Houston, one of America’s most diverse cities, is known for its rich tapestry of cultures—and that includes its incredibly vibrant food scene. While Tex-Mex and Southern comfort food are staples in the area, Houston is also home to a growing appreciation for authentic South American cuisine. From Colombian arepas to Argentine empanadas, the city has become a hotspot for those craving flavorful bites from south of the equator.
If you’re hunting for South American snacks in Houston or eager to taste the best empanadas in Houston, you’re in for a delicious adventure.
What Makes South American Snacks Special?
South American snacks are rich in tradition, bold in flavor, and incredibly diverse. Each country contributes unique ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural influences to the snack scene. Here’s a quick look at what you might encounter:
- Empanadas – Found in nearly every South American country, these savory pastries can be filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like guava and cream cheese.
- Arepas – A Venezuelan and Colombian favorite, these cornmeal cakes can be grilled, baked, or fried and are typically stuffed with cheese, meats, or avocado.
- Tequeños – Venezuelan cheese sticks wrapped in dough and deep-fried to golden perfection.
- Pão de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread made from tapioca flour, making it gluten-free and addictively chewy.
- Coxinha – Brazilian snacks shaped like teardrops and filled with shredded chicken and cream cheese, then breaded and fried.
These are just a few examples of the countless varieties of South American snacks Houston has to offer. Let’s dig deeper into where to find the tastiest options.
Where to Find the Best South American Snacks in Houston
- Productos Como En Casa (Multiple Locations & Online)
Known for its frozen Latin snacks and convenient heat-and-eat meals, Productos Como En Casa brings authentic Venezuelan flavor to Houston. Their cheese tequeños, mini arepas, and pastelitos are perfect for parties, events, or quick family meals. Their focus on traditional ingredients and handmade quality makes them a top contender for South American snack lovers in the area. - Gusto Gourmet
This Venezuelan bakery and café offers a wide range of traditional snacks, including empanadas, arepas, and tequeños. Their empanadas are stuffed with everything from shredded beef to black beans and cheese, reflecting the heart of Venezuelan comfort food. - The Arepa Station
Specializing in Venezuelan cuisine, this food truck and catering service offers customizable arepas packed with rich fillings like shredded chicken, avocado, and cheese. Their yucca fries and fried plantains also make great snack options. - Alma Latina Bakery
A Colombian bakery in Houston, Alma Latina is beloved for its authentic pan de bono, empanadas, and almojábanas—cheese-filled baked goods made with corn flour. Their Colombian empanadas, made with corn dough and filled with spiced beef and potatoes, are a local favorite. - Empanada Factory Latin Fusion
If you’re on the hunt for the best empanadas in Houston, this spot deserves a top mention. With influences from Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela, Empanada Factory offers baked and fried versions with fillings like spicy chicken, mushrooms and cheese, and even breakfast-style empanadas. It’s fusion done right.
The Empanada: A South American Staple
Empanadas are perhaps the most iconic South American snack. Each country has its take:
- Argentine empanadas: Often baked, these use a buttery dough and are commonly filled with ground beef, onions, hard-boiled egg, olives, and spices.
- Chilean empanadas: Known for the empanada de pino, filled with seasoned beef, onions, raisins, olives, and eggs.
- Colombian empanadas: Typically fried and made with corn flour, with beef and potato fillings.
- Venezuelan empanadas: Made with cornmeal and usually fried, filled with shredded beef, cheese, or black beans.
In Houston, you can find all these variations, often in the same neighborhood. The city’s international communities have created a thriving market for empanadas and other snacks, ensuring you never run out of options.
Why Houston is the Perfect Place for South American Snacks
Houston’s international flair, combined with its openness to food innovation, makes it an ideal place for discovering authentic flavors. With large Colombian, Venezuelan, Peruvian, and Brazilian communities, there’s genuine cultural representation in the recipes and preparation methods.
Whether you’re attending a local festival, exploring a neighborhood bakery, or ordering online, South American snacks in Houston are more accessible—and more authentic—than ever before.
Tips for Finding the Best Empanadas in Houston
- Look for Specialty Shops: Choose bakeries or cafes that focus on Latin or South American cuisine. Authentic recipes make all the difference.
- Ask Locals: Community word-of-mouth is powerful. Latin American residents often know the hidden gems.
- Check Farmers’ Markets: Many small vendors sell fresh empanadas and snacks at local weekend markets.
- Try Frozen Options: Brands like Productos Como En Casa offer frozen empanadas and tequeños that taste homemade and are easy to prepare at home.
- Experiment with Varieties: Don’t just stick with beef or cheese. Try vegetarian, seafood, or sweet empanadas to get the full experience.
Final Thoughts: A Snack Lover’s Paradise
Whether you’re already a fan or trying them for the first time, South American snacks in Houston are a must-try. With everything from tequeños to arepas and a wide selection of empanadas, Houston’s diverse food scene offers something for every palate.
The city’s Latin American vendors and small businesses are passionate about sharing their culinary heritage, which means you get to enjoy the most delicious—and authentic—bites possible. So, next time you’re searching for a flavorful snack or wondering where to find the best empanadas in Houston, skip the fast food and explore the rich, satisfying world of South American cuisine.
Your tastebuds will thank you.
