National Classics

• Arepa: A grilled or fried corn dough patty split and stuffed (with shredded meat, black beans, cheese, chicken, avocado), served as a popular breakfast or late-night snack. Renowned spots name varieties after their fillings—most cost between 1–3 USD.
• Pabellón Criollo: The national dish often associated with holidays, made with black beans, shredded beef, white rice, and plantains. It symbolizes racial harmony through its mix of beans, meat, and rice. Add a fried egg for the “a caballo” (on horseback) style.
• Cachapa: A sweet corn pancake made from fresh cornmeal, often filled with white cheese, blending sweet and savory flavors—best enjoyed at street morning markets.
• Hallaca: A Christmas tamale made by wrapping a corn dough and meat filling in a corn husk and slow-cooking it. A traditional dish prepared by families during the holidays.
• Empanada: A deep-fried cornmeal turnover filled with cheese or shredded meat, often served at seaside stalls with fresh juice.

Seafood and Caribbean Flavors

• Pescado frito: Whole fried fish served with coconut-flavored black bean rice and plantain slices—a specialty of Margarita Island and Los Roques.
• Lobster: A high-end treat on Los Roques Island, paid for in US dollars, sold in halves at minimum.
• Cazuela de mariscos: A rich Caribbean-style seafood soup made with coconut milk, served with cassava cakes.

Drinks and Alcohol

• Polar Beer: The national beer brand, best served ice-cold with fried fish.
• Rum: Locally aged rum offers good value and is a great base for cocktails or as a souvenir.
• Papelón con limón: A traditional refreshing drink made with raw cane sugar, lime, and water.

Practical Dining Tips

• Due to inconsistent food supplies, supermarket shelves and restaurant menus may be limited. Go with what’s available—don’t insist on specific dishes.
• The most reliable options are hotel restaurants and well-known chain steak houses, with prices typically quoted in US dollars.
• For street food, choose busy stalls with quick turnover and avoid raw or undercooked items.
• Cocoa and coffee make great, consistently high-quality souvenirs, available at airport duty-free shops and downtown grocery stores. You can also buy a bag of corn flour to recreate a basic arepa breakfast at home.
• For breakfast, look for stalls making arepas to order—look for fragrant corn and generous fillings. Most cost under 2 USD and are very filling.
• For sit-down meals, opt for hotel restaurants or established eateries. If you can’t read the menu, ask the staff to recommend the daily specials. Always count your cash before and after payment, and check your change in person.