These corn griddle cakes are common in both countries — but in very differing styles. Venezuelan arepas are usually savory and stuffed with meat, cheese, and beans. Colombian arepas can be sweet, and are usually topped only with butter and quesito colombiano.

Many people believe that eating arepas is less healthy than eating wheat flour-based bread, but both offer a similar caloric content and can be considered a part of a balanced diet. Corn, however, contains a gluten-free protein called Zein, which makes it much healthier for celiacs.

What are Arepas? Arepas are cornmeal cakes that originated hundreds of years ago in a region that now makes up Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. Traditionally, they were cooked on a pan called a budare. But they can also be grilled, baked, or fried.

Pupusas are larger and flatter than arepas and are made with masa harina rather than masarepa. Masa harina is a type of cornmeal made from corn that has been treated with lye or other alkaline solution to remove the hull and germ.