What to Eat in Venezuela: Local Foods I Experienced

Venezuelan cuisine is one of the most colorful and distinctive in Latin America. Throughout the country’s food culture, you can clearly see Caribbean influences, local ingredients, and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. During my travels in Venezuela, I had the chance to taste local dishes in many different settings, from street food stalls to small family-run restaurants. Venezuela’s iconic foods like arepas and pabellón criollo offered deep insights into the country’s vibrant culture and daily life.

In this article, I answer the question “What to eat in Venezuela?” through my own experiences and the local flavors I discovered along the way. I hope it serves as an enjoyable guide for food lovers and culinary explorers curious about Venezuelan cuisine.

One of the flavors you will most likely encounter most often in Venezuela is the arepa. These round breads are basically made from corn flour and are prepared by filling them with various ingredients according to preference. Chicken, beef, and cheese are the most common fillings. Throughout my journey, I most often chose the Arepa Reina Pepiada. This classic combination of chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise is one of the most beloved arepa varieties in Venezuela.

The name Arepa Reina Pepiada originated in 1955 in honor of Venezuelan beauty queen Susana Duijm, who was crowned Miss World that year. Reina means “queen,” while pepiada is a term in Venezuelan Spanish used to describe a glamorous and very beautiful woman. Together, the name can be interpreted as “beautiful queen.” To celebrate Susana Duijm’s achievement, an arepa shop in Caracas created a generously filled arepa with chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise and named it Reina Pepiada.

Empanadas are a practical yet incredibly tasty snack that you’ll encounter on almost every street corner in Venezuela. These half-moon–shaped pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, or fish, then fried and served hot. Crispy on the outside and generously filled on the inside, empanadas are one of the most ideal choices in Venezuelan cuisine for anyone looking to grab a quick bite on the go.

Next is Pabellón Criollo, which can be considered Venezuela’s national dish. The main reason it is regarded as a national dish is that all the foods on the plate reflect the country’s diversity shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences dating back to the colonial period. Prepared with shredded beef (carne mechada), a fried egg, rice, black beans (caraotas negras), fried plantains (tajadas), and avocado, this colorful and filling dish is one of Venezuela’s most beloved specialties. It is an ideal choice for those who enjoy trying a variety of flavors on a single plate.

One of Venezuela’s classic Christmas specialties, Pan de Jamón, is made with a slightly sweet dough filled with ham, smoked bacon, olives, and raisins. This special combination brings together both savory and sweet flavors, offering a different taste in every bite. I really loved it. Even if you visit Venezuela outside the Christmas season, I think this is a flavor you should definitely try.

Patacón is one of the first dishes that comes to mind when thinking of the city of Maracaibo. Slices of plátano (plantain) are fried and used like hamburger buns, then filled with meat, cheese, and fresh greens. This dish is quite filling and can be described as a kind of Venezuelan fast food. By the way, if you’re not extremely hungry, I’d suggest sharing a single portion of this crispy treat with someone else.

Cachapa, one of Venezuela’s traditional specialties, is made by cooking a sweet corn-based batter on a griddle or grill, similar to a pancake. Once cooked, it is filled with a type of cheese called queso de mano, creating a perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. It is quite filling and is often eaten for breakfast. Cachapa is an ideal choice for those who enjoy sweet-and-salty combinations. Click here to see how cachapas are made.

Hallaca is a dish made by wrapping a filling of beef, chicken, pork, or vegetables in plantain leaves, giving it the appearance of a small bundle or pouch. While the fillings vary from region to region, most include onions, peppers, olives, and spiced sauces. The wrapped bundles are tied with string and boiled until cooked, then ready to serve. I highly recommend trying at least one variety.

Cachito is a Venezuelan-style croissant filled with ham. It is typically enjoyed at breakfast. This convenient and tasty pastry can be easily found at bakery (panadería) and café counters throughout the country. With its slightly sweet dough and savory ham filling, it’s perfect for a quick morning meal.

Papelón con limón is the perfect thirst-quenching summer drink. Made with unrefined cane sugar (papelón) and fresh lime juice, this refreshing beverage is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This popular drink is found everywhere, from street stalls and busy markets to local neighborhood cafés.