Why Arepa deserves more attention

Arepa rarely gets the international recognition it deserves. The tropical and vibrant complexity is genuine, not simple, and the technique involved in using precooked white cornmeal masarepa correctly takes real skill.

hallacas Christmas preparation is a multi-day family tradition where the whole extended family participates. I encountered it first in a Colombian-Venezuelan border town restaurant and that context helped me understand it properly. papelón con limón is the natural accompaniment and the combination makes the case for the dish. If you haven't explored this cuisine seriously, Arepa is the dish to start with.