Among Venezuela’s most emblematic dishes, the Arepa stands as a symbol of national identity. And within the vast universe of arepas, one reigns supreme: the Reina Pepiada.

This exquisite combination of shredded chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise, tucked inside an arepa that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, is not just a delight for the palate—it is a reflection of the creativity and flavor of our gastronomic history.

A FAMILY LEGACY

In the 1940s, María de los Santos Álvarez, a widow from Trujillo, moved to Caracas with her seven children. They opened a small business in the El Guarataro neighborhood selling empanadas. By 1949, they opened “El Chance” on Baralt Avenue, where they started selling “tostadas” (which is how filled arepas were known in Trujillo).

Legendary figures like the singer Alfredo Sadel were among their first customers. As the business grew, they moved to the Gran Avenida (near Plaza Venezuela) and opened the “Hermanos Álvarez Nutrition Center.” Their shop became a hotspot for famous figures of the era, from Renny Ottolina to Billo Frómeta.

THE CORONATION OF A REINA

The year 1955 was a golden one for Venezuela. A 19-year-old named Susana Duijm won Miss Venezuela and later made history by becoming the first Venezuelan (and Hispanic woman) to win the Miss World title in London.

To honor her, the Álvarez brothers dressed one of their nieces as a queen and placed her on a small altar in the shop. One day, a gentleman stopped by to ask about the display. When they explained it was a tribute to the new Miss World, he replied: “But I am Susana’s father! I’ll bring her here.” True to his word, Abraham Duijm brought his crowned daughter to the shop a few nights later.

THE BIRTH OF THE RECIPE

To welcome the world’s most beautiful woman, María de los Santos prepared a special recipe: a toasted arepa filled with perfectly seasoned shredded chicken (marinated and baked), peas, avocado, and mayonnaise.

Heriberto Álvarez, one of the brothers, handed it to Susana and said: “This will be called ‘The Queen’ (La Reina), just like you.” In those days, a woman with beautiful curves—like Susana—was called “pepiada.” Thus, the name Reina Pepiada was born.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The “Prohibitiva”: To justify the “high” price of the Reina (1 bolívar at the time), they invented a caviar-filled arepa called “The Prohibitive” for 27 bolívares. Nobody ever bought it, but it made the Reina look like a bargain!

• Global Recognition: In 2023, Taste Atlas ranked the Reina Pepiada as one of the best “sandwiches” in the world.

• The “Sifrina” Twist: If you add yellow cheese to a Reina Pepiada, it becomes a “Sifrina.”

A TASTE OF HOME IN MIAMI

For Venezuelans abroad, a well-made Reina Pepiada is a journey of nostalgia and joy. At PANNA, we don’t just offer it as a menu item; we offer it as a cultural bond.

Ready to experience this iconic Venezuelan treasure? Visit us at PANNA New Food Latino and discover why our Queen has conquered palates all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a taste of home or a new culinary adventure, the Reina Pepiada is waiting for you.