16 Most Popular Venezuelan Foods You Should Try
The foods of this beautiful country have the passion of Latin America, with plenty of European and West African influence.
There’s so much to get excited about when it comes to Venezuelan cooking. So let’s dive in and explore 16 traditional Venezuelan dishes, beloved across the country, as recommended by a local.
16 Most Popular and Traditional Venezuelan Foods You Should Try
1 – Pabellón Criollo – Rice, Plantain, Beans, and Beef

Pabellón criollo is one of the most representative and traditional dishes of Venezuelan cuisine.
It’s officially considered the national dish of this country, and it represents the union of the diverse ethnic groups.
However, the origin of it is uncertain. According to historians, Pabellón has been very popular since the end of the 19th century.
Pabellón is full of colors and different flavors and, even though it has slight variations along the territory and regions of Venezuela, people have kept the essence of it.
Pabellón is made of white rice, shredded beef, black beans, and fried ripe plantain. Some people might also include fried eggs.
It’s a very typical dish inside Venezuelan kitchens and traditional restaurants.
2 – Hallacas – Meat Tamales

Perhaps, Hallacas are the most complex dish in Venezuelan cuisine.
However, people only make them in December, especially for Christmas dinner. They are indispensable on that day because it’s a very rooted tradition.
In December, Venezuelan families reunite, and they all work together to make as many Hallacas as possible to eat them during the whole month.
It’s also very typical to exchange Hallacas with relatives, friends, and neighbors.
The preparation of this indigenous food varies by region, but the most important ingredients are pork or beef stew, olives, and pickled capers.
All this goes inside corn dough colored with annatto, and then it’s wrapped with plantain leaves. Finally, people tie them with white strings, boil them, and then serve them. Read More…