Venezuelan cuisine

Venezuelan cuisine is influenced by its European (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French), West African, and indigenous traditions. Venezuelan cuisine varies greatly from one region to another. Food staples include corn, rice, plantains, yams, beans and several meats.

Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, eggplants, squashes, spinach and zucchini are also common side dishes in the Venezuelan diet. Ají dulce and papelón are found in most recipes. Worcestershire sauce is also used frequently in stews. Venezuela is also known for having a large variety of white cheese (queso blanco), usually named by geographical region.

Beverages



 * Beer
 * Chicha – non-alcoholic drink, made of boiled white rice, milk and sugar
 * Cocada – Coconut milkshake, found mostly in coastal areas
 * Mango juice
 * Passion fruit juice
 * Malta – Non-alcoholic carbonated malt
 * Papelón con limón
 * Ponche crema – Served especially during Christmas season
 * Venezuelan rum
 * Frescolita (strawberry-flavored soda)
 * Chinotto (the counterpart to Sprite)
 * Cocuy – Similar to Tequila. Served at celebrations.
 * Guayoyo – Slightly watered down black coffee, commonly served after meals

Breads

 * Casabe – cassava flatbread
 * Pan dulce – Spanish for "sweet bread"
 * Pan de jamón – usually filled with ham, olives, and raisins and usually eaten during the Christmas season

Desserts

 * Alfajor – maize cookie with arequipe and grated coconut
 * Bienmesabe
 * Brazo gitano (the Spanish Swiss roll)
 * Conserva de guayaba – Guava confection
 * Pudín de chocolate – chocolate pudding
 * Dulce de lechosa – Green papaya slowed cooked in a syrup flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla
 * Mousse de chocolate
 * Quesillo – local–style caramel flan
 * Polvorosas – butter cookies with cinnamon
 * Chupichupi – a water-based frozen snack in a plastic tube, a freezie

Cheese
Queso blanco is very popular in Venezuela. It is produced all over Venezuela with different flavors and textures. The name of each variety of cheese is usually related to the geographical region.
 * Cuajada andina
 * Llanero cheese
 * Queso blanco duro
 * Queso de año
 * Queso de mano
 * Queso crineja
 * Guayanés cheese
 * Paisa cheese
 * Palmita cheese
 * Palmizulia cheese
 * Telita cheese

Other foods

 * ''Asado Negro '
 * Arepa de Coroba
 * Palo a pique
 * Salpicón