Arepa is a symbol of Venezuelan gastronomy. It is made of
maize dough mixed with salt and water and then grilled. It is flat and round.
It is usually eaten filled with meat, chicken, cheese, and vegetables. It is
also a popular dish in Colombia.
Some of my friends have been asking me about Venezuelan food. There are some places
in Toronto that offer this dish, prepared and served as they have been traditionally
offered in Venezuela. I am going to make a review of 2 of those places
Gordo EX Café
Since 2013, Gordo EXcafé offers a great selection of traditional Venezuelan dishes,
not only arepas, but they have empanadas, cachapas, tequeños,
pabellón, and other traditional dishes as well. It is a small cozy
place in Bathurst St. where food is made from scratch.
I had a Reina
Pepiada. This is an Arepa filled with chicken, avocado and mayo. It Is
one of the most popular forms to eat Arepa among Venezuelans. The word “Reina” means “Queen”.
It is said that this flavor was created to honor the first Venezuelan Beauty
queen, Susana Dujim, after she won the Miss World 1955. The chicken can be cut
in strips or minced.
Reina Pepiada
The Arepa with
Queso Amarillo (Yellow Cheese) is filled with shredded American cheese. Because
arepas are served warm, it is traditional to serve them with cheese that
can melt with high temperatures.
Arepa with Queso Amarillo
As an extra, I had Tequeños.
These are fried breaded cheese sticks. It is served with a selection of sauces
to dip. They are very popular in my city of birth, Maracaibo. They are served
as snacks in gatherings and parties.
Tequeños
Arepa Café
Arepa Café is a Venezuelan restaurant
located in Queen St. W. Since 2009 it offers a selection of Venezuelan dishes,
including the famous arepas. A different option to spend a good time in
downtown Toronto.
For those who have no
knowledge about the kind of arepa you want to try, you can start with an Arepa
sampling (Like I did). This is a selection of 3 mini arepas, Reina Pepiada,
Carne Mechada (Shredded Meat) and Black Beans. 3 traditional flavors in the
Venezuelan Cuisine.
I had rice pudding
for dessert (in Spanish “Arroz con Leche” or literally “Rice with
Milk”). It is white rice mixed with milk, cinnamon and sometimes it has
raisins or other dried fruits. This dessert
exists also in many European and Asian cuisines.
