Latin American Street Food

June 28, 2013

Some of Latin America's best dishes are found on the streets, at roadside carts and cafes. Here are some of our favorite recipes for grilled corn, tortas, tacos and more.

Malanga Fritters While visiting Cuba, we learned how to make these unexpectedly delicate fritters from local cook Ofelia Farres. See the recipe for Malanga Fritters »Christopher Hirsheimer

Meat-Stuffed Potato Croquettes

These croquettes can also be filled with chicken or tuna. See the recipe for Meat-Stuffed Potato Croquettes »Christopher Hirsheimer

Yucca Fritters

These simple fritters are a favorite Cuban snack. See the recipe for Yucca Fritters »Christopher Hirsheimer

Cemita Poblana

Cemita Poblana
Mexico's overstuffed cemita poblana brims with queso blanco, chipotle, pepper, avocado, papalo and crisp milanesa (a fried cutlet).Todd Coleman

Torta Ahogada

Torta Ahogada
This popular Mexican sandwich from the state of Jalisco is filled with crisp roast pork, then "drowned" in a spicy chile de árbol sauce.Todd Coleman
Bauru (Brazilian Roast Beef Sandwich)

Bauru (Brazilian Roast Beef Sandwich)

Brazil's Bauru is made by smothering roast beef with melted mozzarella and tomato. See the recipe For Bauru »Todd Coleman
Lomito Completo

Lomito Completo

In the Lomito Completo, popular in Uruguay and Argentina, sirloin steak is lavished with sauerkraut, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and a runny fried egg. See the recipe for Lomito Completo »Todd Coleman
Elote The herb epazote added to the boiling water lends a floral flavor to this corn. See the recipe for Elote » Back to Mexico Feeds Me »Todd Coleman

Zacatecan Baked Masa Cakes (Gorditas Zacatecanas)

Zacatecan Baked Masa Cakes (Gorditas Zacatecanas)
Margarita Morales of Fresnillo, Zacatecas, shared the recipe for these crisp, bean-filled snacks.Todd Coleman

Masa Cakes Stuffed With Eggs (Gorditas de Huevos)

Gorditas de Huevos
These savory gorditas stuffed with chile-spiced scrambled eggs make a great breakfast meal or afternoon snack.Todd Coleman

Tacos de Papa

Tacos de Papa
These tacos are stuffed with cumin-spiced potatoes and fried until they're crunchy.Todd Coleman
Cheese Fritters (Almojábanas)

Cheese Fritters (Almojábanas)

These fritters are a popular snack in Puerto Rico.Penny de los Santos

Pasteles

These flavorful tamales are sold from street stands during the holidays in Puerto Rico. See the recipe for Pasteles » Back to Puerto Rican Christmas »Penny de los Santos
Seafood Cocktail (Coctel de Mariscos)

Seafood Cocktail (Coctel de Mariscos)

This zesty mix of fresh seafood, tomato and lime juices, and hot sauce is a refreshing snack or light meal eaten along Mexico's coasts. Get the recipe »Todd Coleman

Chalupas Poblanas (Thick Tortillas Fried with Salsa)

These thick tortillas, bathed in two types of salsa and garnished with shredded chicken, are a popular street snack in Mexico. See the recipe for Chalupas Poblanas »Todd Coleman
Grilled Steak Tacos (Tacos de Carne Asada)

Grilled Steak Tacos (Tacos de Carne Asada)

Skirt steak, a flavorful, juicy cut, is an excellent choice for carne asada, from Mexico's El Bajío region. This one is marinated with lime and spices before grilling.Todd Coleman

Mexican Bean and Cheese Sandwich (Molletes)

Mexican Bean and Cheese Sandwich (Molletes)
The bolillo, a French-style crusty white bread roll from Mexico, is the traditional foundation of this comforting dish, but a kaiser or most any other sandwich roll will work well.Todd Coleman

Salsa-Dipped Potato and Chorizo Sandwiches (Pambazos)

Salsa-Dipped Potato and Chorizo Sandwiches (Pambazos)
These salsa-dunked and griddled sandwiches, an iconic Mexico City street food, are named for the pambazos—soft, oval rolls—they're typically made with. Telera and kaiser rolls make fine substitutes.Penny De Los Santos
Sweet Hibiscus Drink (Agua de Jamaica)

Sweet Hibiscus Drink (Agua de Jamaica)

This sweet-tart drink is a popular streetside cooler.Todd Coleman
Pineapple and Cactus Drink (Agua de Piña con Nopal)

Pineapple and Cactus Drink (Agua de Piña con Nopal)

This thirst-quencher punches up pineapple and apple with cactus.Todd Coleman

Huarache con Carne Asada (Mexico City-Style Corn Tortillas with Steak)

Thick, oblong masa tortillas (named huarache, or sandal, because of their shape) are topped with grated cheese, salsa roja, sauteed steak, and sliced cactus in this classic street food.Todd Coleman

Churros con Chocolate Caliente (Mexican Fritters with Hot Chocolate)

Ruben Ortega, a native of Puebla and the pastry chef at Hugo's in Houston, Texas, shared his recipe for long, fluted fritters, served with thick hot chocolate for dunking. Get the recipe for Churros con Chocolate Caliente (Mexican Fritters with Hot Chocolate) »Todd Coleman
Beef Brisket and Picadillo-Stuffed Empanadas

Beef Brisket and Picadillo-Stuffed Empanadas

Tender, braised beef brisket is combined with raisins, sherry, pine nuts, and spicy chile powder in the fragrant filling for sugar-dusted, savory-sweet empanadas. Get the recipe for Beef Brisket and Picadillo-Stuffed Empanadas »Penny De Los Santos

Latest

Our 50 Best Shrimp Recipes Will Turn You Into a Seafood Master
Our 45 Best Indian Recipes
Our Best Skillet Recipes
Our Favorite Southern Food
Our 24 Best Savory Pies
Pasta Salad Recipes and Potato Salad Recipes
The Elusive Story of the Bread-and-Butter Pickle Sandwich
23 Easy Green Salads
Leave It to That Eccentric Genius Chef Patrick O’Connell to Serve Up Surprise and Delight Just When We Need It Most