11 Traditional Venezuelan Breakfast Foods You Need to Try

A traditional Venezuelan breakfast offers a delicious feast for the eyes and mouth! From the crispy and versatile arepas to warm and savory egg or ham dishes, these meals perfectly reflect Venezuelans’ rich history and cultural heritage. Let’s explore some favorites that locals love to start their day with!

A plate with sausages, shredded beef, two arepas, slices of cheese, ham, and a packet of butter on a woven placemat. — A breakfast plate. Photo credit: Pexels

11 Heartwarming Venezuelan Breakfast Foods

1. Arepas

Three grilled arepas on a wooden board, with a sliced avocado and a bowl of shredded chicken and vegetables in the background. — Arepas. Photo credit: Pexels

Most Venezuelan homes serve these cornmeal cakes as a staple, cooking them in various ways such as boiling, baking, frying, or using a griddle. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, golden brown arepas can be stuffed with almost anything, from scrambled eggs and black beans to cheeses and proteins.

2. Caldo de Gallina (Hen Soup) / Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup)

This soup is warm and hearty with chicken, herbs, and vegetables. People often serve it as part of lunch or dinner, but they also enjoy it as a nourishing breakfast dish, sometimes with rice or arepa.

3. Cachitos

Cachitos are one of the cornerstones of a Venezuelan breakfast, but people enjoy these tasty pastries at any time of day. They’re similar to croissants in that they’re also crescent-shaped, but are often sweeter and denser with ham and cheese fillings. Locals enjoy them with their morning coffee or juices.

4. Empanadas

Close-up of hands breaking open a fried empanada filled with ground meat and herbs over a white plate. — Empanadas. Photo credit: Pexels

Another staple of Venezuelan cuisine, empanadas are among the most popular breakfast items in the country. Locals often make these turnovers with roasted corn dough or pre-cooked cornmeal, fill them with shredded meat, beans, or white cheese, and then fry or bake them. Crispy and delicious, empanadas can be served with a dipping sauce, like cilantro sauce, for a more flavorful meal.

5. Caraotas Negras

These slow-cooked black beans are a rich, earthy way to start a day in Venezuela alongside crispy arepas and savory scrambled eggs. A staple side dish in most households, they’re best enjoyed as part of Pabellón Criollo, Venezuela’s national dish.

6. Mandocas

People in the Zulia and Falcón states often make mandocas by mixing corn flour, ripe plantains, sugar, and cheese into crunchy fritters. Served with butter or Nata (a creamy, salty spread), they offer a tasty mix of sweet and savory flavors that makes them a great breakfast or midday snack option for locals.

7. Perico

A close-up of scrambled eggs mixed with vegetables on a plate, with steam rising and a blurred book in the background. — Scrambled eggs. Photo credit: Pixabay

This scrambled egg recipe is made all the more delicious with the addition of tomatoes, onions, and sweet peppers. The word “perico” means “parakeet” in Spanish, which refers to this dish’s colorful nature. It can be eaten alone or as a filling for bread or arepas.

8. Pan de Jamón

Best enjoyed during the Christmas holidays, Pan de Jamón is a sweet and savory bread made with raisins, olives, and ham. It can be part of a decadent Venezuelan breakfast, especially with juice or coffee.

9. Reina Pepiada

Reina Pepiada is one of the best ways to enjoy arepas! Locals make this filling by blending chicken, avocado, lime juice, mayonnaise, garlic, and other ingredients. Tuck them into arepas to enjoy a creamy, tangy, and protein-filled Venezuelan breakfast meal.

10. Cachapa

Close-up of a savory omelette filled with ground meat, melted cheese, and topped with a layer of sour cream on a white plate. — Cachapa. Photo credit: Pexels

A golden pancake made from fresh ground corn, cachapas are a popular breakfast and brunch option in Venezuela. People often eat them plain, with butter, or folded over with meat or a generous serving of cheese in the middle.

11. Tequeños

Venezuelans enjoy tequeños as a snack or appetizer, but they also serve them as a tasty breakfast dish alongside arepas and empanadas. These cheese sticks have a crispy texture and gooey, melted cheese inside. They are a staple dish at many occasions, such as parties, weddings, and other celebrations.