Who needs borders when food connects us all? Gorditas, arepas, and pupusas are proof that some of the tastiest eats have no nationality they’re a delicious celebration of Latin America’s rich culinary diversity. Here’s the scoop on these corn based icons:
Gorditas 🇲🇽
From Mexico, these little pockets of happiness are thick, round corn (or sometimes wheat) dough creations. Fried or grilled to perfection, they puff up like pita bread, ready to be stuffed with cheese, meats, beans, or veggies. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside gorditas are the real MVPs of snack time.
Arepas 🇻🇪🇨🇴
The OGs of Venezuela and Colombia, arepas are a cultural staple. Made with corn or rice flour, they’re soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and endlessly versatile. Stuff them with cheese, eggs, avocado, or meats, and you’ve got a meal for any time of day. They’re even Disney approved! Colombian arepas took the spotlight in the movie Encanto, where the magical healing powers of an arepa con queso melted hearts (and healed Mirabel’s hand). Fun fact: Venezuela holds the record for the world’s largest arepa 6 meters wide and shared by over 2,000 people. Talk about squad goals.
Pupusas 🇸🇻
El Salvador’s pride and joy (and Honduras’s too). Pupusas are thick tortillas packed with cheesy, meaty, or bean filled goodness. Best served with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and a tangy tomato salsa. Oh, and they’re so iconic that El Salvador has a National Pupusa Day every November. How cool is that?
So, What’s the Difference?
They might share the same corn DNA, but each has its own unique flavor and vibe kind of like your favorite songs on a playlist. Gorditas are crispy and stuffed, arepas are soft and versatile, and pupusas are thick and loaded with fillings.
Ready to Try One?
Grab some corn flour and start experimenting! Whether you go for a gordita, an arepa, or a pupusa, you’re diving into Latin America’s incredible food scene. Swing by your local store for all the essentials and bring a little sabor to your kitchen.
Food without borders? We’re so here for it. 😋
