I have a confession to make: I have never been to Venezuela. I’ve been wanting to go for years, but the time never seemed to be right. I kept putting it off, but I finally decided that it was time to go. I went to Venezuela in 2011. It was a month long trip, but I have never forgotten it. The country is full of diversity. The culture is rich and vibrant, and the food is absolutely delicious! There are many dishes that I loved so much that I can’t wait to try them again.
Traveling to Venezuela? You’re likely going to have to eat a lot of local food, and you’ll definitely need to practice the art of street food to do it justice. However, when it comes to “street food” in Venezuela, you can’t go wrong with a few of these dishes. Here are some of the best Venezuelan dishes to try in Venezuela!
Venezuela is a country that is friendly to foreign visitors. You can easily find country specific dishes such as Cup-roasted chicken or Pork in Pando Sauce. Venezuela has a wonderful cuisine that is rich, diverse and full of flavor. These 15 Dishes to try in Venezuela will help you sample the best of the Venezuelan Cuisine.
South America is a permanent draw for travelers looking to immerse themselves in a country rich in history, culture and, most importantly, food. Over the centuries of colonization by the French, the Portuguese and the Spanish, the nation acquired a number of elements that have shaped the culinary identity it has today. One of those countries, not only known for its beauty queens and huge oil reserves, is Venezuela. The country has established itself as a Latin American destination with unique culinary traditions, perfect for any culinary-minded traveler. Travelers who want to spend time in Venezuela can try these fifteen delicious Venezuelan dishes. Vamos!Save it on Pinterest!
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In short, Venezuelan cuisine is dynamic and varied. With European influences from Spain, Portugal, Italy and France, combined with West African and Native American traditions, gourmets are assured of a magical taste experience. Corn, rice, plantains, beans and sweet potatoes, as well as some meats, are the staple foods of Venezuelans. Traditionally, it’s mostly corn or pancakes and flour bread that are served with just about everything. Venezuelan cuisine is also distinguished by the wide variety of queso blanco, or white cheese, whose name depends on the region where it is made. To decide which Venezuelan dishes to try, a well-prepared traveler should have a good starting point. Here’s a handy guide to some of the best dishes in Venezuelan cuisine.
1. Drawings
If you want to eat out in Venezuela, a popular dish is tequinos. These are cheese sticks made by baking slices of firm queso blanco, wrapped in an elastic puff pastry. After frying, the dough becomes very crispy and crumbly, which makes tequinhos an irresistible appetizer, bar snack or party snack. This dish is delicious on its own, but can be varied with a sauce like Venezuelan guacamole. They are thought to have originated in the seaside town of Los Teques, but the popularity of tekenos spread elsewhere, creating variations with wrappers like wontons and empanadas and fillings consisting of slices of ham, fruit and vegetables. 
2. Tostones (or patacones)
Plantains are a staple food in Latin America, so roasting plantains is part of a Venezuelan’s daily diet. It is believed that toast originated from our African ancestors and is served as an appetizer or as a side dish with main dishes. The unripe plantains are the star of the dish and are cooked by roasting them twice to get the desired texture inherent in the roast. After the first round of frying, remove the plantains from the pan and pat to remove excess oil. They are then breaded until golden and deep fried. 
Patacones are not only served as an appetizer or snack, but can also substitute bread for fried plantain rolls called patacones maracucho. This sandwich, with different fillings such as shredded fried chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, avocado and cheese, originated in the city of Maracaibo in Venezuela, but is now known throughout Latin America and is served everywhere. 
3. Empanada
Spain not only left an indelible mark on the culture of its colonies, but also on their cuisine. This makes the empanada one of the most popular imports of the Spanish colonizers. Although its origins are largely unknown, it is believed to have originated in Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain. An empanada is a type of baked or fried dough filled with meat, cheese, vegetables or other ingredients. The word itself means wrapped in bread, and what it contains depends on the country it comes from. The traditional Venezuelan empanada is made of a ground corn dough that turns yellow when annatto is added during roasting. Cheese is often used, but the toppings can be varied. It can be a combination of cheese and black beans called a domino, or a full dish inside a pabellon – with all the elements of the country’s national dish. 
4. Arepa
Arepa is one of the most emblematic dishes of Venezuelan cuisine. It is the national version of naan or pita, made from cornmeal and filled with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, cheese and pork. The garnish depends on the region, the creativity of the cook or perhaps what is left in the fridge. Although arepas are also found in the cuisine of Colombia and other neighboring countries, the Venezuelan version is generally smaller and thicker. True Venetian arepas use three main ingredients: cornmeal, water and a pinch of salt. They are cooked in a pan or on a plate called a boudar, and can also be cooked in a traditional oven. They are also often deep-fried. A popular recipe for arepa with chicken, mayonnaise salad and avocado is called Reina Pepiada, named after the Venezuelan Miss World who won the crown in 1955. Other favorites include asado negro (roast black beef), pernil de cochino (roast pig’s foot) and carne mechada (shredded beef). 
