Latin American food is as vibrant and diverse as the culture itself. Far beyond simple tacos, Latin American cuisine ranges from savory pupusas to sweet corn on the cob, grilled and topped with delicious extras. Countries like Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and El Salvador all have signature dishes that are memorable and infinitely flavorful. If you’re looking to recreate some of this bright, regional flavor at home, International Fresh Market is here to serve. Our Latin grocery products are fresh and authentic, guaranteed to make your kitchen adventures even better.
The Magic of Latin Street Food Culture
Street food in Latin America is often hand-held and easy to eat on the go, contributing to the culture’s lively, community-based spirit. This cuisine is made up of bold flavors and is typically quite affordable. Additionally, simple, fresh ingredients, like vegetables and ground spices, are used in Latin American food. Every treat is a feast for the soul as well as the body. You can find many of these authentic ingredients at International Fresh Market, making it easy to get everything you need from a single location.
Must-Try Latin American Street Foods You Can Recreate at Home
No matter what your taste buds crave, you can satisfy them with one of these must-try Latin American street foods. All are delicious, and all are quite easy to make at home.
Pupusas (El Salvador)
Pupusas from El Salvador are corn masa pockets stuffed with savory fillings like beans, cheese, or pork. Pupusas are often served at family or community events, since they are easy to customize and make in large batches. Pupusas are made from masa harina flour and pan-fried in a skillet or griddle. They are often served with fermented cabbage slaw, known as curtido. Grab Salvadoran cheese, pickling spices, and high-quality masa harina from International Fresh Market to enjoy the most authentic pupusas!
Arepas (Venezuela/Colombia)
Arepas, originating from the Colombia/Venezuela area, are cornmeal patties that can be either grilled or fried. Stuffed with cheese, meats, or avocado, arepas are easy to make and require only minimal ingredients. To make arepas, mix masarepa (a precooked corn flour), water, and salt. Form the dough into patties after kneading for a few minutes, and wrap each patty around the filling of your choice.
Pan-fry in oil and serve with dipping sauce of your choice! Try traditional fillings like shredded chicken, plantains, and queso fresco, and consider making prep work a party, complete with Latin American music and drinks.
Elotes & Esquites (Mexico)
Elotes is corn on the cob, while esquites is corn shaved from the cob. Both of these tasty treats from Mexico are covered with mayo, chili powder, cheese, and lime for an unforgettable culinary experience. Elotes are traditionally grilled but you can also boil your corn if you are short on time or don’t have a grill. Once the corn is hot, slather it in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime. For esquites, simply shave the cooked corn into a bowl or cup and top to your preference.
You can grab all the essential ingredients for elotes and esquites from International Fresh Market, including queso cotija cheese, chili-lime seasoning, and Mexican crema. We have hundreds of products to choose from, so you can customize your dish to your preferences.
Empanadas (Argentina/Colombia/Chile)
Empanadas are pastry pockets filled with either sweet or savory ingredients. Empanadas are hugely popular in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia due to their versatility and ease of preparation. Make them at home using either homemade or store-bought dough, and fill them with beef, cheese, and olives, a traditional choice.
You can even try your hand at dessert empanadas, using fillings like fruit preserves or caramel. Chocolate-filled empanadas are especially delicious and decadent! At International Fresh Market, we have everything you need for delicious empanadas, including wrappers, sauces, such as chimichurri, and authentic spices.
Coxinha (Brazil)
Coxinha from Brazil is a special treat guaranteed to please any palate. Savory and filling, they are often served at street festivals and outdoor celebrations, since they are easy to eat while you’re partying or socializing. To make these delicious little chicken croquettes, combine shredded chicken, spices, and cream cheese, mixing well and forming into teardrops.
Roll the croquettes in breadcrumbs and deep-fry in oil until they are golden-brown and crispy. Coxinha are a great introduction to Brazilian street food and are perfect for almost any special occasion. Serve the coxinha with dipping sauces of your choice. If you aren’t sure about what dipping sauce to choose, consider a simple salsa, one that allows the flavors of the coxinha to shine through.
Pro Tips for Making Street Food at Home
It can be very simple to make street food at home with the right planning and prep work. Cooking with corn-based doughs like masa or arepa flour is easy for beginners and experts alike, while regional sauces like salsa verde, mole, and aji amarillo add big pops of flavor with minimal effort. Don’t hesitate to get family members or friends involved
To complete the meal, consider pairing your food with traditional Latin American drinks such as tamarind juice, Inca Kola, or horchata. All of these drinks (and a wide variety of Latin American snacks) are available in the Latin grocery section of International Fresh Market. If you ever have any questions about how to prep street food at home or need some guidance on what recipe to select, our friendly associates are always ready to help.
Grab Latin Grocery Products at International Fresh Market
At International Fresh Market, we believe in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you are preparing empanadas for the thousandth time or are a pro at making Latin street food, we have the ingredients and products you need. Discover the joy of recreating authentic Latin street food at home and explore our wide selection of products, from flour and baking essentials to sweets and traditional drinks. Contact International Fresh Market today to learn more about what we offer or to ask any questions you have about our current selection.
