Latin American street food is not generally accessible outside of the countries where it is commonly served, but Chocklo restaurant brings together multiple street food favorites in one space. Founded and run by Alfred Rojas, this venture was inspired by his childhood in Columbia as well as his travels throughout South America. This idea of exploration and travel defines Rojas' Chocklo restaurant as it features street food from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador and Columbia. The name itself draws from a street food influence as it comes from a popular South American street food dating back before European colonization.
While Rojas has a lot to cover in terms of influence, the menu at the Chocklo restaurant is split into three sections. The first section focuses on arepas, from Venezuela and Columbia, which are stuffed with various meats. The second section offers up a variety of empanadas from Argentina and Columbia, with each utilizing a different type of flour. The final focus of Chocklo is on tortas which feature ingredients and flavors from all across South America.
South American-Inspired Street Food
Chocklo Restaurant Serves Street Food from Multiple Countries
Trend Themes
1. Latin-american Street Food - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a concept that brings together street food from multiple Latin American countries, providing a taste of diverse culinary traditions in one space.
2. Exploration-inspired Restaurants - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop restaurants that are inspired by the concept of exploration and travel, featuring cuisine from different regions around the world.
3. Authentic Ethnic Cuisine - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce lesser-known street food from specific countries or regions, offering an authentic culinary experience to customers looking for unique and culturally-rich dining options.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate street food from various cultures into mainstream dining options to cater to diverse palates and tap into the growing demand for global cuisine.
2. Restaurant and Hospitality - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create themed restaurants that transport customers to different parts of the world through their menus and ambiance.
3. Culinary Tourism - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop culinary tourism experiences that allow travelers to explore the flavors and food cultures of different countries in one location.