Medellin Vegetarian Food Tour 2025: A Downtown Tasting Review

So, I showed up in Medellin with this idea that finding really good vegetarian food would be a bit of a challenge. I mean, it’s Colombia, right, famous for its bandeja paisa and all kinds of grilled meats. A friend, you know, actually told me I’d be living on rice and beans. Anyway, I was looking for something more exciting and, basically, I stumbled upon this ‘Vegetarian Food Tasting Downtown’ tour. To be honest, I was kind of skeptical. A whole tour dedicated to veggie food in the heart of Medellin? At the end of the day, I figured it was worth a shot, and I’m so incredibly glad I went. It honestly changed my whole view of the food scene here.

First Impressions: A Fresh Start with Exotic Fruits

Alright, so the tour didn’t actually start right in the city center. Our meeting spot was, like, a cute little cafe in a calmer neighborhood, which was a nice way to ease into the day. Our guide, a super friendly local named Isabella, apparently wanted us to start with the basics of Colombian flavor. So, what did that mean? Fruit, of course. But this wasn’t just, you know, a banana and an apple. She brought out this huge platter with stuff I had only sort of heard of. We tried lulo, which is this tangy, citrusy thing, and granadilla, which you crack open and it’s full of these sweet, crunchy seeds. It was honestly a revelation.

Isabella was really great, by the way. She had a story for every single fruit, you know, explaining how her grandma uses it in a juice or a dessert. It felt less like a formal tour and more like a friend just showing you her favorite snacks. We also got to try a freshly made juice, which was just so refreshing. I mean, it set a really positive tone for the whole experience. Basically, it made you feel like you were in good hands and that this tour was going to be, like, pretty authentic.

Walking Through El Centro: History with a Side of Street Food

Okay, so after the fruit tasting, we all hopped on the Metro to head downtown to El Centro. The vibe there is, like, completely different. It’s busy, it’s loud, and it’s full of energy. As we walked, Isabella pointed out historical buildings and told us stories about the city’s transformation, which was actually really fascinating. For instance, standing in Plaza Botero among those famous, larger-than-life statues, you could kind of feel the history of the place. It was more or less a history lesson and a food tour rolled into one, you know?

Our first downtown snack was a street food classic, but with a twist. Isabella took us to this little stand she swore was the best in the city. And there, we got to try some cheese and spinach empanadas. They were just out of the fryer, so they were incredibly hot and crispy. The cheese was, like, perfectly melty, and you could really taste the fresh spinach. Frankly, I could have eaten about five of them. To wash it all down, she bought us these amazing limonadas de coco—creamy, sweet, and tangy coconut limeades. It was the perfect little break while standing and watching the city go by.

The Main Course: A Plant-Based Take on a Colombian Classic

Now, this was the part I was most curious about. A vegetarian bandeja paisa? It almost sounds like a contradiction. Isabella, you know, led us away from the main streets into this cool little modern restaurant tucked away on a side alley. It was one of those places you’d probably never find on your own. The atmosphere inside was really relaxed and contemporary. As a matter of fact, the restaurant’s whole concept was about re-imagining traditional Colombian dishes with a plant-based focus.

When the food came out, I was honestly speechless. It was beautiful. Instead of the typical ground meat, there was this rich, savory lentil stew, you know? The chicharrón was cleverly replaced with these smoked, grilled oyster mushrooms that had a really meaty texture. Of course, it still came with all the good stuff: sweet fried plantain, a perfectly cooked arepa, a big slice of avocado, and a fresh little side salad. It wasn’t just about replacing the meat; they actually built a dish that was delicious in its own right. I mean, every component was thoughtfully prepared. It was a completely satisfying meal that still felt, you know, like you were getting the authentic experience.

A Sweet and Surprising Finish

Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another bite, Isabella announced it was time for dessert. So, we walked a few more blocks to this little dessert shop that apparently specializes in something called obleas. Basically, an oblea is like two super-thin, round wafers. You get to choose your fillings, and they sandwich them together. They had all kinds of options, you know, like berry jam, chocolate sauce, and even shredded cheese, which is a popular local choice.

I went with the classic: a generous smear of arequipe, which is sort of like a thick caramel or dulce de leche. It was so simple, yet so delicious. The wafer was light and crispy, and the arequipe was just sweet enough. It was the kind of dessert that, you know, makes you feel like a kid again. We all just stood on the sidewalk, happily munching on our obleas and chatting about all the amazing food we had tried. It was a really sweet and authentic way to wrap up the tour, more or less a perfect ending.

Is This Vegetarian Tour Right for You?

So, who should take this tour? Honestly, pretty much anyone interested in food. You definitely don’t have to be a vegetarian to appreciate it. As a matter of fact, I think even a devoted meat-eater would be really impressed by the creativity and flavors. It’s a great option for solo travelers, you know, because you get to meet other people in a small group setting. It’s also perfect for couples or friends looking for a unique activity that goes beyond the usual tourist spots.

A little piece of advice, though: you should definitely show up hungry. I mean, really hungry. It’s called a ‘tasting tour’, but the portions are pretty generous, and by the end, you will be completely full. Also, just be sure to wear comfortable shoes. There is a fair bit of walking involved as you move through downtown, but that’s part of the fun. At the end of the day, it’s an incredible way to see the city, learn a bit about the culture, and eat some absolutely amazing plant-based Colombian food.

“I wanted to show people that Colombian food is so much more than just meat. Our land gives us incredible fruits and vegetables, and our traditional dishes are so flavorful. We just have to be a little creative!” – Isabella, our guide.

• You will eat a lot: Seriously, skip breakfast. The servings are surprisingly filling.
• Discover hidden gems: You’ll go to local spots that aren’t in the typical guidebooks.
• It’s more than just food: You actually get a great walking tour of Downtown Medellin with lots of cultural and historical insights.
• Comfort is key: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially for the downtown portion.
• Open to all eaters: You don’t need to be vegetarian to enjoy the delicious and creative dishes.

Read our full review: Vegetarian Food Tasting Downtown Medellin Full Review and Details

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