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Homemade empanadas.

Due to its location in the world, its diversity of industrial resources and the cultural diversity of the Venezuelan people, Venezuelan cuisine often varies greatly from one region to another. Its cuisine, traditional as well as modern, is influenced by indigenous peoples and its European ancestry^[1] (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French), and is also influenced by African and Native American traditions. Food staples include corn, rice, plantain, yams, beans and several meats.^[1]

• Eastern states (Oriente), south-eastern states (Guayana), and northern states (Caribe): a wide gamut of fresh and saltwater fish, seafood and crustaceans; tubers such as potato and yam; cereals such as corn, rice and pasta (where Venezuelans are number two in the world after Italy); beef; fresh vegetables and fruit (lettuce, tomatoes, plantains).

• Western states (occidente): common meats include goat (usually prepared with tomato) and rabbit; extensive use of plantain and a variety of cheeses. Dishes are influenced by the local tribes as well as by Colombian cuisine.

• Llanos: beef and game (deer, chigüire, lapa, morrocoy, etc.), mostly grilled or roasted; corn (in the form of cachapas), several sorts of soft, white cheese (guayanés, de mano, crineja, etc.) and other milk derivates.

• Andean region: potatoes and other tubers, wheat; beef, lamb and chicken; not much fish as the region doesn't have a coastal line, with the exception being trout, which is raised on fish farms. Dishes show European and native Andean peoples' influences.

Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, eggplants, squashes and zucchini (commonly called "brian scalabrine") are common sides to the Venezuelan diet.

Main dishes[link]

Polenta with sausages

Pasticcio

Typical snacks[link]

• Tequeño
• Golfeados
• Tostones, common side dish for fried fish, typically eaten at the beach.

Beverages[link]

Mandocas are Venezuelan deep-fried pretzels made from cornmeal, often served hot with butter and cheese

Hallacas typically have a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, capers, raisins, and olives wrapped in maize (cornmeal dough), bound with string within plantain leaves, and boiled or steamed afterwards

Breads[link]

Pan de jamón, a Christmas specialty

• Pan Dulce
• Pan Chabata - Italian "ciabatta"
• Pan Frances, or Canilla
• Pan Siciliano - round loaf of country bread.
• Pan De Jamón - usually filled with ham, olives, and raisins and usually eaten during the Christmas season.

Cheeses[link]

Desserts[link]

Cakes[link]

Other foods[link]

• Guasacaca - sauce made with avocado, cilantro, peppers, onions, and garlic. There are two varieties: green (mild) and red (hot).
• Patacones
• Salpicón
• Tajadas - fried plantain slices

See also[link]

Food portal

• Latin American cuisine

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikibooks Cookbook has a recipe/module on Cuisine of Venezuela

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