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    Zema

    3.4 (36 reviews)

    Zema Photos

    ZEMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    C R.

    Crazy!! So the truck is outside but the owner (?) hadn't shown up yet with a bunch if the food. Fine, life happens. The other guy says he should be back in 15 min. I wait half an hour, come back and order. First off, I find it scretchy when the menu has all the prices taped over. Your prices changed? Cool, but why no new pricing? (Bye, this sandwich was $8 on the menu on the photo, I was charged $11!!) I order the Porky Pig (basically a pork sandwich), and a "homemade lemonade made with cane sugar" The sandwich was a giant mess because that added so much "gravy". Flavor was ok but $11 sandwich was small. The lemons I'd (?) tasted like sour fruit and was BROWN! What kind of lemons make brown juice?? ($3 btw ) This was a really disappointing meal. Even more so for $15!! (Tax was NOT included like on most food trucks) NEVER AGAIN!

    The blondie + avocado
    Amy L.

    2 stars for the corn pocket 1 star for the chicken This was my first time eating arepas and I was kind of disappointed. The only part that I liked was the corn pocket, which was super crispy and fresh. I was indecisive between The Blondie and Machu Picchu. Since they advertised The Blondie as their signature dish, I went with that one. The shredded chicken sautéed with "Caribbean" veggies tasted like something I could just whip up at home -- some chicken, onion, and peppers mixed with some tomato sauce. Besides the chicken mixture and a few slices of avocado I added, 2/3 of the sandwich was stuffed with the grated yellow cheese. The cheese did not go well with the rest of the sandwich AT ALL in my opinion. Although I cannot say that I've had better arepas than this, since I have nothing to compare with, I am pretty sure that I won't spend another $10 on this again.

    nice sunny day
    Craig T.

    South American Venezuelan Cuisine Food Truck I was lucky enough to run into the Zema Truck at the Enriched Farms Lunch at the Arts at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts center while driving back from the beach. There were some other food truck choices, but the Zema truck had a cuisine that I have never had before, Venezuelan cuisine. The mainstay of their menu is Arepas, which are Venezuelan corn cakes and they are a little dense compared to other corn cakes, like the ones from mexico. I ordered the Pabellon plate and substituted the rice with a corn pancake. You can also order the Sandwich option with the ingredients "stuffed" into the corn pancake. The ingredients are shredded beef and black beans, and I recommend putting some hot sauce on it which is outside of the truck with the napkins and plastic wear. The overall taste was pretty good and the corn pancake tasted more like mochi rice than corn, I split the corn cake myself and filled it up. I think it is the same price but the Pabellon plate is a better value than the Sandwich. There were some fried plantains on the plate too. I haven't decided to follow them on Instagram since Arepas don't make for good food pron like Burgers.

    Machu Picchu Arepa - Hearty
    Steve C.

    In a time when everybody and anybody that can make a half-decent Wonder bread grilled cheese sandwich is jumping onto the food truck bandwagon and when there are more second-rate food truck knock-offs trying to steal Kogi's thunder than true originators, it is refreshing to see a mobile chef who is doing something different and who actually gives a damn about his craft. Julio sources some of his ingredients from Miami because, apparently, that beats any LA-based alternatives. I was skeptical about this until I had my first tequeno (super flaky deep-fried cheese filled mini pastry roll)...and then then that Machu Picchu arepa sealed the deal. Crispy cornmeal outer, heaps of flavor inside. I don't know how the arepa was the same size as a quarter-pounder, but somehow managed to weigh like 4 pounds. That thing was dense. And bursting at the seams with grilled shrimp--literally bursting: one of those guys got loose and ruined some of my work clothes in an embarrassing way with that green sauce. Time for a nap.

    Sharon Y.

    I ordered the pabellon at the recommendation of the man taking my order - it could come in a sandwich (arepa) or with rice. Since I like corn and had eaten a rice dish for lunch the day before, I went with the arepa. Pretty tasty but quite heavy, it was stuffed with shredded beef, cheese, and plantains. I did like the texture of the arepa - crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. I would definitely be willing to get this again but probably wouldn't crave it. Also, the wait was quite long.

    N A.

