Arepa
An arepa is a round, flat cornmeal cake or flatbread from northern South America, especially associated with Colombia and Venezuela.
An arepa is a round, flat cornmeal cake or flatbread from northern South America, especially associated with Colombia and Venezuela. It's a versatile staple made from maize dough and cooked on a griddle, fried, baked, or grilled.
What it is
Arepas are made from ground maize dough or pre-cooked corn flour, formed into a disc and cooked until set and lightly browned. They can be eaten plain, topped with cheese or butter, or split open and filled with meats, beans, avocado, or eggs.
Why it matters
Arepas are a cultural staple and identity marker in Colombia and Venezuela, where they're eaten throughout the day. Their name traces back to Indigenous words for corn, and they're increasingly familiar to Canadian diners in cities with Latin American communities.
Key details
Preparation varies by region—Colombian and Venezuelan versions differ in size, fillings, and serving style. Traditional methods use soaked, ground maize, while modern recipes often rely on pre-cooked corn flour. Arepas are also found in other parts of Latin America.
In short
- Arepas are cornmeal flatbreads from northern South America, especially Colombia and Venezuela.
- They're made from maize dough and cooked by griddling, frying, baking, or grilling.
- Fillings vary widely, from cheese and butter to meats, beans, and avocado.
- In Canada, arepas are available in cities with Latin American communities.
Arepas are widely available in Canadian cities with Latin American communities and are increasingly familiar to Canadian diners as a regional South American food.
Quick questions
What is an arepa?
How is an arepa cooked?
What do people eat with arepas?
Sources
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arepaSupports: Defines arepa as a usually grilled cornmeal cake served in Latin American cuisine.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/arepaSupports: Describes arepas as flat round cornmeal cakes popular especially in Colombia and Venezuela, with regional serving styles.
- Real Academia Española — https://dle.rae.es/arepaSupports: Gives Spanish-language definitions and notes Colombian and Venezuelan usage, ingredients, and cooking method.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArepaSupports: Provides a broad overview of the dish, its maize-based dough, regional distribution, and historical association with pre-Columbian times.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/arepaSupports: Describes arepa as a Colombian or Venezuelan cornmeal cake and notes common fillings and serving styles.