Arepa: From Venezuela to Toronto

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.