The biggest difference between the Venezuelan and Colombian arepa is the way it is served. Colombian arepas are usually served plain with salt and butter or stuffed with cheese. Venezuelan arepas, on the other hand, are often filled with a variety of fillings, such as shredded beef, chicken, cheese, black beans and plantains. 
5. Kachito
Cachito is a popular Venezuelan dish that resembles a croissant. Ingredients can vary, but generally wheat flour, eggs, oil, milk, salt, sugar, yeast and water are used. It is a staple of Venezuelan cuisine and is often stuffed with ham and cheese. The origin of the cachitos dish is unknown, but some believe it is derived from the Venezuelan Christmas dish, pan de jamon. According to another version, it was made by Portuguese and Italian bakers in the early twentieth century. century to have been introduced in Venezuela. 
6. Cachapa
Cachapa is a traditional Venezuelan dish that originated in the north-central region of the country, where the natives grew corn and considered it of divine origin. It is a thin pancake made with fresh ground corn, queso blanco and panea or sugar and cooked in a budar. It is served as an aperitif or as a complete breakfast. It is usually folded in half, filled with queso de mano and served with a little chicharron. This dish is similar to arepa in that both resemble pancakes. Kachapa, however, is thicker and has a more heterogeneous texture due to the addition of corn. Plus, it’s served crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a delicious eating experience with every bite. 
7. Pan de Hamon
Pan de jamón is a popular Christmas dish in Venezuela. It is a slightly sweet sandwich filled with ham, olives and raisins. It is said to have originated in a bakery in Caracas in 1905, when the owner was looking for a way to use leftover ham. After they were rolled into a soft, chewy dough and baked, a delicious sandwich was created that has graced the banquet table ever since. Over the years, locals have created their own versions of the bread, culminating in the most popular version, which features ham, olives and raisins. This combination of sweet and savory is surprisingly delicious, making it the ultimate Venezuelan Christmas dish. 
8. Hallacas
During the holidays, when people feast on lechon or expensive cuts of meat, Venezuelans serve haljacas. Jalacas are often considered a version of tamales and are one of the oldest food traditions in Venezuela. The preparation of gallaca has changed little since colonial times, except for some modern refinements. Like the Pabellon Criollo, they are considered a symbolic dish of Venezuela’s multicultural heritage with European, local and African ingredients. It is said that this dish originated on Christmas Eve, when wealthy families prepared large feasts with different meats and vegetables. The next day, slaves collected the leftovers and wrapped them in a cornmeal paste with plantain leaves before cooking them. Today’s challahs are prepared with the same technology. A thin layer of cornmeal dough is filled with a filling of beef, chicken and pork mixed with various ingredients such as paprika, olives and raisins. They are wrapped in plantain leaves and cooked until tender. The ingredients for hallaki vary from region to region. This gives the Venezuelans reason to demand: No two halachas taste the same. 
9. Pisca Andina
The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world and stretches across seven South American countries, including Venezuela. The freezing temperatures in these mountains have given rise to the country’s winter speciality, the Pisca Andina. Pisca andina is a soup of chicken broth, potatoes, milk and cheese with lots of coriander. It is usually served at breakfast to warm up on cold mountain mornings. 
10. Perico
Perico is a South American type of egg that is popular in Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine. It consists of scrambled eggs mixed with onions, shallots, tomatoes and red peppers. It is usually served at breakfast or brunch with bread or arepas. 
11. Chicharron
Chicharron is a dish of roasted pork skins or pork belly. It is a popular dish in Latin America, North America and the Philippines. Like empanadas, chicharrón is a dish of Spanish origin. Before the mass production of vegetable oil, people cooked their food in animal fat. They fry the pork in its own fat to extract the fat and preserve it for later use. The remains of the roasted pieces of pork were later called chicharron. Chicharron can be eaten in many different ways. It can be eaten as an appetizer or as a side dish to arepas or cachapas and is often sold as street food in Venezuela. 
12. Sancocho
Sancocho is a traditional soup or stew made from various meats and vegetables. It is popular in Venezuela and in many Latin American countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and the Dominican Republic. In Venezuela, sancocho is eaten throughout the country, often as a weekend dish. It can be prepared with one or more animal proteins such as beef, chicken, goat, organ meats, fish or seafood. When two or more meats are mixed in a sancocho, it is called a cruzado or crossbred. Common vegetables and spices used are garlic, onions, potatoes, cassava, yam, taro, pumpkin, oregano and cilantro. Sancocho can be served with arepas or cassabés (cassava bread). It’s a common dish during the holidays and some consider it a hangover cure. That is why it is often served for lunch at Christmas and New Year. 
