Venezuelan cuisine is gaining popularity in the US as more immigrants bring their authentic dishes. If you love hearty, flavorful comfort foods, you’ll enjoy exploring Venezuelan gastronomy.
This article will highlight 5 of the best Venezuelan foods you can find in the US and where to try them. Whether you’re Venezuelan and craving a taste of home or want to experience new flavors, these dishes are sure to satisfy.
Introduction
Venezuela is a beautiful South American country known for its diverse natural landscapes, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest. It’s also home to a vibrant, melting pot culture and mouthwatering cuisine influenced by European, African, and Native traditions.
When Venezuelans first immigrated to the US, it was difficult to find their beloved dishes. But now, cities like Miami, New York, Houston, and Los Angeles boast many restaurants serving authentic arepas, pabellón criollo, tequeños, and more.
While Venezuelan cuisine shares some similarities with neighboring countries, it has flavors and techniques all its own. It relies heavily on staple ingredients like corn, plantains, beans, beef, and cheese. Herbs and spices like cilantro, garlic, onions, and ají dulce (sweet chili pepper) bring pops of flavor.
From hearty comfort foods to snacks you can’t stop eating, Venezuelan gastronomy has something for everyone. Keep reading to discover 5 of the best Venezuelan dishes you need to try in the US.
Arepas – Grilled Cornmeal Cakes
No list of Venezuelan foods is complete without arepas. These delicious cornmeal cakes can be filled with endless combinations of meats, cheeses, veggies and spreads.
Arepas are one of Venezuela’s most iconic street foods and a staple breakfast, lunch and dinner. The basic dough is made from pre-cooked cornmeal that’s then grilled, baked or fried into thick discs. They’re cut open and stuffed with fillings, then eaten as sandwiches.
Traditional fillings include:
- Reina Pepiada – shredded chicken or beef with avocado
- Domino – melted white cheese with black beans
- Pabellón – shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains and white cheese
- Cazón – shredded fish with cabbage slaw
In Venezuela, you’ll find busy arepa stands pumping these out fresh all day long. In the US, look for arepas at Venezuelan restaurants and food trucks in cities like Miami, New York, and Houston.
For an authentic taste, try Arepa Mia in Doral, Florida where they grill fresh arepas to order. The fan-favorite is the Reina Pepiada with chicken, avocado, mayo and cilantro. Or sample different fillings by ordering an Arepa Flight.
Pabellón Criollo – The Venezuelan National Dish
When asked to name their national dish, most Venezuelans will say Pabellón Criollo. This hearty meal contains the core ingredients of their cuisine: rice, beans, beef and plantains.
Pabellón consists of tender shredded beef, black beans stewed with pork fat, white rice, sweet fried plantains and fresh cheese. It’s served in every restaurant, food stall and household across Venezuela.
The name Pabellón Criollo means “Creole Flag” referring to the colors of the Venezuelan flag represented in the ingredients: yellow plantains, red meat, white rice and cheese, and black beans.
This soul-satisfying dish has deep roots tracing back to Venezuela’s colonial period. African, Spanish and Native influences shaped the recipes for beans, rice and fried plantains. Pabellón brings these elements together in one mouthwatering meal.
In the US, you’ll find Pabellón Criollo at most Venezuelan eateries. For a top-rated version, visit El Arepazo in Doral, Miami which serves authentic family recipes. The soft shredded beef and creamy beans make it a standout.
Tequeños – Cheese Sticks in White Bread Dough
A popular Venezuelan snack or starter, tequeños feature melty white cheese enveloped in soft, chewy dough. They make an addictively delicious finger food.
Tequeños are made from a basic white bread dough. A stick of queso de mano or queso blanco is wrapped snugly inside, then carefully fried or baked until golden brown and crispy.
The melted cheese contrasts beautifully with the soft dough. Tequeños are served warm, often with a side of guasacaca sauce for dipping. This garlicky avocado salsa adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
In Venezuela, tequeños are sold as snacks in markets and malls. They’re also a popular appetizer in restaurants, alongside traditional dips like guasacaca.
In cities across the US, you’ll find tequeños at Venezuelan cafes, food trucks and family restaurants. Try them at Battata Cafe in Houston, where customers rave about the perfectly crispy dough and oozy cheese tequeños.
Cachapas – Sweet Corn Pancakes
Cachapas offer a sweet spin on traditional pancakes, made from fresh corn rather than flour. These naturally gluten-free pancakes are a beloved Venezuelan breakfast.
The batter is made from freshly ground corn, resulting in a textured, corn-speckled pancake. Cachapas are cooked until lightly browned on both sides and served with butter, cheese or sweet toppings.
Popular versions include:
- Con queso – fresh white cheese melted over the top
- Con jamón – ham and cheese melted between two cachapas
- Con caraotas negras – black beans and cheese
- Con dulce de lechosa – with lechosa (papaya) jam
In Venezuela, street vendors make cachapas to order early in the morning. Families also make them at home for weekend breakfasts.
For authentic, fresh-made cachapas in the US, head to 3 Sisters Cafe in Hollywood, Florida. Their sweet corn flavor shines through in each bite. Try them with white cheese or black bean dip for a hearty start to your day.
Tostoneras – Twice Fried Plantain Sandwiches and Tostones
Crispy yet tender plantains pressed with fillings, tostoneras make an easy handheld Venezuelan snack. Twice-fried green plantain “buns” are smashed flat and filled with cheese, beef, fish, chicken salad or black beans.
This sandwich is built using thick-cut green plantain slices. The raw slices are fried until just tender, then smashed flat. They’re fried again to get ultra crispy and golden.
Traditional fillings include:
- Carne mechada – Shredded beef with spices
- Queso blanco – Soft white cheese
- Pollo ensalada – Chicken salad with mayo, celery and onion
- Cazón – Shredded salted fish
The sweet-savory fried plantains contrast wonderfully with the creamy-rich fillings. Tostones hold up well to hearty fillings and sauces without getting soggy.
Find excellent tostoneras in Los Angeles at Carlitos Bistro. Their Croqueta Preprada has creamy ham croquettes, while the Pollo Mechado features flavorful shredded chicken thighs. The crisp tostones keep these sandwiches together.
Conclusion
Venezuelan cuisine brings hearty comfort, bright flavors, and endless creativity to the table. From sweet plantains to savory beans and cheeses, it offers something for all palates. These 5 dishes only scratch the surface of Venezuela’s diverse culinary heritage.
The growing Venezuelan community across the US means more access to authentic dishes. Use this list to find new favorites at restaurants in your city. Or better yet, connect with Venezuelan friends and ask to sample homecooked arepas, pabellón and more.
With influences across Europe, Africa and South America, Venezuelan food represents a true melting pot. It brings people together through meals filled with tradition, nostalgia, and just the right mix of flavors
