Maïs Arepas: David Mantilla Brings Colombian Flavor to NOLA – Colombian food New Orleans
It all started with a feeling—a quiet certainty buried in the heart of a 15-year-old boy from Cali, Colombia. David Mantilla knew he was destined for something more. With nothing but determination and the warmth of childhood memories spent visiting his grandmother in Miami, he left Colombia behind, chasing independence and a better life in the United States.
Today, David Mantilla is the proud owner of Maïs Arepas, one of New Orleans’ most beloved culinary gems. For more on New Orleans’ vibrant food scene, check out New Orleans Tourism Official Site – Food.
From Cali to the Crescent City: David Mantilla’s Journey
David’s first taste of the American dream came through hard work in retail. He opened his own kiosk business, traveling coast to coast, absorbing cultures, building resilience, and learning the art of persuasion. But even in those fast-paced, high-pressure environments, a part of him still longed for something more soulful—something that connected him back to his roots.
Cooking had always been in his blood. Raised in a family of passionate Colombian cooks, David grew up inhaling the rich aromas of traditional dishes like bandeja paisa and arepas. It was a passion he never thought he’d pursue professionally—until life, as it so often does, steered him toward his purpose. When Hurricane Katrina shook New Orleans in 2005, it didn’t just reshape the city’s physical landscape—it shifted David’s own trajectory. Drawn to the cultural and culinary richness of the Crescent City, he decided it was time to do something bold: bring the essence of Colombian cuisine to New Orleans, his new home.
The Art of Colombian Cuisine Reimagined at Maïs Arepas
With Maïs Arepas, David set out to elevate Colombian food—bringing his heritage to life with a personal twist. Every dish he creates is a canvas of culture, memory, and innovation. “We don’t just recreate traditional plates—we reimagine them,” he says. Experience authentic Colombian arepas with a modern twist at Maïs Arepas, you can find more information on their offerings at Maïs Arepas Official Website .
The success of Maïs Arepas didn’t come overnight. David opened quietly, without fanfare, using the early months to learn from mistakes and fine-tune the experience. It took time—months of uncertainty, grit, and grind—but slowly, the restaurant took off. Today, more than 13 years later, Maïs Arepas is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to feel.
“Our food is an expression of who I am, of where I come from, and of what’s possible when you don’t give up,” David says. At the heart of his success is not just great food—it’s a great team. David credits the love and loyalty of his kitchen and front-of-house staff, including his life partner and restaurant co-manager, for turning Maïs Arepas into the thriving business it is today. For general information about travel to Colombia and its rich culture, visit Colombian Tourism Information.
Owning a restaurant in a city as competitive as New Orleans demands more than just talent—it takes tenacity, discipline, and an unwavering belief in your product. “This is shark-infested water,” David says. “You need to bring something real to the table.” And David has. Not only did Maïs Arepas find success—it allowed him to buy the very building it operates from, a rare achievement in an industry plagued with uncertainty. Today, David is exploring new ventures—from real estate to the stock market—and dreaming of opening a new breakfast concept showcasing Latin American morning traditions. Still, the kitchen calls him. “Cooking is how I express my ideas and emotions. It’s art you can taste,” he says.
Through it all, David has stayed grounded in community. Whether supporting local farmers, mentoring young Latinos, or simply offering a warm smile to first-time guests, David has made Maïs Arepas a beacon of what it means to build with heart. For every aspiring immigrant, every Latino entrepreneur, and every dreamer wondering if it’s possible, David Mantilla stands as living proof: Yes, you can. New Orleans embraced him. And in return, David Mantilla gave the city something unforgettable—a taste of home, reimagined with fire, soul, and an unrelenting belief in possibility.
