Venezuelan Cuisine
I’m taking Venezuela’s cuisine in here, because I hope that at some point in time, travelling from Venezuela will be possible again without any problems and Venezuela will nevertheless be part of South America (status 2019).
Venezuelan cuisine is similar to Colombian in many ways, but it is influenced by European cuisines, West African and indigenous traditions. Basically, however, the cuisine varies greatly depending on the region. Typical ingredients are corn, rice, beans, plantains, root vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines, spinach and zucchini as well as various kinds of meat.
Dishes like empanadas, cachapas, pabellon criollo or arepas are typical and available almost everywhere. But also the international cuisine has found its way into Venezuela. So you can find Chinese, Italian and Arabic restaurants and fast food. As in Guyana there is also Casabe, a flat bread made of cassava flour. Although meat is often eaten in Venezuela, vegetarians should have no problem making ends meet. Even in minimarkets things like soy granules should be available. Meatless Arepa varieties are also suitable for vegetarians. For vegans, however, the supply is becoming more critical and they must expect to cook for themselves. As in other countries, it is recommended to always have a snack with you. This is especially true for long bus trips, because the food in the restaurants where you stop is very rarely vegetarian.
Vegan dishes
- Arepas
- Chicha de cebada perlada
- Jalea de mango
- Pasta con vegetales
- Crema de remolacha
- Arepitas sin amasar
