Pabellón Arepa
Pabellón Arepa is a beloved Venezuelan dish that reimagines the classic pabellón criollo—Venezuela's national dish—by stuffing it inside a warm, grilled corn arepa. The filling typically features tender shredded beef (carne mechada), savory black beans, and sweet fried plantain slices, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a hearty, portable meal enjoyed across Venezuela, often for lunch or as a substantial snack.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the corn arepa and plantains, with a good amount of protein from the beef and beans, and moderate fat from the cooking methods. It provides key nutrients like fiber, iron, potassium, and B vitamins, and a typical serving ranges from 450 to 600 calories depending on portion size and preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 520 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 µg |
| Zinc | 3.8 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Magnesium | 65 mg |
| Phosphorus | 210 mg |
| Folate | 75 µg |
Per 1 arepa (approx. 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the Pabellón Arepa is a creative fusion of two iconic Venezuelan staples—the arepa and the pabellón criollo—showcasing the country's love for versatile, handheld comfort foods. Nutritionally, it's a well-rounded meal that combines plant-based and animal proteins, making it a satisfying and energy-dense option for active lifestyles.
