Savor Colombia Safely: Your Ultimate Corn-Free Street Food Guide

Colombia’s street food scene is a vibrant explosion of flavors, but for those avoiding corn due to allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences, navigating it can feel daunting. From arepas to empanadas, corn (maíz) is a staple in many dishes. Fear not—here’s how to enjoy Colombia’s culinary gems while staying corn-free, with the help of the mm food app!

Navigating Corn in Colombian Street Food

Corn is woven into Colombia’s culinary DNA, but mm food empowers you to sidestep it effortlessly. Here’s how to tackle popular street foods:

1. Arepas (Traditional Corn Cakes)

The Challenge: Classic arepas are made with masarepa (corn flour). The Fix: Ask for arepas de plátano (plantain-based) or arepas de yuca (cassava). Use mm food to translate and confirm ingredients with vendors.

2. Empanadas

The Challenge: Fried pastries often use corn dough. The Fix: Seek wheat-flour versions (empanadas de trigo) or steamed pasteles de arroz (rice-based). Scan menus with mm food to detect corn derivatives.

3. Chuzos (Grilled Meat Skewers)

The Safe Bet: Opt for plain grilled meats or chicken. Avoid arepas served as sides and corn-based sauces like hogao (check via app!).

4. Obleas (Wafer Desserts)

Pro Tip: These sweet wafers are usually corn-free, but fillings like arequipe (dulce de leche) are safer. Use the app to verify masa (dough) ingredients.

How mm food Makes It Easy

1. Instant Menu Translation: Snap a photo of any menu to translate ingredients into your language.
2. Allergen Alerts: Input "corn-free" in dietary settings, and the app highlights safe dishes.
3. Custom Requests: Generate allergy-friendly phrases in Spanish, like "¿Tiene opciones sin maíz?" ("Do you have corn-free options?").

Colombia’s street food doesn’t have to be off-limits. With mm food, you can indulge in crispy patacones, juicy chuzos, and sweet obleas—corn-free and worry-free!