Food & Cuisine in Venezuela
Food and drink are one of the pleasures of the country. Venezuelan food is a hybrid of European, African and Indian roots reflecting the country's rich origins. Venezuelan food varies by region as well as by background. In the coastal areas seafood is popular and many dishes such as empanadas are adapted with seafood in mind. The central Los Llanos region, due in large party to its perfect conditions for ranching, is famous for its meat. Famous produce from the region includes poultry, beef, pork and game. In contrast within the harsher conditions of the Andes, wheat and lamb are the most popular staple foods.
Visitors in Venezuela will be spoilt for choice when choosing where and what to eat.
This Venezuela Restaurants Guide gives information on the food and cuisine you'll find throughout Venezuela. To get more of a feel for the country before going there, be sure to check out our Venezuela Shopping Guide, which gives details on souvenirs you may be interested in. Details of the dining scene in specific cities, as well as recommended restaurants, can be found by clicking on one of these links:
- Canaima National Park
- Los Roques
Food & Cuisine in Venezuela
Traditional Venezuelan food
The traditional Venezuela lunch although hard to find is El Pabellón. Unfortunately this is not usually sold at restaurants, just in small family businesses. El Pabellón is mainly rice, black beans and meat with plantain slices. Hallaca remains a very popular dish and is linked to national festivals. Tradition has it that in colonial times it was common practice for plantation owners to donate leftover Christmas food scraps, such as pork and beef, to their slaves, who would wrap them in cornmeal and plantain leaves for subsequent preparation and cooking. Modern day hallaca involves a typical mixture of beef, pork, chicken, capers, raisins and olives wrapped in maize bound with a string within plantain leaves. Hallaca remains the most popular dish at Christmas and during festivals.
Street Food
Eating out in Venezuela is a treat and need not be expensive. For a few US dollars you can pick up a delicious arepa. Arepas are small, round tortillas made from corn flour and can be filled up by everything imaginable. Shredded beef (carne mechada) is a popular filling with an arepa and it makes a tasty snack. Other popular snacks which can be bought at street level include hot dogs (perros calientes) and empanadas. Empanadas are stuffed pastries, deep-fried, which contain a variety of fillings. In costal areas such as Margarita Island, empanadas are frequently filled with seafood clams and oysters. In other regions empanadas are filled with black beans "caraotas". Any food purchased on the street should be done with diligence, as hygiene standards can be poor from street sellers.
For Vegetarians
For vegetarians there remains a wealth of choice of food in Venezuela. Tequeños are pieces of cheese wrapped in dough and then fried. They originated from the small city of Los Teques, which claims to have invented them. Tequeños are popular at parties and restaurants. Also popular are Cachapas flat, cornmeal-based pancakes popular at roadside stands. They are served with butter and cheese spread on top like an arepa with cheese on the outside. In some areas, you'll find them wrapped in leaves and boiled. Again the same precautions when purchasing roadside food should be taken.
Coffee and Cocoa
Coffee and cocoa were Venezuela's major exports before the discovery of oil in the 1920s. Coffee still remains a popular drink and is a must for any visitor. Venezuela coffee does not resemble other South American coffees. Its smooth, rich flavour allows it to be considered among the best coffees in the world. Approximately 70% of Venezuelan coffee is Arabica, considered the best variety of coffee. Visitors are advised to order machine-made "de la maquina" otherwise you might be served a weak filter coffee "negrito". Chocolate is a delight in the country with El Rey chocolate being one of the most popular brands, available at a very low cost.
Alcoholic Drinks
For alcoholic drinks Venezuela provides a number of choices. Venezuelan made whisky is popular within the country. Whisky is dark and of a very good quality and among the best is 1796 Santa Teresa. Venezuelan beers are equally popular but are considered weak in strength. Polar is the most popular brand and comes in three forms: Polar Light a light low calorie version, Polar Ice a light version and Solera a premium medium strength beer. Alcohol is regularly available in downtown areas and within tourist resorts.
Non-alcoholic Drinks
As well as soft drinks, Chicha Andina is one of the most famous drinks in Venezuela. It is made from pineapple and corn flour and is universally available. Maltin is a carbonated non-alcoholic malt drink which is sold alongside soft drinks. Although visitors are strongly advised to drink bottled water and not to consume tap water, cold drinks with ice are generally considered safe.
