Food In Venezuela: Top 10 Dishes From Arepas To Hallacas

Venezuela is known for its rich and diverse food scene, influenced by a mix of indigenous, African and European cultures. Tourists visiting the country can enjoy some of the best food in Venezuela, from savoury dishes like Arepas to sweet treats like Golfeados. Venezuelan food is not only tasty but also an important part of its cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for food lovers. You should definitely try these dishes in Venezuela when you visit this beautiful country.

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Top 10 Food In Venezuela

Here is the list of the best food in Venezuela, highlighting the bold flavours, local ingredients and rich food traditions:

1. Arepa

An image of an Arepa dish which is among the popular tourist’s food in Venezuela.

Photo: John Alexis Guerra Gómez / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Arepa is a staple food in Venezuela, made from ground maize dough or pre-cooked cornmeal. It is round, thick, and grilled or fried until golden. Arepas are split open and stuffed with fillings like cheese, black beans, shredded beef, or avocado. Common versions include “Reina Pepiada,” filled with chicken and avocado. Arepas are eaten any time of the day and found in homes and street stalls. Their crispy shell and soft inside make them a comfort food loved across generations.

Popular Places To Try: Caracas, Maracaibo, Mérida
Worldwide Variations: Corn cakes (Colombia), Pupusas (El Salvador)

2. Pabellón Criollo

An image of Pabellón Criollo, a national dish among the famous food in Venezuela.

Photo: Seamar31 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pabellón Criollo is considered the national dish and a star among famous food in Venezuela. It combines shredded beef, black beans, white rice, and sweet fried plantains. The flavours balance savoury, creamy, and sweet, giving a rich experience in each bite. It reflects Venezuela’s cultural mix and is typically served for lunch or dinner. Some variations include fried eggs or cheese on top. It is deeply filling and often homemade but also widely available in restaurants across the country.

Popular Places To Try: Caracas, Valencia, Barquisimeto
Worldwide Variations: Rice and beans with beef (Latin America)

3. Tequeños

An image of Tequeños cheese sticks, which are among the various best food in Venezuela.

Photo: Rodolfo pimentel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tequeños are one of the best food options for snacking. These cheese sticks are wrapped in pastry dough and deep-fried until crisp. Commonly served at parties, cafés, and weddings, they’re often paired with guava sauce or garlic mayo. Tequeños are especially loved as street snacks and breakfast bites. The cheese melts inside while the outer layer stays crunchy. Their simplicity and irresistible taste make them one of the first Venezuelan foods people fall for.

Popular Places To Try: Caracas, Maracay, Maracaibo
Worldwide Variations: Cheese sticks (USA), Palitos de queso (Colombia)

4. Cachapa

An image of Cachapa, a thick pancake among the ideal tourist best food in Venezuela.

Photo: Caldobasico / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Cachapas are part of the best street food and are made from ground fresh corn into a thick pancake. They’re griddled until browned and usually folded around “queso de mano,” a soft, salty cheese. The mix of sweet corn and cheese makes it satisfying and hearty. Sometimes topped with butter or ham, cachapas are found in street stalls and countryside stops. Their popularity spans regions and age groups, especially in breakfast menus and casual eateries.

Popular Places To Try: Caracas, Barinas, roadside cafés
Worldwide Variations: Corn pancakes (Colombia), Arepas de choclo (Colombia)

5. Hallaca

An image of Hallaca, a corn dough parcel with meat which is among the famous food in Venezuela.

Photo: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Hallaca is a festive dish and a famous food, often made during Christmas. It is a corn dough parcel filled with a stew of beef, pork, or chicken, along with olives, raisins, and capers. Everything is wrapped in a plantain leaf and steamed. Making hallacas is a family tradition, with many hands helping out. They’re enjoyed with bread, ham, or salads during the holidays. Their unique combination of flavours and labour-intensive preparation make them a treasured seasonal meal.

