Arepa reina pepiada is one of the most famous arepa varieties in Venezuela. This type of arepa is stacked and filled with a combination of avocado, shredded chicken pieces, lime, coriander, mayonnaise, and optional peas. The dish was invented by Heriberto Alvarez, an empanada kiosk owner.
The name is concocted in honor of Susana Duijm, the first Venezuelan representative to win the Miss World crown. In those days, curvy women like Susana were called pepiada, so reina pepiada (curvy queen) is a logical choice for the name of this flavorful arepa variety.
MOST ICONIC Arepa reina pepiada
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Arepa de huevo is a popular Colombian dish that is commonly sold at street stalls, especially in the Caribbean parts of Colombia. Corn arepas are filled with eggs, then fried until the eggs are fully cooked. They are often served for breakfast, but also make for a nice afternoon snack when paired with a cup of coffee on the side.
MOST ICONIC Arepa de huevo
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Arepa de queso is a Colombian variety of arepas which have a dough that is combined with cheese such as queso fresco or queso seco. When served, these arepas are split in half, then spread with butter and filled with more cheese, according to personal preferences, although they can also be consumed plain.
In Colombia, they are often paired with a cup of hot chocolate.
MOST ICONIC Arepa de queso
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Arepa Andina is a variety of Venezuelan arepas, distinguished from the regular arepas by the usage of wheat flour rather than the standard corn flour. This variety of arepa is popular in the Andes region, near the Colombian border, especially in the state of Mérida, where wheat has been cultivated since ancient times.
Arepa Andina can be consumed plain, or filled with cheese and vegetables such as tomatoes. It is recommended to pair a plain arepa Andina with a hot cup of coffee.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Arepa frita is a variety of Venezuelan arepas that is popular throughout the country, especially in the Zulia region. The arepa is traditionally grilled, dipped in batter, then deep-fried in hot oil. When it develops a golden-brown color, arepa frita is usually stuffed with cabbage, queso de mano, mortadella, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Although it is typically filled, this variety of arepa can also be consumed on its own as a quick snack.
One of the most omnipresent local dishes in the Paisa region of Colombia is the traditional arepa paisa, made from soaked threshed corn that is shaped and grilled until golden brown. This crispy and luscious corn cake can be eaten on its own, served as a side dish, or stuffed with variable fillings such as cheese, meat, or eggs - you can eat it with whatever choice of filling you want.
The versatility of the arepa paisa is only matched by the love the locals have for it - a typical breakfast in this region is centered on it (topped with butter, salt, and slices of cheese), and sometimes the dish is part of all meals of the day! And because you can find arepa paisa at every supermarket, street vendor or restaurant, there's always a perfect one available at all times.
MOST ICONIC Arepa paisa
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Arepa Santandereana is a Colombian arepa variety from the El Santander department. These arepas are made with yellow corn masa, cassava, and crispy pork belly – also known as chicharrón. They are usually grilled, and it is recommended to consume them while fresh and hot.
Arepa Santandereana is traditionally eaten as a snack, but it can also be served as an accompaniment to traditional Colombian dishes.
MOST ICONIC Arepa Santandereana
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “7 Arepa Varieties Ranked From the Best To the Worst” list until February 16, 2025, 613,493 ratings were recorded, of which 396,437 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.