Venezuelan cuisine is influenced by its European (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French), West African, and indigenous traditions. Venezuelan cuisine varies greatly from one region to another. Food staples include corn, rice, plantains, yams, beans and several meats. Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, eggplants, squashes, spinach and zucchini are also common side dishes in the Venezuelan diet. Ají dulce and papelón are found in most recipes. Worcestershire sauce is also used frequently in stews. Venezuela is also known for having a large variety of white cheese (queso blanco), usually named by geographical region. Main dishes Typical snacks Beverages Beer Chicha – non-alcoholic drink, made of boiled white rice, milk and sugar. Cocada – Coconut milkshake, found mostly in coastal areas. Mango juice Passion fruit juice Malta – Non-alcoholic carbonated malt. Papelón con limón Ponche crema – Served especially during Christmas season. Venezuelan rum Frescolita (strawberry-flavored soda) Tequila – Served at celebrations. Breads Casabe – cassava flatbread Pan dulce – Spanish for "sweet bread" Pan de jamón – usually filled with ham, olives, and raisins and usually eaten during the Christmas season Desserts Alfajor – maize cookie with arequipe and grated coconut Bienmesabe Brazo gitano (the Spanish Swiss roll) Conserva de guayaba - Guava confection Pudín de chocolate – chocolate pudding Dulce de lechosa Green papaya slowed cooked in a syrup flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla Mousse de chocolate Quesillo – local–style caramel flan Polvorosas – butter cookies with cinnamon Cheese Queso blanco is very popular in Venezuela. It is produced all over Venezuela with different flavors and textures. The name of each variety of cheese is usually related to the geographical region. Cuajada andina Llanero cheese Queso blanco duro Queso de año Queso de mano Queso de Trenza Guayanés cheese Paisa cheese Palmita cheese Palmizulia cheese Telita cheese Other foods Salpicón See also Latin American cuisine South American cuisine References External links South American cuisine Latin American cuisine