Margarita Island Food & Drink: Top 5 Must-Try Local Treats

Margarita Island, which sits off the coast of Venezuela, isn’t just someplace with amazing beaches, that is to say it has some pretty fantastic food and drink that are just totally part of experiencing the local flavor. Forget those tourist traps and get ready to eat like a true “Margariqueño” – that’s what they call folks from the island! It’s almost like going to someone’s home and eating exactly what they’ve grown up eating! From arepas bursting with seafood to drinks that will definitely make you say “¡Salud!”, that is to say this guide will point you to all that you can’t miss.

Arepas: The Queen of Margarita’s Cuisine

Arepas, which are essentially these cornmeal cakes that are grilled, baked, or fried, could be seen almost as the ultimate everyday bread in Venezuela, very, very popular, actually! On Margarita Island, you’re sure to find these things stuffed with, you know, anything from shredded beef (“carne mechada”) to fresh cheese. But for a real taste of the island, you gotta go for the seafood arepas. Is that so that’s where it gets special? Ask around for “arepas con cazón,” and you’re going to get one that is filled with, that is to say shredded dogfish shark that’s cooked up in a flavorful stew. Or, you can grab one that is loaded up with juicy shrimp or mixed seafood, more or less! Some of the top spots include Arepera Socialista (don’t get too hung up on the name – everybody likes their arepas there, arguably!), which is that they say is very, very good. Also, definitely look around in the local markets for a taste that is, in a way, super authentic. That taste is a very, very different experience that could even change your point of view.

Empanadas de Cazón: Savory Handheld Bliss

If you like a portable, delicious bite, the “empanadas de cazón” is that they should be on your list. Arguably, these are half-moon pastries stuffed with the same flavorful dogfish shark that you’ll find in arepas. That’s what I found out after visiting there! So the pastry is generally deep-fried until it is golden and crispy, it might be the ideal thing to snag for breakfast or, that is to say, a midday snack. You’ll see vendors making them fresh on pretty much every beach. Is that so be sure to grab one still hot to feel that extra bit of satisfaction with that warm savory flavor that fills every single cell in your body? They’re pretty much that simple, really. I’ve found that they are that awesome. They are like your warm-hug companion anywhere you go. Many locals suggest trying the ones sold near Playa El Agua – they are usually delicious!

Asopado de Mariscos: Seafood Soup to Warm the Soul

Think of “asopado de mariscos” almost as a seafood stew/soup. What it does is brings together rice with a heap of fresh catch like shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish in that super savory, tomato-based broth. Very yummy, and, you know, people might describe this soup as a bowl of comfort. Very, very true! Each restaurant, which is they usually have their take, so be sure to sample around a little. In some respects, locals swear by the “asopado” at El Remo, which is this place is located right by the sea. So too it’s just not about food; it’s about the full island experience, that will make you wanna savor it forever. So, actually it’s quite simple like the chicken soup you momma used to make for you. If you never had such a good “chicken soup” then imagine “asopado de mariscos”. It can even arguably be better. Fresh from the ocean, this dish embodies island cuisine.

Ron de Margarita: Taste the Island Spirit

No trip to Margarita Island is complete without tasting the local rum! So, naturally the “Ron de Margarita” tends to be smoother with that quite distinctive flavor because of aging locally. A lot of bars and restaurants are going to be whipping it into exotic cocktails, but that’s what I feel; you want to drink it straight up so, actually you can really appreciate those subtleties. Also, is that so you wanna see how it is actually made? A couple of distilleries are running tours. Is that so, that is what’s also very, very popular, which is allows you to learn exactly everything in the process and obviously get a pretty good tasting. Try this thing straight up, maybe it seems very potent to start with but you may grow to love it. What some may see as quite strong will start being very warm, with a note, you know? That feeling that can never be replicated! A spirit. You will notice that some bottles feature indigenous artwork, paying tribute to local heritage.

Chicha Criolla: Sweet, Refreshing Rice Drink

Now if you have a craving for that a little bit something sweet, that creamy “Chicha Criolla,” might be your drink! Very yummy when it is ice cold. Very refreshing too. What they do is blend rice with milk, vanilla, and other ingredients, it could be, actually, and it often might get sprinkled with cinnamon on top for that little bit of something special. You are bound to notice street vendors and, like your small cafes, serving up this treat, and trust me – on a hot day, it tends to really hit the spot. Arguably, for a really local twist, be sure to ask if you can put some condensed milk on top! That makes this dessert super yummy and more “thicky”. Just amazing in every way. It looks like rice cream! Don’t leave without trying it!