Nashville is famous for its hot chicken, barbecue, and Southern comfort food, but if you’re looking for a vibrant Latin American culinary experience, Colombian food is a hidden gem in the city. Whether you’re craving empanadas, bandeja paisa, arepas, or fresh tropical juices, Nashville offers some great Colombian eateries that bring authentic flavors straight from South America. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Colombian food in Nashville, including where to find it, what dishes to try, and what makes Colombian cuisine so special.
The Rise of Colombian Cuisine in Nashville
Colombian food is gaining popularity across the U.S. thanks to its bold flavors, hearty portions, and unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. In Nashville, the Colombian food scene has been growing steadily, driven by the city’s expanding Latin American community and the increasing curiosity of food lovers who want to explore beyond traditional Southern dishes.
Unlike Mexican cuisine, which is more widely known, Colombian food offers a different range of flavors and textures, with dishes that are rich in meats, plantains, corn-based products, and tropical fruits. The slow-cooked stews, grilled meats, and fried snacks create a flavorful and comforting experience that food enthusiasts can’t resist.
Now, let’s dive into the best places in Nashville to enjoy authentic Colombian food.
Arepitas Colombian Bakery
Location: 2701 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN
Arepitas Colombian Bakery is one of the most authentic Colombian food spots in Nashville, specializing in delicious arepas, empanadas, and bakery items. This cozy, family-owned eatery serves a variety of traditional dishes, making it a go-to for those looking to experience true Colombian flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arepas con Queso – Thick corn cakes stuffed with melted cheese, grilled to perfection.
Empanadas Colombianas – Crispy corn turnovers filled with beef, chicken, or cheese.
Pandebono – A warm, cheesy bread roll that’s slightly sweet and perfect with coffee.
Bandeja Paisa – A traditional Colombian platter with grilled steak, chorizo, fried pork belly, rice, beans, fried egg, plantains, and an arepa.
Arepitas Colombian Bakery is best known for its freshly made baked goods and small plates, making it the perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch.
La Chiva Colombian Cuisine
Location: 4235 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN
For a taste of homestyle Colombian cooking, La Chiva Colombian Cuisine is a top-notch destination. This restaurant offers a comfortable, no-frills environment where you can enjoy large portions of Colombian comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sancocho de Gallina – A hearty chicken soup with yuca, plantains, and corn, served with rice and avocado.
Churrasco con Chimichurri – A tender grilled steak with house-made chimichurri sauce.
Mojarra Frita – A whole fried fish served with coconut rice and patacones (fried green plantains).
Mazamorra – A traditional Colombian dessert made from corn, served with sugar cane and milk.
The restaurant is known for its friendly service and authentic flavors, making it a favorite among Colombian expats and local food lovers alike.
Medellín Colombian Cuisine & Bar
Location: 5716 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN
Named after Colombia’s famous city, Medellín Colombian Cuisine & Bar offers a mix of traditional flavors and a lively atmosphere. This is a great place to experience both the food and the culture of Colombia, with occasional live music and a fun, family-friendly environment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cazuela de Frijoles – A comforting bean stew served with avocado, rice, and chicharrón.
Arepa Rellena – Stuffed arepas filled with chicken, beef, or cheese.
Chuleta Valluna – Breaded and fried pork cutlet served with rice and salad.
Aguapanela con Queso – A traditional Colombian drink made from raw sugar cane, served with cheese.
What sets Medellín Colombian Cuisine apart is its festive atmosphere and large portions, making it the perfect spot for a group dining experience.
Sabor Colombia Restaurant
Location: 3743 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Colombian restaurant, Sabor Colombia delivers in every way. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with the aroma of slow-cooked meats and fried plantains, giving you a taste of what’s to come.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lechona Tolimense – A roasted pork dish stuffed with rice, peas, and spices.
Ajiaco – A traditional chicken and potato soup from Bogotá, served with capers and cream.
Patacones con Hogao – Fried green plantains topped with tomato and onion sauce.
