When it comes to casual fast food, Venezuelans have some of the best dishes out there.
We all know and love arepas, but there’s an array of dishes that don’t get as much attention, and we think they should! With influences ranging from Caribbean to African and European, the flavors range from bright and bold to down-right comforting.
Here are 7 Venezuelan bites you should keep on your radar:
Tequeños
The bread dough fingers stuffed with cheese are always a crowd pleaser for all occasions.
Empanadas
The great debate between empanadas is narrowed down to how the dough is prepared, and in Venezuela is traditionally made with cornflour which could be baked like its counterparts, but you’re more likely to enjoy it fried.
Hallacas
Traditionally consumed during Christmas, the Venezuelan take on the tamal but wrapped in a banana leaf and stuffed with cornmeal and a meat stew is made tangy with capers and olives. The stuffing is usually a red hue thanks to the use of aceite de achiote en la masa.
Cachapas
These sweet corn pancakes are folded in half and stuffed with a thick slab of queso blanco, and occasionally pork, chicken or beef.
Patacón
The Venezuelan version of preparing fried plantain, usually served with dipping sauces like la deliciosa salsa verde, hogao sauce or creamy garlic.
Pabellón (Criollo)
We bet money this is one of the heartiest dishes you’ll ever eat! A shredded beef stew served over white rice and black beans, with sides of plantain, fried egg, avocado and arepa, supposed to resemble the Venezuelan flag.
Asado Negro
The Venezuelan version of Mom’s roast beef is usually drizzled with an either sweet or tangy glaze depending on how much sugar (or wine) and vinegar is used, and with peppers and spices.