Liam AndersonSo, here’s the deal—Vancouver might not be the first place you think of when someone says “Colombian food,” but oh, how wrong you’d be. Tucked away in this rainy city are some absolute gems serving up dishes that’ll make your taste buds do a little salsa.
Whether you’re an arepa aficionado or you’ve only ever heard of bandeja paisa in passing, you’re about to discover a whole new world of flavours.
I still remember the first time I bit into an empanada at one of these spots—it was love at first crunch. And don’t even get me started on the passionfruit juice. Honestly, if you’ve never tried lulo, it’s like sunshine in a glass.
Trust me, one sip and you’ll be Googling flights to Bogotá. But you don’t need to hop on a plane to get a taste of Colombia.
These spots are bringing all the rich, bold flavours straight to Vancouver. (And no, you don’t need to speak Spanish to order, but hey, it might score you a few extra smiles from the staff!)
Mercado Mexican Market & Taqueria On Davie
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Address: 1234 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-555-1234
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Right, let’s get this straight—Mercado Mexican Market & Taqueria On Davie might have “Mexican” in the name, but their Colombian-inspired dishes are the real game-changer. Walking in, it’s all vibrant colours and upbeat Latin tunes, like you’ve stumbled into a street market fiesta.
Perfect for shaking up your usual dining routine, yeah? Here’s the deal: the arepas are bang on—crispy outside, soft inside, and stuffed with savoury fillings like pulled pork or spiced beans.
And the bandeja paisa? Absolute legend of a dish. It’s got rice, beans, chorizo, fried plantains, and a cheeky fried egg perched on top—basically, a plate of happiness.
To wash it down, grab one of their Colombian sodas or, if it’s that kind of night, a cocktail or two.
| Pro tip: The empanadas go quick, so order them early, they’re golden, crispy, and worth fighting over. |
Union Latino’s Food
– Media from unionlatinosfood
Address: 567 Granville St
Contact details: +1 604-555-5678
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 10AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Now, Union Latino’s Food is the kind of place that feels like it was made for first-timers. You walk in, and it’s all warmth and smiles, like you’ve just been invited into someone’s home kitchen.
You’ll catch a whiff of freshly made tamales, and trust me, you’re already hooked.
Speaking of tamales, they’re proper comfort food—steamed in banana leaves and stuffed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of spices.
If you’re after something lighter, their arepas are spot-on: golden, pillowy, and generously filled. Pair one with their zingy house-made sauces, and you’re in for a treat.
The vibe? Casual and family-friendly, making it ideal for a laid-back meal or grabbing a quick bite before heading off on errands.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their fresh juices. The lulo (that’s naranjilla for the uninitiated) is tangy and refreshing—perfect alongside their savoury dishes. |
El Inka Restaurant
– Media from elinkacanada
Address: 3826 Sunset St, Burnaby
Contact details: +1 604-555-9100
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-9PM
Pricing: $$
Website
If you’re after a proper taste of Colombia, El Inka Restaurant on Kingsway is where it’s at. The place feels like a little slice of Bogotá, with bright decor and the kind of music that gets your foot tapping before you even sit down.
Now, the food here is no joke. The bandeja paisa is a proper feast—rice, beans, fried egg, avocado, and crispy chicharrón (pork belly) that’s a total flavour bomb.
But if you’re more into soups, their sancocho is the star of the show. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with tender meat and veg that’ll warm you right up, even on the rainiest of Vancouver days.
To finish? The tres leches cake is pure decadence—soft, sweet, and soaked in just the right amount of milk.
| Pro tip: Swing by with a group and share a bit of everything, it’s the best way to experience the variety. |
Cuchillo
– Media from cuchilloyvr
Address: 261 Powell St
Contact details: +1 604-555-2610
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-11PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
You walk in at Cuchillo, and you’re greeted by this effortlessly cool industrial-chic space—brick walls, low lighting, and edgy murals that scream, “You’ve made the right choice.”
It’s got the perfect mix of laid-back and stylish, making it the ideal spot for a night out or even a cheeky date night. The menu is like a greatest hits playlist of Latin-inspired dishes, but the Colombian flavours truly shine.
The arepas are a must—crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and topped with juicy pulled pork, smoky beans, or fresh avocado salsa. And don’t sleep on the ceviche; it’s zingy, fresh, and absolutely bursting with flavour.
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Cartagena. But let’s talk about drinks, shall we? The mezcal cocktails here are in a league of their own; smoky, bold, and dangerously drinkable.
Pair one with your meal, and you’re golden. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask the bartender for a recommendation—they know their stuff.
| Pro tip: If you’re the indecisive type, go for the tasting menu. It’s like a guided tour of Cuchillo’s best dishes, and trust me, you’ll want seconds. |
HOME Cocina Colombiana – Colombian Food in Vancouver
– Media from home.cocinacolombiana
Address: 789 West Pender St
Contact details: +1 604-555-7890
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: $$
When you’re at HOME Cocina Colombiana, the name says it all—this place feels like a warm embrace from your Colombian abuela. It’s unpretentious, welcoming, and brimming with the kind of authentic flavours that make you want to linger long after your meal is over.
