With three branches – in Stockwell, Haggerston and Bethnal Green – Arepa & Co is a Venezuelan arepera serving traditional food in a contemporary and very colourful environment. Hidden away within the charming De Beauvoir Village, the Haggerston outpost overlooks the canal. Though we visited for a Sunday dinner, I’d definitely return for daytime brunch besides the river for a true holiday vibe.
Though not a vegan restaurant, Arepa & Co has plenty of choices for plant-based dishes. Just ordering a few dishes, you can build quite the Venezuelan feast. To start, not to miss are Yuca fries tossed in paprika salt and avocado (£7.95). These cassava chips are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The fried finish accentuates the nutty slightly sweet flavour of this root veggie.
Onto the eateries namesake, arepa are a bit like pitta bread but made out of corn flour and with a crispier texture. The arepas here come with a variety of fillings just like their cachapas which are corn-based pancakes, though not vegan. I went for Arepa del campo (£8.95), filled with black beans, plantain, avocado and vegan cheese. These are melt-in-the-mouth satisfaction. Each bite is an explosion of flavours and textures, especially with all the sauces and dips on the side – not least the spicy Picante and the extra smashed avocado.
On the side, Grilled palm heart salad with shallots, capers and lettuce (£5.50) is full of flavour, injecting a healthy dose of greens into the mix.
It’s surprising arepas aren’t more widely available – they give the tacos a run for its money! Head here to give them a try.
Arepa & Co, 58A De Beauvoir Cresent, N1 5SB
Website: https://www.arepaandco.com/pages/haggerston-restaurant
Rating:*****
Yumtini 