Orlando is a city that thrives on diversity, from its people and cultures to the wide variety of food that fills its vibrant neighborhoods. Among its most comforting and flavorful culinary experiences lies the world of Colombian cuisine, where every bite tells a story of tradition, hospitality, and heart.
Known for its perfect balance of savory and sweet, Colombian food combines simplicity with bold flavors, drawing inspiration from the mountains, coasts, and farmlands of Latin America. Whether it’s a warm pastry filled with seasoned meat, a cheesy bread that melts in your mouth, or a smooth cup of coffee that starts your morning right, Colombian food captures the joy of everyday life in the most delicious way.
If you’re in Orlando or visiting the city and looking for something that feels homemade, satisfying, and full of character, these are the best Colombian foods to grab, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.
1. Empanadas – Golden Pockets of Comfort
Empanadas are among the most iconic Colombian snacks: crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. Made with a golden corn dough and stuffed with seasoned beef, chicken, potatoes, or cheese, these hand-sized pastries are fried to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.
They’re often enjoyed with aji, a tangy, spicy green salsa made with cilantro, onion, and lime juice, which adds the perfect finishing touch. Empanadas are versatile, a popular breakfast on the go, a midday snack, or even a light dinner when paired with a cup of coffee or juice. Whether eaten hot from the fryer or shared with friends over coffee, empanadas are the heart of Colombian street food, easy to love and impossible to forget.
2. Mallorca Sandwich – Sweet Meets Savory in Every Bite
The Mallorca Sandwich is where Colombian flavors meet comfort café culture. This beloved pastry sandwich starts with a soft, sweet roll dusted with powdered sugar, light, buttery, and slightly sweet, then layered with savory fillings such as ham, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and sometimes eggs.
The beauty of the Mallorca Sandwich lies in contrast. Each bite combines the sweetness of the bread with the richness of melted cheese and the saltiness of the filling, creating a flavor profile that’s indulgent yet balanced. It’s the perfect fusion of breakfast and lunch, equally satisfying with a steaming cappuccino or an iced latte. In Orlando, the Mallorca Sandwich has become a signature favorite for those who appreciate both flavor and texture.
3. Arepa Rellena – The Soul of Colombian Street Food
Few foods represent Colombian cuisine as proudly as the Arepa, and the Arepa Rellena (stuffed arepa) takes this classic staple to a whole new level. Made from cornmeal dough and grilled or baked to golden perfection, arepas are soft on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
What makes the Arepa Rellena special is what’s inside. Filled with options like shredded beef, chicken, cheese, or eggs, each version offers a satisfying mix of warmth, richness, and texture. Some are even topped with sauces like garlic mayo or pink sauce for extra flavor. These handheld delights are not only hearty and filling but also naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect meal for anyone seeking a flavorful, wholesome bite. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, the Arepa Rellena brings a taste of Latin comfort straight to your hands.
4. Pan de Bono – The Cheesy Bread Everyone Loves
Light, airy, and delightfully cheesy, Pan de Bono is one of Colombia’s most loved bakery items, and it’s easy to see why. Made from a blend of cassava starch, cornmeal, eggs, and cheese, Pan de Bono offers a perfect balance between chewy and tender.
Its aroma alone is enough to make anyone stop and take notice, warm, comforting, and slightly sweet with that signature cheesy note that melts in your mouth. It’s often enjoyed fresh from the oven, paired with black coffee or hot chocolate for a true Colombian-style breakfast. No matter where you’re from, one bite delivers universal comfort, a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable.
5. Pastel de Pollo – The Perfect Savory Pastry
If you’re craving something hearty, the Pastel de Pollo (chicken pastry) is a must-try. This savory delight features tender, seasoned shredded chicken wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry crust that’s baked until golden. The filling is rich and flavorful, sometimes mixed with vegetables or herbs that enhance the overall depth of taste.
It’s often enjoyed warm, either as a breakfast pastry or a midday snack with coffee or juice. In Orlando, this pastry has found its place among café favorites, loved by anyone looking for a quick, filling, and flavor-packed treat. Whether you’re on the go or sitting down for a slow morning, the Pastel de Pollo brings a taste of home-style cooking wherever you are.
6. Colombian Coffee – The Heart of Every Café Moment
Colombian coffee is a whole experience. Known for its smoothness, balanced flavor, and rich aroma, Colombian coffee is among the most celebrated in the world. Grown in high-altitude regions with fertile soil and ideal climate, it’s distinguished by its naturally mild yet full-bodied taste.
In Orlando’s cafés, Colombian coffee shines in every form, from a classic black coffee to a Cappuccino, Latte, or Iced Coffee. Each cup offers a comforting warmth that ties together all the other Colombian delicacies, enhancing every pastry or savory dish with a sip of perfection. Every cup represents connection, relaxation, and tradition, a moment to slow down and savor the little things.
Experience Authentic Colombian Flavors at Mecatos Bakery & Café – Lake Underhill
If all these flavors have sparked your appetite, there’s one place in Orlando that brings them all together with true authenticity: Mecatos Bakery & Café – Lake Underhill.
Located at 7790 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 101, Orlando, FL 32822, Mecatos offers a warm and welcoming space where every item on the menu reflects the richness of Colombian tradition and the joy of great food shared with others.
Here, you can enjoy everything from crispy Empanadas and cheesy Pan de Bono to savory Pastel de Pollo and freshly brewed Colombian coffee, all prepared daily with passion and care. The Mallorca Sandwich and Arepa Rellena are favorites among regulars, known for their balance of flavor, texture, and freshness. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet treat, Mecatos delivers a comforting experience every time.
Beyond the food, Mecatos Bakery & Café in Lake Underhill is all about community, a place where people gather, talk, and connect over good coffee and even better company. Every visit feels like stepping into a space filled with warmth, both in flavor and atmosphere.
A Flavorful Journey Rooted in Tradition
Mecatos Bakery & Café has become a cornerstone of that experience in Orlando, turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. What started as a local bakery has grown into a community favorite, known for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and warmth.
Beyond their daily offerings, Mecatos also provides catering services, making it easy to share their beloved pastries, sandwiches, and coffee with guests at events and gatherings.
Other Mecatos Bakery & Café Locations Around Orlando
With several locations across Central Florida, it’s always easy to find a Mecatos near you:
- Apopka: 1725 Ocoee Apopka Rd, Apopka, FL 32703
- Waterford Lakes: 12400 Lake Underhill Rd, Unit 103, Orlando, FL 32828
- Lake Nona: 10783 Narcoossee Rd, Suite 125–129, Orlando, FL 32832
- Metrowest: 2900 S. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
- Downtown Orlando: 20 N Orange Ave, Ste 102A, Orlando, FL 32801
- West Colonial/Ocoee: 10151 W. Colonial Dr, Ocoee, FL 34761
- Hoffner/Edgewood: 5645 Hansel Ave, Edgewood, FL 32809
- Curry Ford West: 2904 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
Each Mecatos location maintains the same welcoming atmosphere, serving freshly baked pastries, hearty snacks, and handcrafted coffee, ensuring that no matter where you are in Orlando, the taste of home is never far away.
Colombian food isn’t about just taste; it’s about tradition, connection, and comfort. Each dish carries the spirit of sharing and celebration, reminding us that great food brings people together. So, the next time you’re in Orlando and craving something freshly baked, rich in flavor, and made with heart, stop by Mecatos Bakery & Café – Lake Underhill. It’s more than a café, it’s a little piece of Colombia, right in the heart of Orlando.
