Berlin's arepa craze brings Venezuelan and Colombian flavors to the city

Berlin’s food scene is seeing a rise in arepas, the hearty corn dough patties popular in Venezuela and Colombia. Once hard to find in the city, these dense, filling dishes now appear on menus across several spots. Each venue offers its own twist on the traditional recipe.

The arepa is a staple in both Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine. Made from ground maize dough, it can be grilled, baked, or fried, then stuffed with a variety of fillings. These range from meat and beans to avocado, cheese, plantains, or hot sauce, catering to vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike.

At **Macondo**, the menu splits between Colombian and Venezuelan styles. Breakfast features simpler Colombian arepas with fewer toppings. For weekends, the café serves Venezuelan-style versions alongside a full bar and brunch platters. **Ruben’s Arepas** keeps things straightforward with a signature Reina Pepiada—shredded chicken and avocado—priced at €8. Meanwhile, **La Casita** offers an Arepa con Todo, packed with stewed beef and black beans. The spot also boasts a full bar, including frozen cocktails, and may introduce winter delivery.

Arepa options in Berlin now include breakfast bites, weekend brunches, and full bar pairings. The dishes remain true to their Latin American roots while adapting to local tastes. With more venues serving them, the once-rare treat is becoming easier to find across the city.