Arepa, Venezuela — Travelrags

Atlas ObscuraOct 29, 2025

The ‘Curvy Queen’ of Venezuelan Cuisine

If you’re looking for a handheld meal in Venezuela, one dish reigns supreme: la Reina Pepiada, or “the curvy queen.” It’s the country’s signature take on its staple food, the arepa. A creamy chicken salad in a crispy cornmeal pancake, it’s undeniably delicious. And it tells a distinctly Venezuelan story: one of indigenous peoples, migration, and a beauty; of rising up, falling down, and finding…

11 things in this story

Express CafeCaféserves arepa alongside espresso and Cuban sandwiches
Susana’s CafeRestaurantstuffed with bacon, eggs, and sausage
Pa’ Pikar Latin GrillRestaurantstuffed with chicken salad and avocado
CaracasNeighborhoodIt is located along the Guaire River in the northern part of Venezuela, within the Caracas Valley of the Venezuelan…
El ChanceRestaurantone of the country's first areperas
El Centro Criollo de Nutrición Hermanos AlvarezRestaurantsecond restaurant opened by the Álvarez family
ArepaRestaurantAn arepa is a type of flatbread made of ground maize dough that may be stuffed with a filling, eaten in northern parts…
La Reina PepiadaRestaurantcreamy chicken salad in a crispy cornmeal pancake
Harina P.A.N.Placeprocessed corn flour brand launched in 1960
Reina PepiadaRestaurant
Kissimmee, FloridaNeighborhood

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The ‘Curvy Queen’ of Venezuelan Cuisine