Latin America is home to a variety of delicious, corn-based dishes, and two of the most popular are arepas and pupusas. While they may look similar, they come from different countries, have unique preparation methods, and are enjoyed in distinct ways.

At Kiosco, we celebrate Latin American flavors with our ready-to-toast arepas, made with simple ingredients and available in grocery stores across the U.S. If you’re a fan of Venezuelan food, love exploring new Honduran foodtraditions, or are just looking for a delicious gluten-free meal, read on to learn the key differences between arepas and pupusas!

What Are Arepas?

A staple of Venezuelan food and Colombian cuisine, arepas are round, thick corn cakes made from pre-cooked corn meal. They are naturally gluten-free and can be eaten plain, topped, or stuffed with a variety of fillings.

How Are Arepas Made?

Traditional arepas are made by mixing corn meal, water, and salt to form a dough, which is then shaped into patties and grilled, baked, or fried. They can be served in different ways depending on the country:

• Venezuelan Arepas are often split open and filled with ingredients like shredded beef, black beans, and cheese.
• Colombian Arepas tend to be thinner and are usually topped with cheese or butter rather than stuffed.

What Are Pupusas?

A beloved dish in Honduran food and Salvadoran cuisine, pupusas are thick, stuffed corn tortillas made with masa harina (a type of corn flour). Unlike arepas, the fillings—such as cheese, beans, or pork—are mixed into the dough before cooking.

How Are Pupusas Made?

Pupusas start with a dough made from masa harina and water. The dough is shaped into discs, filled with ingredients, then sealed before being cooked on a griddle. They are traditionally served with curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and salsa.

The Easiest Way to Enjoy Arepas – Kiosco Ready-to-Toast Arepas

If you love arepas but don’t have time to make them from scratch, Kiosco has you covered! Our ready-to-toast arepasare made with simple ingredients, keeping the tradition alive while making it easier than ever to enjoy this Latin American favorite. Just heat them up and fill them with your favorite toppings!

Find Kiosco arepas in grocery stores across the U.S. and experience the taste of Venezuelan food in minutes.

Try Both and Taste the Difference!

Both arepas and pupusas offer a delicious way to enjoy Latin American flavors. Whether you prefer the customizable nature of arepas or the stuffed goodness of pupusas, these gluten-free treats are sure to satisfy.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!