What is an Arepa?


An Arepa is a traditional corn flatbread, first made by the indigenous peoples of Central and South America around 3000 years ago and now eaten every day by millions of people in Venezuela and Colombia. Tapas and Treats pre-cooked authentic Venezuelan Arepas are made from a simple mixture of non-GMO corn flour, water, and sea salt with added Vitamin C. They contain no artificial ingredients and are also suitable as a daily bread substitute for those people who are vegan or gluten-sensitive. My Arepas are vacuum-packed to seal in their delicious taste in environmentally -friendly non-plastic compostable materials and they will stay fresh for up to 30 days after production. You can also freeze them for up to three months. 


To enjoy this authentic taste of South America simply pop an Arepa in a toaster or under a grill until it is slightly crispy on the outside. Then split it partially open like a pitta pocket - be careful, it's hot! Some people like to add a bit of butter before stuffing their arepa with any type of savoury filling, from scrambled eggs to refried blacks beans and avocado to stewed beef. Arepas truly go with anything. Have a look at my serving suggestions below, or make up your own recipes. And enjoy.


Buen provecho.


Juana Farfan.

How to open an Arepa


Filling ideas

Here are a few ideas of what you can stuff into your Arepa.

  • Standard

    Two of the most popular combos in Venezuela are:  


    Carne mechada - Pulled beef, fried ripe plantains, grated white cheese, and black beans.


    Reina Pepiada - Shredded chicken, mashed avocado and garlic mayonnaise.


    Feel free to mix and match these fillings to create your own unique combinations. 


    Beef: Whether it's shredded, grilled, or cooked in a savory sauce, beef is a classic and hearty choice.


    Chicken: Shredded or grilled chicken pairs well with various toppings and sauces.


    Pork: Whether it's pulled pork, ham, or chorizo, pork is a delicious choice to put in an arepa.


    Cheese: Explore different types like gouda, grated cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey and satisfying filling.


    Bacon: Crispy bacon - on it's own or with eggs - adds a smoky element to your arepa.


    Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs bring a delicious breakfast twist to your arepa.


    Salmon: Whether grilled, smoked, or baked, this filling is a luxurious and healthy option.


    Tuna: Make a delightful blend of tuna, mayonnaise,  chopped tomato and onion.


    Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds a creamy and nutritious touch.


    Plantain: Sweet or savory, fried plantains are a popular and tasty choice.


    Black Beans: Mashed or whole black beans contribute a rich and protein-packed filling.


    Turkey: Sliced or shredded hot or cold turkey adds a flavourful protein to your arepa.

  • Vegan/ Vegetarian

    Black Beans and Avocado: Mashed black beans combined with sliced or mashed avocado create a creamy and satisfying filling.


    Avocado and pico de gallo: A refreshing combination, adds a burst of flavor to your arepa.


    Vegan Cheese and Tomato: Explore plant-based cheeses with sliced tomatoes for a classic and tasty option.


    Grilled Vegetables: Mix grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a flavorful and colorful filling.


    Hummus and Roasted Red Pepper: Spread a layer of hummus and top with roasted red pepper strips for a Mediterranean-inspired arepa.


    Refried Beans and Plantains: A combination of refried beans and sweet plantains offers a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.


    Vegan Chili: A hearty vegan chili, loaded with beans, vegetables, and spices, serves as a filling and satisfying option.


    Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms: Sautéed spinach and mushrooms provide a savory and nutrient-rich filling.


    Curried Chickpeas: Simmer chickpeas in a flavorful curry sauce and use them as a filling for a spicy and aromatic twist.


    Aubergine and Vegan Cheese: Grilled or roasted eggplant slices paired with vegan cheese create a savory and satisfying filling.


    Feel free to put these vegan and vegetarian arepa fillings together to create your own delicious plant-based options.

Gluten-free

 100,000 people live with coeliac disease in Ireland, and a further 450,000 are gluten intolerant. Arepas are a tasty substitute for bread.

Versatile

 Heat them in the grill or toaster and open them up like a pitta pocket. There is almost no limit to what you can stuff into your Arepa.

 Healthy

My Arepas are made with non-GMO, pre-cooked corn flour, water, a little bit of salt and some added vitamin C. They are also suitable for Vegans! 

Authentic

The Arepa is the most typical food of Venezuela. The native peoples of the region have been eating these corn breads for nearly 3000 years.

Coming soon in 2024

  • Beetroot

    We mix the pulpy richness and natural juices of organic beetroot into our original recipe dough to produce an Arepa with a rich earthy-sweet vibe and a vibrant purple hue. Plus the added bonus of healthy nitrates, antioxidants and diatary fibre. What's not to like?


  • Carrot

    Our carrot Arepa is flavoured with the pulp and juice of organic carrots, mixed into our original dough, to give the delicious end product an attractive orange glow. As carrots are rich in antioxidants and vitamin A-producing beta carotene, this arepa harmonizes indulgent taste with a commitment to your well-being.


  • Spinach

    Our spinach Arepa is a green delight which combines the extracted juice and finely chopped pulp of organic spinach with our original recipe non-GMO corn flour mix to create the perfect balance of a mildly bitter, earthy flavour in a luscious green doughy disc. As spinach is rich in iron, vitamins and fibre we always have your health and well-being in mind.


  • Chia-Linseed

    Introducing our Chia Linseed Arepa! It's as straightforward as it gets. Just organic whole chia seeds and linseed mineral water, sea salt, water, a touch of Vitamin C ascorbic acid mixed into a tasty dough with non-GM corn flour. Chia seeds are rich sources of a whole range of micronutrients such as iron and vitamins as well as proteins and iron, while linseed (also known as flaxseed) is known to be a great source of fibre. Enjoy.


About Tapas and Treats

 Based in Letterkenny, County Donegal, 'Tapas and Treats' is the vision of Juana Farfan, a proud descendent of the indigenous peoples of South America, and the first commercial producer of authentic Venezuelan corn bread Arepas in Ireland. Juana has worked in catering and hospitality for more than 20 years, both in her native Venezuela and in Ireland, her adopted homeland. She qualified in Food Safety with the Charted Institute of Environmental Health and holds a Post-Graduate Higher Diploma in Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Atlantic Technological University, Galway. Tapas and Treats was established with the support of Donegal Local Development Company, the Local Enterprise Office and the Department of Social Protection (DSP).