    I hate to give a not so good review, especially to a small business and Latino owned. I'm giving them two stars as my intention is not to drop their rating. However, I cannot get over paying $11+ for a low quality food item. This was my first time having an Arepa (I've never had the urge to, since I consider it to be a lazy version of a Pupusa). I ordered a Pabellón, which had shredded beef, black beans, cheese, and a fried sweet plantain. The size of the Arepa was about 7in round and crispy on the outside. However, as anyone who has ever made thick hand made tortillas, rule number one is to make sure the masa gets fully cooked. Unfortunately, around most of the perimeter and center of the Arepa was raw gooey dough which rendered it pretty inedible. The filling consisted about 1-2oz of beef, which was good, think Cuban Ropa Vieja, but I could not justify the price for this small portion. I liked the plantain, the beans were ok, and as other reviewers mentioned the cheese was not thoroughly melted. I just had some tacos out in Sylmar out of a truck that is making fresh corn tortillas on the spot with nice meats and only charging about $1.50-$2.00 per taco. Perhaps this truck should raise their prices considering what Zema is charging. Or perhaps Zema should improve their product to get repeat business; as at this time I won't be going back.

    Jimmy H.

    I've seen one or two complaints about how long the service took. Arepas take about 10 min to cook alone without the stuffing + They don't taste good pre cooked so Being from Colombia which is next to Venezuela and in in South America I understand the time it takes for these great AREPAS. Trust me I tried them all and are all great, don't pay attention to these other losers who just complain about time, Quality food takes a little more time than McDonald's or any other fast food places.

    Porky pig arepa with slow Roasted pork.

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    8 years ago

    The cheese fingers are amazing and my only gripe is I can never get them! Open for business more and tell us where you are!

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    10 years ago

    Had The Blondie & Plantains and both were amazing, flavorful, and filling. I'll be back.

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    10 years ago

    I don't know what the food tastes like yet, but I've been waiting over 20 minutes for my order, which is one item.

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

    its real venezuelan food, i just think that the prices arent fair ( i mean its a food truck not a restaurant), delicious anyway.

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

    The arepa was good however the black beans were salty and the 'artisan cheese' was Daiya.

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    10 years ago

    Fantastic food! The arepa is made from cornmeal flour so it is glueten-free! i love the chicken salad one with avacado!!!

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    bolivar coffee + arepa bar

    bolivar coffee + arepa bar

    4.1(503 reviews)
    13.0 mi
    $$

    This used to be my favorite spot for arepas, but after today's experience, I won't be coming back…read more I called ahead and clearly explained my order: three arepa orders, with one having the masa scooped out. I also specifically asked about the price and was told it would be $13 per order, consistent with what's listed online. However, when I arrived, I was told the orders would be charged separately, and the employee became visibly frustrated when I asked for clarification and requested that everything be grouped as discussed. What made the situation worse was the pricing. I was charged $15 per order, which didn't match what I was told over the phone, nor what's listed online or even on Yelp (where it shows around $10). When I politely questioned the discrepancy, the employee became argumentative and made the interaction uncomfortable. I paid, because that's not the issue--but being treated dismissively and feeling misled is. Pricing should be consistent and clearly communicated, and customers shouldn't feel like they're being taken advantage of for asking reasonable questions. Really disappointing experience from a place I used to enjoy.

    Have you ever wished for a nice cold coffee drink on a hot day or a warm arepas? Well you've come…read moreto the right cafe. Cafe Bolívar (est 2001) is a cute corner South American coffee shop on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. They have good selection of coffee & tea drinks, selective pastries, salads, breakfast, and special arepas. This cafe has a calming atmosphere with background music that's not too loud, and the staff are skilled. I came on a sunny warm afternoon to grab a cold drink/light lunch. I had a Cold Brew and Chicken Arepas. I enjoyed their refreshing cold brew coffee drink but so much on the pollo arepas. Its chicken was dry; arepas outside was crispy and crunchy but the inside was not moist. Moreover, their size was bloody small. Cafe's interior was naturally bright and aesthetically decorated. Indoor/outdoor seats were comfortable. Prices of the drinks were fair, however, arepas seem expensive. Service was on point. Staff were cordial. Free wifi. Plenty of street parking. Overall, it's a nice coffee shop.

    Photos
    bolivar coffee + arepa bar
    bolivar coffee + arepa bar - 2 Grilled Chicken Breast Arepas.

    2 Grilled Chicken Breast Arepas.

    bolivar coffee + arepa bar - Outdoor seats with street view.

