The arepa is a pre-Columbian dish from the area that is now Colombia, Panama and Venezuela. Instruments used to make flour for the arepas, and the clay slabs on which they were cooked, were often found at archaeological sites in the area.

They are common at breakfast or as an afternoon snack in Colombia, where they are often served with ají, a spicy condiment. Arepas are eaten throughout the day in Venezuela.

Basically all three are little pockets designed to hold a variety of delicious flavorful fillings. The difference is that pupusas are stuffed with the filling before cooking while gorditas and arepas are stuffed after cooking. Also pupusas and gorditas are made with an instant corn masa flour such as Maseca.

Take arepas, a corn-based cake popular in South American cuisine, primarily Venezuela and Colombia. They're healthier baked than fried, and stuffed with small portions of lean chicken, beef and vegetables. "Arepas have plenty of fiber that helps with keeping cholesterol levels down," Puche said.