Popular Places To Try: Caracas, holiday markets, home kitchens
Worldwide Variations: Tamales (Mexico), Pasteles (Puerto Rico)

6. Perico

An image resembling Perico, scrambled eggs with tomatoes which is among the food in Venezuela.

Photo: PhotoEnduro / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Perico is a breakfast staple, consisting of scrambled eggs mixed with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. It is bright in colour and rich in flavour. Usually served with arepas or toast, Perico is fast, comforting, and filling. Many households have their own twist, sometimes adding ham or cheese. It is one of those everyday dishes that starts the day right for many Venezuelans. The freshness of the ingredients makes it stand out.

Popular Places To Try: Caracas, Mérida, Valencia
Worldwide Variations: Huevos a la Mexicana (Mexico), Scrambled eggs with veg (general)

7. Empanadas

An image of Empanadas ideal for breakfast which is among the street food in Venezuela.

Photo: Laura Fiorucci / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Empanadas are essential to street food in Venezuela, made with corn flour dough and filled with meats, cheese, or beans. They’re folded into half-moons, sealed, and deep-fried until crispy. These handheld bites are tourist favourites for breakfast or lunch across cities and towns. The fillings vary by region, from shark in coastal towns to cheese in the Andes. They’re often served with hot sauce or guasacaca, a local avocado-based dip.

Popular Places To Try: Puerto La Cruz, Caracas, Margarita Island
Worldwide Variations: Turnovers (USA), Pastelitos (Caribbean)

8. Asado Negro

An image resembling Asado Negro, a beef roast which is among the best food in Venezuela.

Photo: imissyou / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Asado Negro is a rich beef roast, a popular dish for Sunday lunches. The meat is slow-cooked until tender in a sauce made from sugarcane, wine, and spices. It gives it a dark, caramelised crust. It is traditionally served with rice, fried plantains, or mashed potatoes. This dish balances sweet and savoury notes and takes hours to prepare. It is a classic choice for special occasions or when feeding a big family.

Popular Places To Try: Caracas, family-run restaurants
Worldwide Variations: Braised beef roast (global), Ropa Vieja (Cuba)

9. Mondongo

An image resembling Mondongo with vegetables which is among the famous food in Venezuela.

Photo: FoodieFactor / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Mondongo is a traditional soup in famous food in Venezuela, made from diced tripe slowly simmered with vegetables, garlic, peppers, and herbs. It is thick, hearty, and deeply savoury, often enjoyed as a weekend or hangover meal. Some regional versions include beef or pork and local spices to intensify the flavour. It is typically served with arepas or white rice. Known for its rich texture and long cooking time, Mondongo remains a comfort food, especially in rural Andean regions.

Popular Places To Try: Mérida, Caracas, Barinas
Worldwide Variations: Tripe soup (Latin America), Menudo (Mexico)

10. Tostones

An image of Tostones, fried plantain slices which are among the street food in Venezuela.

Photo: Arlene Campusano / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tostones are twice-fried green plantain slices, popular across Venezuela. The plantains are cut thick, fried, smashed flat, and fried again until golden and crisp. They’re typically sprinkled with salt and served with garlic sauce or cheese. Tostones are a go-to side dish or snack, loved for their crunch and slight natural sweetness. Found at roadside stands, beach shacks, and casual restaurants, they’re a staple in both everyday meals and street eats.

Popular Places To Try: Maracaibo, coastal towns, street vendors
Worldwide Variations: Patacones (Colombia), Fried plantains (Caribbean)

Food in Venezuela is full of variety, from hearty dishes like Pabellón Criollo to sweet treats like Golfeados. The best food offers a rich blend of flavours, textures, and cultural history, making it a must-try for food lovers. Book your trip with TripXL and savour the authentic flavours of Venezuela, its culinary offerings are sure to make your trip even more memorable.

Cover Photo: Luca Nebuloni / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Food In Venezuela: Rich Flavours, Street Staples & Soulful Cooking