The Pitco Passport: Exploring the Best South American Fried Street Foods

When it comes to craveable cuisine, few regions compare to South America. Across the continent, street food plays a central role in everyday life, and a lot of it is fried. These foods are delicious and represent a rich mix of cultures, ingredients, and traditions that span from the Andes to the Amazon.

This edition of the Pitco Passport Series explores iconic South American fried foods that are shaping global menus. From savory snacks to indulgent desserts, these foods offer bold flavor and unique business potential. At Pitco, we help chefs and operators bring international inspiration to life with commercial fryers that deliver consistency, speed, and versatility across any kitchen.

5 Must-Try South American Fried Foods for Your Menu

Yuca Frita

Yuca frita is a staple in countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. Made from cassava, these fries are naturally gluten-free, golden on the outside, and creamy inside. They offer a starchier bite than traditional fries and pair well with everything from garlic sauce to chili-based dips. For operators, they’re a simple way to add variety without complicating prep.

Empanadas

These fried turnovers are found in nearly every South American country, with regional variations in both dough and filling. Whether stuffed with beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables, empanadas are portable, satisfying, and ideal for appetizers, grab-and-go, or catering trays. Their versatility allows operators to customize flavors while keeping ingredients cost-effective.

Coxinha

Coxinha is a beloved street food in Brazil; the teardrop-shaped croquettes are stuffed with shredded chicken and cream cheese. After breading and frying, they develop a crisp outer shell that gives way to a rich, savory center. These croquettes are built for batch cooking and served as snacks, small plates, or part of a combo meal.

Arepas

Fried versions of arepas are common in Venezuela and Colombia. These thick cornmeal cakes puff slightly when fried, creating a crisp edge and soft center. Once split, fill with cheese, beans, meats, or plantains to make them even tastier. Because they’re naturally gluten-free, arepas also appeal to a broader range of dietary needs.

Churros

Sweet, simple, and satisfying, churros are a favorite dessert across Latin America. In Argentina and Brazil, they’re typically fried until golden, then filled with rich dulce de leche and rolled in sugar and cinnamon. These handheld treats are ideal for dine-in service or takeaway, and they hold up well for pre-batch preparation and reheating.

Why South American Fried Foods Are Smart Menu Additions

These dishes aren’t just flavorful; they’re strategic. Many use low-cost ingredients like cassava, cornmeal, or dough, keeping margins strong. They can be prepped in advance and fried in batches during service, streamlining labor and minimizing waste.

They also meet current demand for global flavors and street food–style offerings. As more diners seek bold, approachable dishes from around the world, South American fried foods deliver both familiarity and novelty. They’re easy to scale, highly customizable, and naturally suited for takeout, delivery, or dine-in service.

These menu additions are seamless for restaurants already using Pitco fryers. With the proper setup, operators can expand offerings without adding complexity to the kitchen.

Find the Right Fryer for Any Global Menu

Are you adding something new to the fryer menu? No matter which South American fried food you choose, the right equipment makes execution easier. Pitco’s line of commercial fryers handles a range of cuisines and service volumes while maintaining quality and consistency.

Which fryer is best for your operation? The Pitco Fryer Product Selector Tool can help. Just answer a few quick questions, and find a fryer model that fits your kitchen layout, menu needs, and volume goals.

With Pitco, operators can explore global inspiration confidently and serve fried favorites that keep customers coming back.