The Arepa Republic
Luis Ma found his passion when cooking for family & friends, inspired by his cultural diversity and creativity in the kitchen. He changed his career for his passion opening his first restaurant that later led to his own catering company. Once in Toronto, he still had the urge to continue cooking to make people happy.
Vero, a Chemical Engineer, somehow got caught in an extensive career in Marketing. Although she still pursues her corporate career, she puts her marketing skills in use to propel their family project.
When they arrived in Canada, they first had to establish themselves and work in more traditional jobs, yet they always had a dream of having their own restaurant. Migrating is no easy task and requires a fair share of capital just to reach your destination. However, these issues did not bind their dreams. By 2015, their idea of a restaurant soon became the reality of a quaint, friendly, very professional food truck that serves amazing, healthy and delicious Venezuelan dishes with passion to a wonderful crowd of welcoming people in the Toronto area.
The Arepa Republic started as an award-winning food truck and recently expanded into a bricks and mortar location. The “couplepreneurs” behind the operation makes Venezuelan-style street food, including the venerable arepa stuffed with shredded skirt steak, chicken salad and a vegetarian avocado and cheese version, to name just a few standout dishes.
Why go: For a taste of Venezuela in the middle of Toronto, there’s no better option. Pre or post fiesta, this is the way to go. Don’t miss the molten cheese, deep fried taquenos with a side of cerveza.
B C G Toronto Guide © Simon Newbound
Own or work here?