Have you ever searched for “Venezuela Food Near Me” and wondered what culinary delights might be waiting around the corner? If you’re craving authentic South American flavors, particularly Venezuelan cuisine, you’re in for a treat. Food trucks are an amazing way to discover diverse eats, and recently, I stumbled upon a fantastic one: Made in Venezuela. This experience not only introduced me to a new food genre but also highlighted the vibrant and delicious world of Venezuelan food.
Made in Venezuela, a food truck that’s been delighting taste buds for just three months, is run by Miguel, a passionate and welcoming owner I had the pleasure of meeting. His enthusiasm for sharing Venezuelan food is infectious. When I was ordering, unsure of how many arepas to get for my husband, Miguel’s helpful suggestion of “two” was spot on, showcasing his friendly and customer-focused approach.
Discovering Arepas: A Venezuelan Staple
If you’re exploring “Venezuela food near me,” arepas are likely to be a star attraction, and for good reason! But what exactly are they? Arepas are a fundamental food in Venezuelan cuisine, made from ground maize dough. Originating from pre-Columbian times in the northern region of South America, arepas are culinary treasures in both Colombia and Venezuela, with each country claiming them as their own. Seeing arepas as the main feature on the Made in Venezuela menu piqued my curiosity, and I was excited to delve into this new culinary experience.
An Unforgettable First Bite
Let me tell you, the arepas from Made in Venezuela are truly exceptional. The flavor profile is unique and simply outstanding. From the pictures alone, I anticipated they would be tasty, but the reality far exceeded expectations. The corn “shell,” clearly handmade, has a delightful slight crispness that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you appreciate corn tortillas, especially in street tacos, you will undoubtedly fall in love with arepas. Made in Venezuela offers a variety of fillings to choose from, including:
- Ground Beef: A savory and classic choice.
- Shredded Chicken: Juicy and flavorful.
- Tuna Salad: A fresh and surprising option.
- Shredded Beef: Rich and deeply satisfying.
- Domino: A traditional black bean and cheese filling.
- Venezuelan Sampler: For those wanting a taste of everything.
Beyond arepas, their menu also features tequenos (Venezuelan cheese sticks), empanadas, and the classic tres leches cake for dessert.
What I Loved About Made in Venezuela:
- The Arepa Fillings: I opted for the ground beef and shredded chicken arepas, and both were incredible! Each arepa is generously layered with the most delicious pico de gallo I’ve ever tasted, along with homemade guacamole and cheese, all complementing the perfectly seasoned meat.
- Surprise Tuna Sensation: Intriguingly, despite ordering chicken, I received a tuna arepa. Generally, I’m not a big tuna fan, but this tuna was a game-changer. It was lean, pink, juicy, and incredibly fresh. I wholeheartedly recommend trying the tuna arepa, even if you’re usually hesitant about tuna!
- Ground Beef Empanadas: The ground beef empanadas are another must-try. Served with a vibrant green sauce perfect for dipping, they are wonderfully savory and crispy on the outside, with a tender filling inside. One empanada is simply not enough!
Returning for More: An Even Better Experience
On my second visit to the Made in Venezuela food truck, the experience was even more impressive! I again chose the ground beef and shredded chicken arepas. The secret to their mouthwatering and addictive quality lies in the freshness of the ingredients: the crisp red onion, the vibrant pico de gallo, the creamy guacamole, and the cheese all harmonize perfectly with the homemade corn maize crust. The crust itself is wonderfully crispy yet tender with each bite, and the chicken was exceptionally juicy and flavorful.
- Homemade Sauces: This time, alongside the familiar green sauce, there was an additional yellow sauce. Intrigued, I learned from Made In Venezuela that the green sauce is garlic-based, and the yellow sauce is a creamy corn sauce. Both are fantastic additions to the already flavorful food.
If you’re on the hunt for “Venezuela food near me,” keep an eye out for food trucks like Made in Venezuela. They offer a fantastic and accessible way to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Venezuelan cuisine. Follow Made in Venezuela on their social media channels to track their location and treat yourself to an authentic Venezuelan culinary adventure!