Postre de Natas – A creamy Colombian dessert made from milk and sugar.
Sabor Colombia is praised for its home-cooked meals and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to visit if you want a true taste of Colombia.
Dulce Pecado Colombian Street Food
Location: Food Truck – Various Locations in Nashville
For those who love street food, Dulce Pecado Colombian Street Food is a must-try. This popular food truck brings the flavors of Colombia to the streets of Nashville, offering a menu packed with delicious street snacks and fast-food favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salchipapas – A combination of crispy fries and sliced sausage, topped with cheese and sauces.
Perro Caliente Colombiano – A Colombian-style hot dog loaded with shredded cheese, pineapple sauce, and potato sticks.
Choriperro – A chorizo sausage sandwich with chimichurri and melted cheese.
Tres Leches Cake – A soft and moist cake soaked in three types of milk.
This food truck is known for its bold flavors and creative take on classic Colombian street food, making it a favorite among foodies on the go.
Why Colombian Food is a Must-Try in Nashville
Colombian food stands out for its variety, hearty portions, and unique combination of ingredients. Here are a few reasons why you should explore Nashville’s Colombian food scene:
Diverse Flavors – Colombian cuisine offers a mix of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, creating rich and diverse flavors.
Comfort Food Appeal – Dishes like bandeja paisa and sancocho provide a comforting, home-cooked feel that makes you feel right at home.
Tropical Ingredients – Many Colombian dishes use fresh tropical fruits, plantains, and yuca, adding a refreshing and vibrant touch.
Street Food Excitement – Colombian street food is flavorful, fun, and often loaded with delicious toppings and sauces.
Welcoming Culture – Colombian restaurants in Nashville pride themselves on warm hospitality, making every meal feel special.
Where to Get the Best Colombian Food in Nashville
Nashville’s Colombian food scene may not be as well-known as its barbecue or hot chicken, but it’s a hidden treasure for those who seek authentic Latin flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a full meal at Arepitas Colombian Bakery, a homestyle feast at La Chiva Colombian Cuisine, or a quick bite from Dulce Pecado Colombian Street Food, you’ll find plenty of delicious options.
Exploring these spots will not only satisfy your cravings but also introduce you to the rich and vibrant culture of Colombia—right in the heart of Music City. So next time you’re looking for something different, step into one of these amazing Colombian eateries and experience the flavors of South America without leaving Nashville.
Have You Tried Colombian Food in Nashville?
If you have a favorite Colombian restaurant or dish in Nashville, let us know! We’d love to hear about your experience and recommendations.
Beyond the Plate: The Colombian Cultural Influence in Nashville
Colombian cuisine is more than just food—it’s a reflection of the country’s history, traditions, and deep-rooted hospitality. As Nashville continues to grow as a diverse and vibrant city, the Colombian community is bringing a unique cultural touch to the local food scene. Here’s how Colombian influence extends beyond the plate:
Colombian Events and Festivals in Nashville
Several Latin American and Colombian-themed festivals have popped up in Nashville in recent years, celebrating the music, dance, and, of course, food from Colombia. These events provide a great opportunity to experience authentic Colombian cuisine while enjoying cultural performances.
Nashville Colombian Independence Day Celebration – Every July, Colombian communities across the U.S. celebrate their independence, and Nashville’s Colombian population is no exception. This event often features live vallenato and cumbia music, traditional folk dances, and an array of delicious Colombian food vendors.
Nashville International Food Festival – A festival that highlights food from all over the world, where Colombian food trucks and vendors showcase classic dishes like arepas, empanadas, and bandeja paisa.
These festivals not only give Colombians a sense of home but also allow others to experience the warmth and richness of their culture.
Colombian Coffee Culture in Nashville
Colombia is world-famous for its coffee, and Nashville has embraced the love for high-quality Colombian brews.
Several coffee shops in the city serve authentic Colombian-grown coffee, known for its smooth, rich flavor.
