March 17, 2014

Where to find the best arepas in Miami

If you’re not from around here, arepas basically look like a thick, smaller version of a pita bread. But arepas are less chewier and are made either out of white or yellow corn (sweet tasting). Arepas are fried, baked, or grilled, and eaten throughout the day as a snack or to accompany any meal. But arepas in Miami have become more than just bread -- arepas have been challenging chefs and food enthusiasts to create the ultimate arepa. Normally, arepas are offered anywhere with mozzarella or swiss cheese, depending on where you go. But latin american restaurants, particularly venezuelan and colombian, have been raising the bar on the arepa creativity. As mentioned, cheese arepas are common, but places like Los Perros, or Super Arepa are bringing out arepas stuffed with hot dogs, or arepa sandwiches that can come with shredded grilled chicken, pico de gallo, and cheese! Although these places are considered fast food, you can always request for healthier options such as plain arepas that are just grilled and salt added for taste.

The place to go to have the best arepa in Miami has to be Doggi’s. This place has the tastiest arepas I’ve ever had. Although I’ve never been to Caracas, all my Venezuelan friends swear that Doggi’s arepas are the closest thing to eating one off the cart vendors in the capital. It’s hard for us to choose one but we definitely have to go with the Santa Barbara arepa. This baby is loaded with grilled steak, tomato, avocado, and a ton of grated venezuelan white cheese. The reason why we picked this particular arepa is because all the ingredients are fresh; nothing taste old or frozen. The arepa portion is huge, and enough to satiate any rumbling tummies. Make sure to ask for their housemade sauces such as parsley sauce, garlic sauce, or their cheese and bacon sauce.