13. Pabellon Criollo
Pabellon criollo is recognized as the national dish of Venezuela. This traditional Venezuelan dish consists of juicy shredded beef, black beans and rice, with tajadas (fried stroganos) or a fried egg – or both – as a regular side dish. Little is known about the origins of this dish, but there is speculation based on vague historical evidence about how it became the national dish of Venezuela. It is well known that during the Spanish occupation, the foreign colonizers mistreated the indigenous people and the African slaves, often depriving them of food for days. If they were lucky with food, it was only a little bit. Over time, it has become a symbol of their struggle. And even after the end of Spanish oppression, the concept of calling this dish pabellon, or flag, persisted. Each ingredient is supposed to represent its respective ethnic group: the dark meat and yellow bananas represent natives, the white rice represents European settlers, and the black beans represent Africans. Many believe these colors represent the country’s flag, making Pabellon Criollo a truly nationalistic Venezuelan dish. 
14. Catalinas
Catalinas are a soft Venezuelan cookie. They are also known as catalinas criollas or paledonia, a Creole delicacy made from flour, papelon (unrefined whole cane sugar), syrup and cinnamon. The best-known catalinas are reportedly sold in the states of Zulia and Lara, although they are widely distributed throughout Venezuela. 
15. Chicha
Chicha is a popular drink in Latin America. Each country has its own version of this dish with different ingredients. Chicha Venezolana is a popular national drink that is widely consumed throughout Venezuela. It is a thick rice and milk based drink that is both refreshing and soothing. The key to a perfect glass of shisha is to soak the rice for at least two hours, if not all night. After soaking, the rice is washed and then boiled in fresh water until the grains are soft. Mix the rice with the condensed milk to get a sweet taste. You can add nutmeg and a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. 
Stock Images from Depositphotos Venezuela has a rich and diverse culture, which is also reflected in the country’s cuisine. The ingredients tell stories that are part of Venezuela’s colorful history. The fifteen dishes presented in this guide to Venezuela are just a small sample of the interesting foods available in the country. Given the origin of these Venezuelan dishes and the way they are prepared, any gastronome looking for a gastronomic adventure will be in for a treat. Did you find this article useful? Help us help other travelers by sharing this article!The country of Venezuela is known for its diverse cultural and culinary background. From the typical South American street food, to the traditional cuisines of the “Pampa” and the “Norte”, you can find snacks, meals, and desserts that are worth trying out.. Read more about venezuelan desserts and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical dishes in Venezuela?
In Venezuela, you’ll find a lot of restaurants that serve food from all over the world, but there are also many dishes that are either typical or very traditional. Some of these dishes have a name in Venezuela, while others don’t. Here are some of the dishes that you can find nearly everywhere in Venezuela: As you learn more about Venezuela, you might have noticed that each of the country’s regions have their own unique cuisine. If you want to try authentic Venezuelan food, you should visit the countryside. If you’re already in Caracas, try visiting one of the many authentic food restaurants around the city.
What is the most famous dish in Venezuela?
Food is a big part of the culture of Venezuela, and it’s a country bursting with delicious recipes. For starters you have the typical South American fare of meat, fish and vegetable dishes, but there’s more to these meals than what meets the eye. What does your favorite dish taste like? Not the food you grew up eating, but those that are new to you. You may have tried one, or more, of the following dishes: The national dish of Venezuela is the arepa (pronounced ‘Arem-pa), a corn flour based flatbread. The arepa is a staple food in the Venezuelan diet, eaten for breakfast, as a snack, and a meal. A single arepa might contain anywhere between two to three cornmeal patties, wrapped in a corn husk. It is also often served with “chicharron” (fried pork skin), “alioli” (made with garlic and olive oil), and “vegetal” (a Venezuelan
Is Venezuelan food spicy?
Since the days of the pre-Columbian Taino people, Venezuela has been rich in history and natural beauty. However, it is not without its challenges, including the recent economic crisis and a series of political crises that have gripped the country for decades. This has had an effect on the way Venezuelans eat, with a recent survey by the University of the Andes revealing that Venezuelans have a growing taste for spicy dishes. In fact, the survey revealed that Venezuelans are some of the most adventurous diners in the world. Food is a huge part of the culture in Venezuela, and has a lot to do with the country’s geography. The majority of Venezuelans are of Spanish and Indian descent, with a small African and Native American population. These different cultures have had a huge influence on the local food.
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