The gastronomy of Venezuela is much more than a mix of flavors, it is an essential part of who we are as a company. Venezuelans.
Ever since we were little, we have grown up surrounded by those dishes that not only fill our stomachs, but also bring with them memories of family, reunions and traditions.
The indigenous, African and European influences is felt in every corner of our kitchen, making our dishes a unique experience. unique expression of our culture.
From the arepa, that faithful companion of any breakfast or dinner, until the hallacawhich marks the beginning of Christmas in our homes, every meal tells a story.
Food is much more than a pleasure, it is a perfect excuse to get together, share and feel closer to each other.no matter where we are.
In this article, we will review those dishes that represent us, those that fill us with pride and that, undoubtedly, are a piece of our identity.
So, join us on this journey through the best of the gastronomy of VenezuelaAnd who knows, you might even end up wanting to prepare a good one for yourself. arepa or a creole pavilion!
Arepas: the national dish

Talk about the gastronomy in Venezuela is impossible without mentioning the arepas.
For us, the arepas are more than a food, they are practically a symbol of our identity. Who hasn't had a good arepa for breakfast or dinner, well stuffed, on any day of the week?
The best thing about arepas is that they are incredibly versatile. You can fill them with whatever you like, from the simplest of things like grated cheeseto more elaborate combinations such as the sweet arepa or the Spanish arepa.
Its origin dates back to the indigenous peoples who already prepared a kind of corn cake. Over time, this preparation evolved until it became the staple of our diet.
In addition, each region of the country has its own way of preparing and stuffing them. In the coastfor example, are enjoyed with fish or seafood, while in the Andes are usually more thin and crispy.
What we like most about the arepas is that no matter how you prefer them or what you fill them with, they will always make you feel at home.
Whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner, They are always with us, and the best thing is that everyone has their own way of preparing them, and they are all delicious!
Cachapas: a corn delicacy

If there's one thing that makes us smile, it's that we are Venezuelans When we think of food, it's a cachapa very golden brownwith its hand cheese melted.
This delicious dish, made from ground baby cornis perfect for any time of the day.
Its origins date back to the times of the indigenous peoples, who took advantage of the fresh corn to create different preparations.
Nowadays, they are a traditional dish, especially in the rural areas of the countrybut they are enjoyed throughout Venezuela.
Although they are often compared to the arepasthe cachapas have a unique personality thanks to their sweet taste There is nothing like watching them being prepared on a wood fire!
It is curious to note that, despite being so traditional, the cachapas have gained popularity abroadbecoming a star dish of the Venezuelan cuisine in the world.
They are the perfect companion for any occasion, and if you have not yet tried them with guayanese cheese or telitayou are missing out on a real delicacy.
Creole pavilion: a representation of miscegenation

If we are talking about another dish that best represents the gastronomy of Venezuela, we are undoubtedly talking about the creole flag.
This dish is a true reflection of our history and cultural mix. With its carne mechada, white rice, black beans and ripe plantain slicesevery bite of the pavilion tells a little bit about who we are.
The meat larded, juicy and full of flavorrepresents the Spanish influencewhile the black beans connect us with our own African roots.
Rice, on the other hand, is an ingredient brought in from Asiaand the slicesthat sweet touch that balances everything, have an origin that dates back to the indigenous cuisine. In short, the pavilion is a mixture of flavors that, like our own history, has a little bit of everything.
In addition, the best of the creole flag is its versatility. You can add a fried egg, avocado or even grated cheese and will continue to be a flavor bomb.
Hallacas: Christmas tradition

At Venezuela is not Christmas if there is no hallacas on the table. This dish is much more than just food, it is a tradition that brings the family together and brings with it the spirit of the holidays.
The hallacawrapped in its banana leaf, is like a gift that holds inside an explosion of flavors.
The preparation is a family ritual. A stew is made with a little bit of everything: beef, pork, chicken, raisins, olives, capers and many other ingredients, depending on the recipe of each house.
The stew is then placed on a corn dough and everything is wrapped in the banana leaf to cook and give way to that delicacy that we all look forward to in December.
But the most beautiful thing about the hallacas is not only to eat them, but to make them. Preparing hallacas is usually a family eventall gather to cut, stew, bind and assemble the hallacas.
It is a tradition that goes beyond taste, it is a time to share, tell anecdotes, laugh and spend time together. It is that kind of activity that makes the Christmas is special.
If you want to know how to prepare it step by step, don't miss our article about the Venezuelan Christmas dish. And enjoy!
Sancocho: the king of soups

The sancocho is one of those foods that comforts our soul. It is the soup that unites us on rainy days, on family Sundays or after a long day.
No matter the moment, it is always the perfect dish to share and, of course, to recover energy.
This very tasty broth may vary according to the region or family, but generally it contains meat (it can be beef, chicken or fish), together with vegetables such as yucca, ocumo, potato, green plantain and, of course, diced corn.
Everything is cooked slowly, so that the flavors mingle and give you a soup full of substance and good taste. There is nothing that is more warming than a good pot of sancocho boiling and the aroma that floods the house!
Tequeños: the Venezuelan pasapalo

Tequeños are, without a doubt, the kings of any venezuelan party. No celebration, gathering or party is complete without a platter full of tequeños freshly made.
And how can you not love them? They are sticks of fried dough stuffed with cheesecrispy on the outside and soft on the inside, a true delight!
Its origin is said to be in Los Tequeshence its name, but nowadays they are tequeños are famous all over the world.
The recipe is simple. A strip of wheat flour dough is wrapped around a piece of cheese, and then fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a pasapalo that cannot be missing on any table.
The best thing about the tequeños is that they are super versatile. Although the classic ones have cheese, nowadays you can find versions with different fillings, such as chocolate, ham or even guava. But, let's face it, cheese is still everyone's favorite.
In addition to being perfect for the holidays, the tequeños They are also ideal as a snack or to accompany any meal.
In every bite, you feel that contrast between the crunchy dough and the melted cheese that makes them irresistible. It's impossible to eat just one!
If there is one thing that unites the Venezuelansis our passion for the tequeños. They are that pasapalo that we always expect to find at any meeting and that, when we see them, bring a smile to our faces.
Venezuela's gastronomy, a reflection of who we are
As we have seen, the gastronomy of Venezuela is a real treasure that reflects the diversity and richness of our culture.
Every typical dish, from the arepas until hallacasthrough the pabellon criollo and tequeñostells a story that tells a story that connects with our roots and with the moments we share with family or friends.
The food for Venezuelans is much more than a necessity, it is a way to celebrate, to get together and to keep our traditions alive, no matter where we are.
No matter if we are in Venezuela or in any other corner of the world, there will always be a table ready to share a good meal. Venezuelan delicacy.
Because, for us, food is also an emotional link that binds us to our roots, a way to relive moments of joy and to keep the feeling of home intact. In short, it is a reflection of who we are.