El Capricho Food Truck: Colombian Street Food in South Carolina

What El Capricho serves and where to find it

El Capricho is a Colombian food truck that specializes in arepas, empanadas, and grilled meats—the kind of street food you'd find in Bogotá or Medellín, now operating in South Carolina. The truck moves between locations, so your best bet is checking their social media pages or calling ahead to confirm where they'll be on any given day. They typically set up in parking lots and at community events around the Midlands and Lowcountry regions.

The menu centers on handheld items and plates that reflect Colombian home cooking. Arepas—cornmeal cakes stuffed with cheese, meat, or beans—are their signature item. You can also order empanadas filled with beef, chicken, or cheese, along with grilled chicken and beef plates served with rice, beans, and plantains. Prices are modest, usually between $5 and $12 per item, making it affordable casual dining.

Key Takeaways

• El Capricho serves authentic Colombian street food including arepas, empanadas, and grilled meats from a mobile truck.
• The truck's location changes regularly, so you should check their social media or call before heading out to find them.
• Most menu items cost between $5 and $12, making it budget-friendly for a full meal.
• Arepas and empanadas are the standout items, made fresh to order and reflecting traditional Colombian recipes.
• They often appear at community events, farmers markets, and regular parking lot spots throughout the Midlands and Lowcountry.

The arepas and what makes them different

An arepa is not a taco, not a sandwich, and not a pancake—it's its own thing entirely. It's a thick, warm cornmeal cake, griddled until the outside is slightly crispy, then split open and stuffed. El Capricho fills theirs with combinations like shredded beef, pulled chicken, queso fresco (fresh cheese), or black beans. The corn flavor comes through, and the texture is somewhere between bread and polenta.

If you've never had one, start with the arepa con queso (cheese) or arepa con carne (beef). They're filling enough to be a meal on their own, though many people order them as part of a larger plate. The truck makes them fresh, which means a short wait but a noticeably better result than pre-made versions.

Empanadas and other handheld options

Colombian empanadas are smaller and more delicate than their Mexican or Argentine cousins. El Capricho's versions are fried until golden, with a thin, crispy shell that shatters when you bite into it. The fillings—usually seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or cheese—are generous without being heavy. They're perfect as a quick snack or appetizer before a larger order.

Beyond empanadas, the truck also offers patacones (twice-fried plantain slices, crispy and salty) and croquetas if they have them on a given day. These sides pair well with the grilled plates or stand alone as shareable items if you're ordering with friends.

Grilled plates and full meals

If you want something more substantial, El Capricho serves grilled chicken and beef plates. These come with white rice, black beans or lentils, and sliced avocado or plantains on the side. The meat is seasoned simply—salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic—letting the quality of the protein show. Portions are generous, and the sides are cooked properly, not an afterthought.

These plates are good for lunch or dinner and leave you satisfied without feeling overstuffed. Many people order a plate and share arepas or empanadas from the same order, which works well if you're eating with someone else.

How to track down the truck and what to expect

El Capricho does not have a fixed location, so planning ahead is important. Follow their social media accounts—usually Facebook or Instagram—where they post their daily or weekly schedule. Some food truck apps also list their location if they're registered on those platforms. If you can't find them online, calling the number on their truck (if you've seen it before) is the fastest way to confirm where they'll be.

When you arrive, expect a short line during lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends. The truck operates from a window, so you order and pay there, then step aside to wait for your food. Most items are made to order, so if you're in a hurry, let them know—they'll prioritize, but don't expect instant service. Bring cash if possible; many food trucks prefer it, though some accept cards.

Why Colombian food matters in South Carolina

South Carolina's food scene has long centered on Lowcountry cooking, barbecue, and seafood. Colombian food trucks like El Capricho add a different flavor profile and cooking tradition to that landscape. Arepas and empanadas represent a cuisine built on corn, plantains, and grilled meats—ingredients that have deep roots in the Caribbean and Central America but are still relatively new to many South Carolina diners.

Supporting food trucks run by Colombian families also means supporting immigrant-owned small businesses that are part of South Carolina's growing Latino community. The food is authentic because it comes from people cooking the way they learned at home, not from a corporate recipe. That matters to the taste and to the story behind what you're eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is El Capricho located?

The truck moves between different spots, so there's no single permanent address. Check their Facebook or Instagram page for their current schedule, or call the number on the truck if you've seen it before. They often post their location the day before or the morning of.

What's the difference between an arepa and an empanada?

An arepa is a thick, warm cornmeal cake that's griddled and split open to stuff. An empanada is a fried pastry pocket with a crispy shell. Arepas are softer and warmer; empanadas are crunchier. Both are Colombian staples, but they're completely different textures and cooking methods.

Do they take card payments or only cash?

Most food trucks prefer cash, but many now accept cards through mobile payment systems like Square or Venmo. Call ahead or ask when you arrive to confirm what they accept that day. Bringing cash is the safest bet if you want to avoid any payment issues.

Are the portions big enough for a full meal?

Yes. A single arepa or plate of grilled meat with sides is filling enough to be lunch or dinner on its own. Many people order one main item and share sides or empanadas with someone else, but one person can definitely eat just one thing and leave satisfied.

What if I've never had Colombian food before?

Start with an arepa con queso (cheese) or arepa con carne (beef)—they're the most approachable and show what the cuisine is about. If you like fried foods, try an empanada. The flavors are not spicy or intimidating; they're savory and straightforward, built on quality ingredients rather than heat.