8th & Roast Coffee Co. – While not exclusively Colombian, this specialty coffee shop frequently sources beans from Colombia and serves them in a variety of craft brews.
Honest Coffee Roasters – Known for highlighting high-quality, single-origin coffees, including beans from Colombia.
Sabor Colombia Restaurant – Not just a great place for food, but also for Tinto, a traditional Colombian black coffee, perfect for pairing with sweet breads like pandebono.
If you’re a coffee lover, trying a cup of Colombian coffee in one of these Nashville cafes is a must!
The Impact of Colombian Cuisine on Nashville’s Food Scene
Colombian food is slowly but surely making its mark on the broader food scene in Nashville. Some Colombian ingredients and techniques are being incorporated into fusion dishes at Latin American restaurants across the city. For example:
Arepas are appearing on non-Colombian menus, paired with unexpected ingredients like pulled pork or Southern-style pimento cheese.
Colombian-style grilled meats, seasoned with citrus and spices, are influencing the way some Nashville barbecue spots prepare their dishes.
Sweet plantains and yucca fries are becoming more common in Latin-inspired restaurants outside of strictly Colombian eateries.
This blending of cultures is helping to introduce more people to the delicious flavors of Colombian cuisine.
Where to Find Colombian Ingredients in Nashville
If you’re inspired to make your own Colombian dishes at home, you’ll need the right ingredients. Fortunately, Nashville has several international grocery stores where you can find key Colombian staples like:
Arepa flour (Harina PAN)
Chorizo Colombiano
Ajiaco seasonings
Guava paste (Bocadillo)
Colombian-style cheese (Queso Costeño)
Sabor Latino hot sauces
Best Places to Shop for Colombian Ingredients in Nashville:
K&S World Market (4225 Nolensville Pike) – One of the best international grocery stores in Nashville, offering a variety of Latin American ingredients.
El Mercado Latino (3737 Nolensville Pike) – A small Latin market with Colombian products like arepa flour, panela (sugar cane), and frozen tropical fruits.
La Hacienda Market (2615 Nolensville Pike) – A great stop for fresh plantains, chorizo, and Latin American cheeses.
If you want to recreate bandeja paisa, ajiaco, or empanadas at home, these stores will have everything you need!
A Foodie’s Guide to Colombian Dining in Nashville
To make the most of your Colombian food experience in Nashville, here are a few pro tips:
Go with a Big Appetite
Colombian portions tend to be generous, especially when ordering Bandeja Paisa or Sancocho. Be prepared to eat heartily, or take leftovers home!
Try Something New
While arepas and empanadas are popular, don’t stop there. Expand your taste buds with dishes like Lechona (roasted stuffed pork) or Sobrebarriga (slow-cooked flank steak).
Pair Your Meal with a Colombian Drink
Colombian cuisine is best enjoyed with refreshing drinks like:
Lulo Juice (Jugo de Lulo) – A tropical, citrusy fruit juice.
Pony Malta – A sweet malted soda.
Aguapanela – A sugarcane-based drink often served with cheese.
Save Room for Dessert
Colombian desserts are as delicious as the main dishes! Try:
Obleas – Thin wafer cookies filled with arequipe (Colombian caramel).
Brevas con Arequipe – Sweet figs filled with caramel sauce.
Torta de Tres Leches – A rich, milky sponge cake.
Discovering the Best Colombian Food in Nashville
Nashville’s Colombian food scene may not be as widely recognized as its barbecue or hot chicken, but it’s a hidden treasure for those seeking bold flavors, hearty meals, and a welcoming cultural experience. From authentic arepas at Arepitas Colombian Bakery to delicious bandeja paisa at La Chiva Colombian Cuisine, Music City offers plenty of spots where you can enjoy the best of Colombian cuisine.
Colombian food is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and hospitality. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, grabbing street food from a truck, or attending a Colombian festival, the warmth and richness of Colombian culture shine through in every bite.
So next time you’re craving something different in Nashville, skip the hot chicken for a night and dive into the flavors of Colombia!
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