Arepas vs. Empanadas: What’s the Difference?
Colombian cuisine is a treasure chest of flavors; when it comes to street food, arepas and empanadas are the two iconic snacks to steal the spotlight. Imagine walking through the streets of Bogotá, amidst the tantalizing smell of sizzling corn dough and golden-crisp pastries. For either a bite on the go from a street stall or a sit-down meal at a nearby eatery, these two heavenly staples seem to be everywhere. Yet, while they may both hold a place near and dear to Colombia's heart, the flavors, textures, and traditions around arepas and empanadas could not be any farther apart. So, what other differences lie? Let's find out!
What Are Arepas?
Arepas are one of the most recognizable foods in Colombia and are strongly associated with ancient cultures going back to South America. These are great cornmeal dough creations prepared in a million ways, like grilled, baked, and fried. Besides Colombia, the arepas are widely popular in Venezuela and other Latin American countries for their multitude of varieties.
How Arepas Are Made?
Using a pre-cooked cornmeal product, usually called masarepa, the process of making arepas begins. It is then supplemented with water and salt to prepare a smooth and pliable dough. Some variations include adding oil or butter as ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. The dough is kneaded until it gets the appropriate consistency—soft enough to be easily worked but firm enough to hold its shape—before forming it into round patties.
From there, the cooking method plays a crucial role in defining the final taste and texture:
Grilled (Asado): One of the most traditional ways to cook arepas, grilling gives these delicacies an unmistakable touch of crispiness on the exterior, hinting at a slightly charred flavor, and smoky aroma while keeping interiors soft and warm. This method is most preferred for the classical style of arepas de queso (cheese arepas).
Baked (Horneado): Baked arepas have a firm, sliceable quality, making way for proper stuffing. This is the method used in preparing Venezuelan-style arepas, which are sliced open and filled with anything from meats and cheese to vegetables, depending on preference.
Fried (Frito): The fried arepas, such as arepa de huevo, are noted for their crispy golden brown crust and soft interior. They are commonly found in the coastal areas of the Caribbean in Colombia.
Boiled (Sancochado): Boiled canned arepas are rare to find, but some regions still proudly prepare them. Boiled canned arepas produce a softer, denser texture, like a dumpling. Typically, these are served alongside soup or stew.
The thickness and texture of arepas are also affected by regional preferences. In Antioquia, the arepa style tends to be thin and slightly grilled, while that in Santander puts crunchiness at a premium, often mixing the arepa with chicharrón (fried pork belly). In this case, coastal regions prefer the thicker, golden-brown, and fried version for its luxurious, crispy texture.
Regardless of style, with endless possibilities of flavoring, arepas are a staple and therefore very much loved in Colombian snack cuisine.
Ways to Enjoy Arepas
Arepas can be enjoyed in several ways, but they are probably the most flexible Colombian snacks. In their plain version or loaded with toppings, there is an arepa for every craving.
Plain with butter and cheese: A simple yet delicious way of enjoying an arepa. It is ideal for breakfast as well as in the afternoon when snacking. The rich warm, toasty cornmeal makes a perfect combination with a little melted cheese or some butter.
Stuffed: Arepas can be cut open and filled with shredded meat, cheese, or eggs. Popular variations include arepa rellena or stuffed arepa and arepa de huevo, a coastal specialty that involves cracking an egg inside before frying.
Topped: Similar to an open-faced sandwich, some variations feature avocado, meats, or even seafood as toppings, making for a more hearty meal. In some regions, toppings such as hogao, tomato-onion sauce, or fresh cheese add flavor as well.
Sweet arepas: Some areas make sweeter combinations by adding anise or sugar into the batter, which makes it a delicious dessert or breakfast food. An example is sweet corn arepas, as it is usually prepared with cheese, as it complements its sweetness with the salty flavor.
Arepa de Pabellón: Inspired by the national dish of Venezuela, it is filled with shredded beef, black beans, cheese, and plantains, which burst with plenty of flavor with each bite you take.
Arepa Santandereana: This is a regional product of Santander in which crispy chicharrón (fried pork belly) is mixed into the dough for a rich, crunchy texture.
Mini arepas (Arepitas): These are small, one-bite arepas that serve as the perfect dip and appetizer. They are often served with guacamole, hogao, or even spicy ají.
Arepas, different as they may be, are an unchanging food of the Colombian diet that can be eaten at any time of the day.
What Are Empanadas?
Colombian snacks also include empanadas, which feature a crunchy exterior and a highly flavored interior. Although they are found all over Latin America and even in Spain, Colombian empanadas carry a strong identity of their own, often corn-based and deep-fried to golden perfection. They can be found at bakeries, street vendors, and restaurants all over Colombia.
The Unique Dough of Empanadas
Unlike arepas, an empanada is an entirely encased pocket of dough that is filled before being cooked. The dough and filling might vary based on region and style. Some empanadas are made with wheat flour, as is chiefly done in Argentine and Spanish styles, whereas Colombian empanadas are made mostly from cornmeal, hence giving them a crunchy texture when fried.
Popular Empanada Fillings
Fillings for empanadas come in many different varieties, among which are:
Beef or chicken: Meat that is slow-cooked and well-spiced provides a wonderful bite that is normally combined with potatoes or rice.
Cheese: A vegetarian option that's very popular with gooey, melted cheese inside. It is at times combined with other ingredients like guava for a sweet-savory blend.
Vegetables: Some variations include potatoes, onions, and peppers, making them an interesting flavor choice for a plant-based option.
Seafood: The coastal places have empanadas that are filled with shrimp and fish as well as other seafood ingredients in the fresh traditional recipe.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Arepas vs. Empanadas
Which One Should You Try? (Spoiler: Both!)
But both arepas and empanadas have their deliciousness. But the best one depends on the occasion:
Arepas are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a filling meal. They are beautifully satisfying because of their soft yet hearty texture and can be paired with different toppings and fillings.
Empanadas are the preferred snacks or appetizers. With its crispy outer shell and warm, savory filling, it is street food that has to be tried. A great option for eating on the go, they are a favorite among busy locals and travelers alike.
Whichever you choose, both are important pieces of the Colombian snack culture. They are a glimpse into the variety and richness of Colombian snacks that we just cannot choose a favorite! If given the opportunity, we should try to appreciate the full array of flavors and textures offered by such delightful treats.
No Need to Choose: Taste Both at Empanada Mama!
If authentic arepas and empanadas are what you are after, then Empanada Mama is the place. We have branches all across NYC, including LES and UES. We have lots of great Colombian delicacies, from arepas to empanadas, each made with great ingredients traditionally. Whether you're in the mood for a cheesy arepa or crispy, flavorful empanadas, this place has got you covered!
One of the great highlights of Empanada Mama is how committed it is to the freshness and authenticity of flavors. The menu will include some Colombian traditional recipes alongside others that have creative twists to guarantee there is something for everyone. It doesn't matter if it's your first time or if you are already a fan of Colombian cuisine; there is plenty to admire about it.
But why choose Arepa over empanada when you can have both? Go to Empanada Mama and enjoy the rich flavors of Colombian snack cuisine.