Antojos Vallunos: Colombian Street Food in South Carolina

What Antojos Vallunos serves and where to find them

Antojos Vallunos is a food truck specializing in Colombian street snacks and small plates, with a focus on recipes from the Cauca Valley region of Colombia. The menu centers on fried and grilled items that reflect traditional Colombian home cooking—empanadas, patacones (twice-fried plantain slices), arepas, and croquetas. The truck operates primarily in the Midlands area of South Carolina, with regular stops in Columbia and surrounding communities.

The name itself signals the food's origin: "antojos" means cravings or small bites in Spanish, and "Vallunos" refers to people from the Cauca Valley. This is not fusion food or Americanized Colombian cuisine—the recipes and techniques come directly from that region, prepared by people with family roots there. The truck's appeal lies in serving authentic versions of what Colombians actually eat as street food and casual meals, not interpretations designed for a different market.

Finding the truck requires checking their social media accounts, as food trucks move between locations. Their Facebook and Instagram pages post weekly schedules and any special events or catering bookings. During warmer months, they tend to have more frequent stops; winter schedules may be lighter.

Key Takeaways

• Antojos Vallunos serves Colombian street food from the Cauca Valley region, including empanadas, patacones, arepas, and croquetas prepared using traditional recipes.
• The truck operates in the Midlands, primarily around Columbia, with locations that change weekly based on their posted schedule.
• Most items are fried or grilled and meant to be eaten as handheld snacks or light meals, making them ideal for quick stops or outdoor eating.
• Prices are typical for food truck service—individual items cost a few dollars, and combo plates run in the mid-range for casual dining.

Signature items and what to order

The empanadas are a starting point for most first-time customers. These are half-moon pastries with a crispy fried exterior and a filling inside—common versions include ground beef, cheese, or potato. Colombian empanadas differ from Mexican versions in their thinner, crispier shell and the spice profile of the filling. They arrive hot and are meant to be eaten by hand, often with a squeeze of lime or a small cup of ají (hot sauce) on the side.

Patacones are a signature Colombian side dish that appears on menus across the country. Green plantains are sliced, fried once until soft, then flattened and fried again until they turn golden and crispy. They come salted and are served as a standalone snack or alongside other items. The texture is somewhere between a chip and a fried potato—crispy outside, tender inside. Many customers order them as a side to share or as their main item.

Arepas are cornmeal cakes that can be filled or served plain. Antojos Vallunos typically offers them with cheese, shredded meat, or other fillings. An arepa is denser and more substantial than an empanada and works well as a light meal on its own. They are grilled rather than fried, giving them a different texture and a slightly charred exterior.

Croquetas round out the fried offerings—breaded, fried cylinders with a creamy filling, usually potato or cheese. They are smaller than empanadas and often ordered in groups of three or four. The contrast between the crispy breading and soft filling is part of their appeal.

How Colombian street food fits into South Carolina dining

Colombian food trucks have grown steadily across South Carolina over the past decade, reflecting both immigration patterns and increasing interest in Latin American cuisines beyond Mexican and Puerto Rican options. Antojos Vallunos fills a specific niche: authentic regional Colombian cooking rather than pan-Latin fusion or Americanized versions. The food is affordable, portable, and designed to be eaten quickly, which aligns with how street food functions in Colombia itself.

The Midlands region, particularly Columbia, has a growing Colombian community, and food trucks like this one serve both that community and curious newcomers. For people unfamiliar with Colombian cuisine, Antojos Vallunos offers a low-risk introduction—the items are familiar in concept (fried pastries, plantain chips, cornmeal cakes) but distinct enough to feel like a genuine culinary experience rather than a variation on something already known.

The truck's focus on Cauca Valley recipes also matters. Colombia's regions have distinct food traditions, and Valluno cooking emphasizes certain ingredients and techniques that differ from coastal or highland Colombian food. This specificity is part of what makes the truck noteworthy in a food truck landscape that often blurs regional distinctions.

Dietary considerations and ingredients

Most items at Antojos Vallunos are fried, which is central to the cooking method and flavor profile. If you are avoiding fried foods, the grilled arepas are the primary alternative, though they may still contain cheese or other fillings depending on the variety. The truck can usually accommodate requests for specific fillings or modifications, though it is worth asking about options when you order.

Common ingredients include plantains, corn, potatoes, beef, cheese, and various spices. Ají (hot sauce) is typically available on the side rather than cooked into the food, so you can control the heat level. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, speaking directly with the staff when you arrive is the most reliable way to understand what is safe to eat.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited—cheese-filled empanadas and arepas, and plain or cheese patacones are the main choices. Vegan options are minimal given the reliance on cheese and fried preparation in traditional recipes.

Pricing and payment

Food truck pricing in South Carolina typically ranges from three to eight dollars per item, depending on what you order and the truck's location. Antojos Vallunos follows this general range, with individual empanadas or croquetas on the lower end and combo plates or larger items on the higher end. Most food trucks accept both cash and card payments, though it is worth confirming when you arrive, as some trucks have occasional card reader issues.

Ordering a few items to share is common practice at food trucks—empanadas, patacones, and arepas are all designed to be shared or eaten as part of a mixed meal. This approach lets you sample multiple items without committing to a full meal's worth of food.

Seasonality and scheduling

Food trucks in South Carolina operate year-round, but schedules shift with weather and demand. Antojos Vallunos is most active during spring and summer months when outdoor eating is comfortable and foot traffic is higher. Fall and winter schedules may be reduced, with the truck appearing less frequently or focusing on specific high-traffic locations.

Special events, festivals, and catering bookings can also affect the regular schedule. Checking their social media before heading out ensures you know where they will be and whether they are operating that day. Holiday schedules sometimes change as well, so a quick look at their posts prevents a wasted trip.

How to find them and what to expect

Antojos Vallunos posts their weekly location schedule on Facebook and Instagram. Following their accounts is the most direct way to know where they will be. They typically operate during lunch and dinner hours, though exact times vary by location. Some stops are regular weekly fixtures, while others rotate.

When you arrive at a food truck, expect a short line during peak hours and a wait of five to ten minutes for your order to be prepared. The staff speaks Spanish and English, so language is not a barrier. The food arrives hot and is meant to be eaten immediately or shortly after purchase—it does not travel well if you need to take it home.

Bring cash if possible, though most trucks now accept cards. Have small bills ready if paying cash, as food trucks sometimes run low on change during busy periods. If you are ordering for a group, decide on items beforehand to speed up the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the empanadas spicy?

The filling itself is usually mild to moderately seasoned. Heat comes from ají (hot sauce) served on the side, which you can add as much or as little of as you want. Ask the staff about the specific filling you are ordering if you are sensitive to spice.

Can I order ahead or do I have to wait in line?

Most food trucks operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take advance orders. Arriving during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) typically means shorter waits than lunch or dinner rush times.

What is the difference between an arepa and an empanada?

Empanadas are pastry-based and fried, with a thin crispy shell. Arepas are made from cornmeal, grilled rather than fried, and are denser and more filling. Both can have similar fillings, but the texture and cooking method are different.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes, but they are limited. Cheese-filled empanadas and arepas, and cheese or plain patacones are available. Most other items contain meat or are fried in shared oil, so ask the staff about what works for your diet.

Where exactly will the truck be on a given day?

Check their Facebook or Instagram page for the current week's schedule. Locations change regularly, and their social media is updated weekly with specific addresses or neighborhood names where they will be parked.