Arepas are a culinary specialty that comes straight from Latin America—specifically Venezuela and Colombia. But what exactly are they? They’re actually delicious little corn flatbreads filled with all sorts of ingredients. In fact, the word “arepa” is thought to come from the word “erepa,” which means corn in the dialect of the Cumanagotos, an ancient indigenous people of Venezuela and Colombia. As for the ingredients used to fill arepas, they range from ham and cheese to beans, eggs, and avocados. In short, you can customize them to your liking! Then you can enjoy them on the go, as a snack, or as a side dish with other meals, whether for lunch or dinner. Here’s where to find the best ones in Brussels!
Arepa’s Factory specializes in Venezuelan cuisine. Here, you can enjoy authentic arepas. Try the pulled chicken arepa , with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Or, our favorite: the one with black beans cooked with cilantro, onions, and peppers. We like to add a little extra of the typical white cheese. Yum!
Le Caroni, a small, cozy restaurant in the Sablon neighborhood, also serves authentic Venezuelan arepas. It’s undoubtedly one of the best options, both for arepa lovers and for those trying them for the first time! The staff is incredibly attentive and will be happy to help you make the right choice. We recommend the incredibly delicious Reina Pepiada arepa, filled with shredded chicken, creamy avocado, mayonnaise, and a touch of fresh herbs.
At Mundo Latino in Schaerbeek, you can not only enjoy delicious arepas but also buy a wide variety of Latin American products. Beverages, flours, condiments—in short, everything you need to cook delicious meals at home. As for the menu, we fell in love with the arepa stuffed with a mix of meats, as well as the sweet arepa with chocolate and cheese. Surprisingly delicious!
