Indonesia’s First Venezuelan Restaurant

Compared to, say, Brazil, Mexico, Peru or even Argentina, Venezuelan food has yet to make its impact on the world stage. Which makes Warung Venezuela, a tiny but perfectly formed arepera that just landed in Canggu, Bali, an exciting development. It’s not just Bali’s first Venezuelan restaurant but Indonesia’s first – and, yes, the food is present and correct, too.

Warung Venezuela is an informal setting for an informal food – arepas, Venezuela’s answer to the sandwich. Which isn’t to say it’s not thought out: the interior, with its sunshine yellow paintwork, wood balustrades and scarlet tiles, mimics the little colonial houses you’ll find across Latin America. Knickknacks, old LP covers, tribal art and Latin tunes add charm, while the owners are super-friendly and happy to explain all.

Arepas are the main attraction, a corn flatbread sandwich that’s like the lovechild of a grilled cheese and a kebab, and a close relative of Cuba’s cubanos. Don’t miss the rumbera, with melted cheese and pork so smoky you could virtually light fires with it: go heavy on the avocado-coriander guasacaca sauce and the home-made spiced mayo. Patacones, crunchy patties of green plantain topped with shredded beef, grated cheese, ketchup and mayo, are also to die for.

There’s no booze available as yet – make do with Venezuela’s raw sugar lemonade, papelón con limón, instead. And be careful not to over-order. The food, like the restaurant, is more substantial than it seems.

Warung Venezuela
fb.com/WarungVenezuela.Bali
41 Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Bali
Tue-Sun noon-10pm
+62 878 6037 0692