Start with their arepas, which are made fresh daily and come stuffed with everything from shredded chicken to creamy avocado. For something a bit more indulgent, their sancocho (a traditional Colombian stew) is an absolute winner.
It’s rich, comforting, and loaded with tender meat, hearty veggies, and a broth that feels like a cure-all for any bad day. What makes this spot stand out is its dedication to freshness.
Everything here is made from scratch with ingredients that taste like they were plucked from a Colombian market that morning. The staff? Beyond lovely—they’re happy to guide you through the menu and give you the lowdown on what’s popular.
| Pro tip: Pop in for their lunch specials, it’s a bargain for the quality and portion size. Bonus: Their fresh fruit juices, like lulo and mango, perfectly complement your meal. |
El Camino’s
– Media from elcaminos
Address: 325 Cambie St
Contact details: +1 604-555-3250
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
El Camino’s is lively, colourful, and energetic, making it a cracking choice whether you’re out with mates or just fancying a fun meal. The menu’s a mix of Latin-inspired dishes, but the Colombian touches are what really steal the show.
Their arepas de choclo are a must-try—these sweet corn cakes are soft, golden, and stuffed with gooey cheese. Then there’s the patacones, smashed green plantains fried to perfection and served with all sorts of toppings that will have you scraping the plate clean.
For drinks, their Pisco Sours and Margaritas are top-notch. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try their aguardiente—Colombia’s iconic anise-flavoured spirit.
| Pro tip: Get a seat near the open kitchen to watch the chefs in action it adds a new excitement to the experience. |
Suyo Modern Peruvian
– Media from suyorestaurant
Address: 3475 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-555-3475
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 5PM-10PM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Alright, so Suyo Modern Peruvian might technically focus on Peruvian cuisine, but hear me out—there’s plenty here for fans of Colombian-inspired flavours, too. This sleek, upscale spot has a menu that’s all about elevating traditional Latin American dishes with a modern twist.
Start with their empanadas, which come with flaky pastry and fillings so flavour-packed they’ll have you wondering why you ever settled for basic snacks. The ceviche here is another level—zesty, fresh, and topped with crispy plantain chips for a perfect crunch.
Their cocktails are a proper experience, too. The Chilcano de Pisco is a refreshing blend of pisco, ginger ale, and lime, while their signature Suyo Sour puts a bold twist on the classic drink.
| Pro tip: Reserve a spot for their tasting menu, it’s a brilliant way to explore their culinary creativity. |
Mangos Kitchen Bar
– Media from mangosvancouver
Address: 1180 Howe St
Contact details: +1 604-555-1180
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-11PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Mangos Kitchen Bar is your ultimate go-to for an authentic Colombian vibe in Vancouver. Picture walking into a space bursting with life: bright decor, upbeat Latin music, and the warmest smiles from the staff. It’s the kind of spot that makes you forget you’re not actually in Colombia.
The bandeja paisa is the headliner here—a traditional platter stacked high with chorizo, pork belly, fried egg, rice, beans, and perfectly fried plantains. It’s a feast that’s as big on flavour as it is on size.
If you’re after a starter, go for the arepas—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and an ideal vehicle for their house-made sauces.
Drinks-wise, their aguapanela con limón is a classic Colombian refresher, but if you’re after something boozy, their Mango Margarita is pure tropical bliss.
| Pro tip: Visit during their lunch specials, huge portions at a bargain price make it a win for anyone. |
El Dorado Pie & Treats
– Media from eldoradopie
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct #130
Contact details: +1 604-555-7891
Operating Hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-6PM
Pricing: $
Website
For dessert lovers, El Dorado Pie & Treats is a little slice of Colombian heaven tucked away on Main Street. You know you’re in for a treat the moment you step inside, with the smell of freshly baked pastries wrapping around you like a warm hug.
Their pandebonos (cheese bread) are little bites of perfection—soft, chewy, and just the right amount of savoury. For something sweeter, the tres leches cake is a standout: moist sponge soaked in creamy milk, topped with a dreamy layer of whipped cream.
Fancy something a bit more unique? The merengón de guanábana, a Colombian meringue layered with tropical soursop fruit, is a showstopper.
El Dorado isn’t just about the sweets, though. Their empanadas are the ultimate savoury snack, ideal for grabbing on the go or pairing with a cup of their rich Colombian coffee.
| Pro tip: Get a sampler box to try a bit of everything, it’s perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge). |
Union Latino’s Food
– Media from unionlatinosfood
Address: 567 Granville St
Contact details: +1 604-555-5678
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat 10AM-9PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Now, Union Latino’s Food is the kind of place that feels like it was made for first-timers. You walk in, and it’s all warmth and smiles, like you’ve just been invited into someone’s home kitchen.
You’ll catch a whiff of freshly made tamales, and trust me, you’re already hooked. Speaking of tamales, they’re proper comfort food—steamed in banana leaves and stuffed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of spices.
If you’re after something lighter, their arepas are spot-on: golden, pillowy, and generously filled. Pair one with their zingy house-made sauces, and you’re in for a treat.
The vibe? Casual and family-friendly, making it ideal for a laid-back meal or grabbing a quick bite before heading off on errands.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss their fresh juices. The lulo (that’s naranjilla for the uninitiated) is tangy and refreshing—perfect alongside their savoury dishes. |
