Arepa2GO is a rags to riches story - the team started as a tiny street food stand, before developing a cult following that led to a bricks and mortar site in Southsea. You see, the concept was so popular it kept the stand constantly queued out during its opening times, pushing the owners to realise there was potential for a bigger site and larger kitchen in 2023.
Since landing on Victoria Road in its current guise it’s proved that the leap of faith was worth taking, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the South American fare the team turns out. Tables here are on a walk-in basis only, so just rock up and find a perch once you’ve decided what you’d like from the menu.
The menu is focused on two main areas: arepas and empanadas. The first is of course the item many know the brand for. Arepas are soft, grilled cornbreads that are then split open and filled with your choice of meat or veggies. They’re naturally gluten-free, so great for coeliacs too. Favourite filling combinations include slow cooked beef with cheddar cheese and homemade garlic sauce as well as a veggie option that brings together black beans, plantain, pico de gallo and a coriander and avocado sauce called guasacaca.
Empanadas are traditional South American pastry parcels which are deep fried and completely moreish. Here you have the choice of chicken, beef or cheese and each comes in a double serving for a hearty snack. To make your choice of empanada or arepa into a meal there’s a short but sharp range of sides that includes yuca fries, halloumi fingers, and loaded chips. For dessert there are churros, which are served in a sizeable portion with a dulce de leche caramel dip.