Skip to Content

Encanto Foods: Magical Colombian Dishes from the Movie

You’ll love trying these foods from Disney’s Encanto! The traditional Colombian cuisine featured in the film are a celebration of culture.

Have you wondered what some of the Encanto foods are that you’ve seen in the movie? We’re here to share some with you so you can give them a try!

collage image of four Colombian foods featured in Disney's Encanto, including bunuelos, empanadas, arepas con queso, and ajiaco soup. An overlay reads, "Tasty Encanto Foods You Need to Try"

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here.

If you’ve seen Disney’s Encanto, you likely noticed the role food plays in the film.

Not only does the multi-generational Madrigal family gather to enjoy meals together around the table, but food plays a healing role as well.

Because Encanto takes place in Colombia, the dishes you see throughout the movie are traditional Colombian cuisine.

Let’s take a look at some of the foods seen in the film–and we’ll share some recipes so you can make it yourself!

Whether you’re hosting an Encanto birthday party or simply want to try a taste of the fare depicted in the movie, we’ve got you covered.

More Encanto Fun:

What Did they Eat in Encanto?

Here’s a look at some of the foods depicted in the movie!

Arepas Con Queso

Arepas are cornmeal cakes that are a part of traditional South American cuisine, and are especially popular in Colombia (where Encanto takes place), Venezuela, and Panama.

The cakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, stuffed with melted cheese.

In the opening song for the movie, Mirabel Madrigal sings about each member of her remarkable family, including the magical gift each has received.

When singing about her mother, she says, “My mom Julieta can make you feel better with just one arepa.”

Later in the movie, when she gets a cut on her hand and her mother heals it with food, Mirabel says, “You just healed my hand with an arepa con queso.”

You can get the recipe for arepas con queso and make your own at home!

a stack of arepas con queso, like those served in the movie Encanto

Ajiaco Colombiano

Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian soup of potatoes, chicken, and corn.

You can see it served during Isabela’s engagement party with the Guzmans. It’s often topped with cream, capers, and avocado slices. It can also be served with white rice.

All of these garnishes are served family-style on the Madrigal dinner table.

You can get the recipe for Ajiaco soup and make it for lunch or dinner!

ajiaco soup like that served in the Disney movie Encanto

Bunuelos

Bunuelos are a Colombian cheese fritter, made with cassava flour and cheese.

This is another one of Julieta’s specialties, as you can see her giving them out to townspeople who need healing for their maladies.

You can also see the family eating bunuelos during the breakfast scene in the movie.

They require some special attention, since they are deep-fried, but I think you’ll find they’re well-worth the effort!

Disney shared a recipe for bunuelos here!

a wooden bowl filled with Colombian bunuelos, similar to what was served in Encanto

Empanadas

In one scene, Camilo Madrigal is seen holding a platter of food that appears to include both arepas and empanadas.

Traditional Colombian empanadas are a fried corn patty stuff with a filling of beef and diced potatoes.

Learn how to make them here!

empanadas on a wooden cutting board

More Colombian Foods to Try

Although these may not have made an appearance in the movie, they are traditional Colombian foods that would go great with those mentioned above.

Encanto Foods For Celebrations

Although this next food is not traditional Colombian fare, we have to include our “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” Encanto cupcakes!

The candy glass looks just like the shards of glass from Bruno’s vision, making them an extra special treat.

They’re perfect for pairing with authentic Colombian cuisine for an Encanto movie night or birthday party.

Encanto-themed cupcakes displayed on a cake stand

Foods from Encanto

No matter what you decide to serve, these recipes give you a taste of the time-honored traditions and flavors of Colombia.

It’s a great way to experience some of the culture that makes Encanto so beautiful!