Arepa Guys is run by two buds, Moises and Jorge, who currently serve up arepas on the weekends. Situated within a local convenience store, Arepa Guys offers authentic Venezuelan arepas with their own twist. Although they have a set menu, they also offer a special every week which is updated on their Instagram account. HINT: go follow them now. The specials give you a different treat each time you visit. You can also mix and match different fillings to create your own custom Venezuelan creation!

Arepa Guys
9587 Weston Road, Woodbridge, Ontario L4H 3A5
https://www.instagram.com/arepaguys/

Now, you must be saying, “That’s all great, but what is an arepa?!”. Good question! An arepa is a corn meal bread that can be eaten on its own (as a side or snack) or stuffed. As mentioned above, Arepa Guys specializes in the stuffed variety but if you ask nicely they might provide you with just an arepa (just how I love it). These breads are traditional in Venezuelan culture and can be found in every household. Now let’s get to the good stuff.

In addition to their delicious arepas, you can add your own flair with their homemade sauces! They offer a cilantro, a garlic and a hot sauce that are sure to increase the flavours and add a little extra oomph to your arepa. We loved all three of the sauces, but of the three the cilantro ruled as king. I, personally, am not the biggest fan of cilantro (starting to enjoy-ish now) but this cilantro sauce does not taste too cilantro-y and it showcases the refreshing, lively side of the herb.

First up, is our utmost favourite (trust me though, ALL OF THEM are amazing) and their special at the time of the visit, their shrimp spiced Venezuelan style. This Shrimp was a combo of sweet and spicy at the same time! In every bite you get the natural sweetness from the shrimp and few kicks of spice from the Venezuelan spices. It’s genius how they extract all that sweet shrimp flavour and balance it with the spices that were used.

On our first trip to Arepa Guys, we arrived when they opened with empty stomachs and this Egg Salad was beckoning us. So creamy, flavourful and not egg intense like some egg salads can get. I know it may sound like I’m over exaggerating, but it’s pretty difficult to make/find an egg salad that does not reek of straight-up egg or the egg is completely covered with mayo; Arepa Guys does it right. Maybe it’s the spices that they use (most likely it is) but they have this recipe perfected.

For those that love meat between their buns, this Brisket was extraordinary! So tender and soft with pieces of sweet sautéed pepper and topped with creamy ooey-gooey cheese. If I see brisket on a menu, you can bet I’m getting it! Arepa Guys did not disappoint. Eating this arepa felt like I was eating a loving stew with soft tender brisket spiced to perfection, sweet sautéed peppers that added that little bit of sweetness to this otherwise savoury dish and topped with the cheese which provided the creamy feel that you get from a stew. Felt like home.

These two are the last arepas we got to try; both were specials at the time of visit. The Pork Leg was super tender and just fell off the bone when they prepared it for us. While the Italian Sausage was an homage to Moises’ mother-in-law and her Italian roots. C’mon you can never go wrong with Italian sausage! Both arepas were delicious in their own right and they were packed to the fullest with homemade goodness.

Arepa Guys is that homemade good food spot that we’re always on the hunt for. Although they are starting out small, working out of a local convenience store with weekend-only hours, the fresh homemade food they are serving we do not doubt with will be BIG in 2018! Be sure to check them out!