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    Outdoor seats with street view.

    La Fonda Antioquena - Empanada

    La Fonda Antioquena

    4.1(562 reviews)
    4.5 miHollywood
    $$

    Are you ready to eat a hefty and hearty meal? La Fonda Antioquena is one of few Columbian…read morerestaurants in LA. I've been here a few times since I tag along with my Columbian friend for brunch here. This place is not for vegetarians. So, keep on driving or skip reading this if you are. The empanadas here are delicious. My favorite type of empanadas. Made with a crunchy, fried corn dough filled with meat. Served with encurtido, it's a Columbian salsa type but little spice. What I had recently here is sanchocho. This soup reminds me of a caldo de res but with oxtail, plantain, yucca. It also has potato and corn. Very hearty and comforting. It's served with a side of white rice on the side and arepa. If you every come here for breakfast, you'll be fed like a champion. Try the bandeja paiso.. Take your gout pills first. It's a meat fest. Serving of fried pork belly (crispy chitarrones), grilled steak (churrasco). It's served with rice, beans, egg, plantains, arepas, Comes with heart healthy avocado and a tomato for good health. You might have a hard time standing up after this meal. The service here is always good. Well especially because my friend is a regular.

    Vinimos de visita, este lugar hace an.~os era bueno, lastimosamente la comida horrorosa sin sabor,…read morela forma de servir los platos nada q ver, se quita el hambre de ver la presentacion de la comida y del restaurante sucio, el ban~o sin papel higienico. Las empanadas las cambiaron no saben a empanadas. La atencion muy pobre. Lo siento no pierdan su dinero ni tiempo. Para completar me salio un pedazo de limon bajo el arroz

    Photos
    La Fonda Antioquena - Restaurant

    Restaurant

    La Fonda Antioquena - Empanada

    Empanada

    La Fonda Antioquena - Gas. Period. Fiyaaaaaa

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    Gas. Period. Fiyaaaaaa

    Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Gluten Free Pork, Mano Cheese and Cilantro Arepa!

    Amara Chocolate & Coffee

    4.5(2.2k reviews)
    8.4 mi
    $$
    Vegan friendly
    Gluten-free friendly

    I stopped by here before my Yelp Elite event while walking along Colorado Boulevard and came across…read morethis spot on Raymond Avenue; such a great find! This café is fantastic. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious. My mom and I shared the chicken pesto sandwich, and it did not disappoint. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the mozzarella paired so well with the tomato, and the grilled chicken with pesto tied everything together beautifully. The vibes were incredible and I love sitting outside, especially it was more of a chilly morning, and they made sure to turn on the heaters above the outdoor seating which was incredibly thoughtful so customers that we're all sitting and eating we're enjoying a nice breezy cool day along with warmth. What I really appreciated was that it wasn't overly oily or salty, which made it even more enjoyable. It was light, fresh, and super satisfying. My mom loved it just as much as I did!! Will be coming back!

    Amara Chocolate & Coffee is almost always full when I walk inside, thank God they have an outdoor…read moredining area as well. This shop has EARNED its popularity and the loyalty of their customers. You can tell the staff has a genuine love for the menu. If you ask anyone at the counter about their favorites, they'll give you the rundown of what's popular and what they personally love. And I really appreciate that very human, individualized touch when discovering a gem adored by Pasadena locals. The ambiance is giving... small, simplistic, unassuming shop. To people just passing by, it's not going to look like much - but it's the energy & aroma of their food that pulls AND keeps you in. I recommend the Pork-Pernil w/Mano Cheese AND the Chicken Avocado Arepas. You really can't stop with just one order of arepas. It's been awhile since my last visit, but I remember loving the guava lemonade - good size & incredibly refreshing! Can't wait to explore more of the menu the next time I'm around.

    Photos
    Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coconut & Havana Dulce de Leche Iced Latte "Seasonal"

    Coconut & Havana Dulce de Leche Iced Latte "Seasonal"

    Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Gluten free Arepa All day Brunch! Pal Pana. Black beans, Gouda, Eggs and your choice of Spanish chorizo or Bacon!

    Gluten free Arepa All day Brunch! Pal Pana. Black beans, Gouda, Eggs and your choice of Spanish chorizo or Bacon!

    Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coconut Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte!

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    Coconut Strawberry Iced Matcha Latte!

    Zema - foodtrucks - Updated May 2026

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