cuisine while staying true to my plant-based lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on cultural food experiences.

Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you explore traditional cuisines and find the plant-based dishes—or creative adaptations—that make them accessible.

Have you ever tried Colombian food?

If so, what’s your favorite dish?

And if you’re visiting Orlando, this place is definitely worth checking out.

📍
Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar

57 W Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801