Surprisingly, Hispanics make up only about 18% of Richardson’s population, and while the DFW metroplex has one of the largest Venezuelan populations in Texas, Venezuelans still make up less than 1% of Dallas’ population, with only about 7,000 people living in Dallas County.
As a couple of your friendly neighborhood Venezuelans, my brother and I have taken it upon ourselves to review Richardson’s Venezuelan cuisine, starting with Venezuelan Restaurant and Todo Pasapalos.
Venezuelan Restaurant
Yes, that’s quite literally the name. Located 10 minutes from UTD, the location is unassuming, simple, and Venezuelan-run. If you were to meet a Venezuelan out in the wild, it’d be evident that we are, generally speaking, pretty lively individuals. However, my brother and I must’ve arrived during a slow time, as the energy at the local was relaxed and we were the only ones eating there.
The Combo Tumbarranchos ($15) contained two fried arepas with meat, cabbage, ketchup, and cheese. Essentially Venezuelan fast food. They were very delicious and didn’t skimp on the meat. The shredded beef actually reminded me of my abuela’s cooking, although I think their meat was slightly sweeter than what I grew up eating. These things are EXTREMELY messy, though, so make use of the provided napkins.
According to my brother, his Bistec Encebollado ($17) tasted pretty good. Simply said, it’s steak with onions served with rice, fried plantains, and the equivalent of coleslaw. The meal got a thumbs up from my brother, and while I didn’t get a bite of it, I’ll admit it looked scrumptious. Definitely a great choice if you’d like to eat something a bit more traditional.
Food: 8/10 Price: 7/10 Vibes: 6/10
Todo Pasapalos
Also located 10 minutes from campus, Todo Pasapalos has a bit more character compared to the white walls and chairs of Venezuelan Restaurant. We came on a different day with empty stomachs, yet I believe we also arrived at a slow time, as there was nobody eating there once again. Thankfully, the ordering process went without any problems.
Incidentally, we ordered pretty much the same thing we had ordered from Venezuelan Restaurant. My Tumbarrancho Mixto ($13.50) was similar to a burger, but I was not about to try eating it with my hands, so I tackled it with a fork and knife instead. The Steak Parilla ($24.96) had the usual steak and tostones alongside cheese, diced tomatoes, garlic sauce, and yuca. My brother said that, although it was similar, they seasoned the steak a bit better than Venezuelan Restaurant.
Food: 9/10 Price: 6/10 Vibes: 7/10
Overall, I would highly recommend trying out both of these restaurants if you’d like to try a new cuisine. I promise you’ll leave satisfied and full. If you feel like eating something akin to fast food, try the tumbaranchos, but if you’re in the mood for a proper sit-down meal, get a steak/parrilla. Venezuelan cuisine varies due to its broad influences from many different countries, but it all generally tastes like home-cooked food. Whether you’re feeling snacky, looking for a sweet treat, or want a comforting meal, there’s always something for everyone.
