8 Best Arepas Medellin - Richly Filled or Arepa Chocolo
In this article, we’ll dive into what we think are the best arepas in Medellin.
But before we get to the list, let’s take a moment to appreciate what an arepa really means to Colombians.
For many, an arepa isn’t just food, it’s tradition. This staple of Colombian cuisine often appears as a side dish, whether accompanied by scrambled eggs and cheese for breakfast or served alongside a hearty steak.
Think of it as Europe’s love of boiled or fried potatoes (although Colombians love potatoes, too).
But here’s the thing: arepas can be so much more than just plain. Fry them up or add some tasty toppings and they become something extraordinary.
The beauty of the arepa lies in its variety.
Every region of Colombia has its own take on this classic dish, each unique in flavor, texture, and preparation.
So when putting together a list of the best arepas in Medellin, we knew we had to go beyond the everyday versions.
This article aims to showcase the most unique and exciting arepas the city has to offer – flavors that stand out and, of course, are absolutely delicious.
We’re not here to highlight restaurants that serve standard arepas as part of a meal – we’re here to celebrate creative and tasty takes on this Colombian classic.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into our picks for the most unique and best arepas in Medellin!
The best Colombian restaurants in Medellín are:
1. Arepa Ranchera (16,500 COP) – Mi Arepa
Mi Arepa is one of the most popular restaurants in Medellin and a must-stop for those looking to try some of the best arepas in town.
What makes Mi Arepa so special? This place takes traditional arepas to the next level, filling them with typical Colombian specialties like chicharrón, chorizo, Colombian beans, and much more.
The menu features 14 varieties of arepas, but two of the stars are the Arepa Ranchera and the Arepa A La Casa.
The Arepa Ranchera (14,500 COP) is a carnivorous feast, with a delicious filling of shredded beef, chorizo, bacon, and cheese.
On the other hand, the Arepa A La Casa (16,500 COP) is an explosion of flavor that combines different meats, beans, cheese, avocado, and a unique homemade sauce.
Tip: Come hungry, because these arepas are huge and designed to satisfy even the biggest eaters.
In addition to their arepas, Mi Arepa offers a wide variety of patacones, also topped with an irresistible mix of ingredients.
The restaurant has three branches in Medellin, so you have no excuse not to try it.
Traveler tip: Mi Arepa is also featured in our article on the best Colombian restaurants in Medellin. Don’t miss it if you’re looking for more places to enjoy authentic Colombian cuisine in the city.
2. Arepa Desmechada (13,900 COP) – MAO 33 Arepas Rellenas
MAO 33 Arepas Rellenas is another great place to enjoy arepas in Medellín, located in the Belén neighborhood.
What makes this restaurant stand out is not only its delicious arepas, but also its 1960s American-style decor, which gives it a charming, retro feel.
Although their main focus is arepas, you’ll also find a few other options on the menu.
We recommend trying one of their fifteen varieties of arepas, which range from classic options to more extravagant combinations.
For example, the Amanda (9,900 COP) is a simple but delicious option, filled with chicken and mozzarella.
If you’re looking for something more authentic and filling, try the Paisita (13,900 COP), an explosion of local flavors with typical Medellín ingredients.
Our favorite is the Desmechada (13,900 COP), which combines pork, chicken, and hogao, a delicious Colombian Creole sauce that elevates the flavor of this arepa to another level.
Like other restaurants featured in our article, MAO 33 Arepas Rellenas uses white corn dough to prepare its arepas in the typical Medellín style, ensuring an authentic and delicious experience.
3. Arepa de Chocolo (4,000 COP) – Las Chachas
For those looking for a more classic approach, Las Chachas is a must-stop.
This restaurant specializes in the iconic Arepa de Chocolo, a typical variety from Antioquia and a culinary pride of Medellín.
These arepas, a characteristic dark yellow hue, are slightly sweet and have a much more pronounced flavor than traditional white corn arepas.
At Las Chachas, arepas de chocolo are prepared with a simple yet delicious twist.
After frying briefly, they are topped with two slices of queso blanco, a typical Colombian cheese that completely covers them, creating an irresistible combination.
Although arepas de chocolo are much simpler compared to other options highlighted in this article, their authenticity and flavor make them worth trying.
And while these classic arepas are available in many places in Medellín, Las Chachas has earned a reputation for serving some of the best in the city.
In addition to the arepa de chocolo, Las Chachas offers another delicacy: the Arepa de Queso, a white arepa filled with melted cheese.
Both options are available at an incredibly affordable price: 4,000 COP per arepa.
With several branches spread throughout Medellín, finding one of these local gems won’t be difficult.
4. Arepa Reina Pepiada (20,000 COP) – Los Chamos Arepas Venezolanas
Los Chamos Arepas is a restaurant located near La 70, an area known for being a popular meeting point for locals and where you will see few tourists.
This place stands out for offering a unique proposal: here you can try arepas both Colombian and Venezuelan style, as well as other typical Venezuelan specialties.
What makes Los Chamos Arepas special is precisely this mix of flavors and traditions.
Although its menu is compact, with only twelve varieties of arepas, six specialties and four typical Venezuelan dishes, it is more than enough to win over its customers, who come back again and again.
We recommend trying the Arepa Reina Pepiada (16,000 COP), a Venezuelan classic filled with a creamy chicken mixture that does not disappoint.
In addition, each arepa comes with three different sauces, perfect for giving it an extra touch of flavor.
Although this restaurant is often among the recommendations of those looking for the best arepas in Medellín, we believe that there are more outstanding options.
However, the arepas we tried were definitely tasty, and the popularity of the place at lunchtime makes it clear that they are doing something right.
Traveler Tip: If you arrive hungry, don’t miss the Patacón con Pollo (20,000 COP). It’s a huge portion, and the shredded chicken is perfectly seasoned, making this dish a real treat.
5. Arepa Con Camerón (19,500 COP) – Magica Cocina de Tradición
This next restaurant doesn’t specialize in arepas, but Magia Cocina de Tradición deserves a special mention for its focus on typical Medellín dishes.
Among its standout options are the Cazuela de Ajiaco (19,500 COP) and the Cazuela de Frijoles (19,500 COP), both delicious representations of the local cuisine.
What really puts Magia Cocina de Tradición on our radar, however, is its Arepa con Camarón (19,500 COP).
This typical Medellín arepa comes accompanied by a generous portion of garlic shrimp, melted cheese, and fresh avocado, creating a flavor combination that is absolutely irresistible.
While it is possible to find versions of Arepa con Camarón in other restaurants in the city, the flavor of the one we tried here left us completely surprised.
That’s why Magia Cocina de Tradición earns its place on our list of the best arepas in Medellín.
Looking for more food inspiration?
Have a look at our most extensive food article with all sorts of restaurant recommendations in Medellín. From there, you can also navigate to specific