Arepas by Perla

I went for lunch and tried the Cachapa and I experienced the worst food poisoning of my life. I've been to several Venezuelan restaurants around Houston and this has never happened to me. I almost ended up at an urgent care.I'm still recovering.

Quite possibly one of the tastiest things I've ever had.I've had arepas and gorditas before -- this was different.Restaurant is EXTREMELY clean. This is a family-owned business. Talked with one of the sons who worked the counter -- a delightful guy. The family only recently moved from Venezuela due to COVID. The president had shut down the university. The United States is still the land of opportunity for so many.The arepa #4 with double fried cheese and plantain add-ins was filling. It is also among the best Latin food in the city. I was surprised and delighted by this find, a rare gem, be sure to check these guys out and grab a cold strawberry soda (Fress Kolita).

I met up with a friend in the Memorial City Mall food court for lunch and we decided to try this newly opened place. They had a $10.99 lunch special with 1 meat and 3 sides as well as a bun and coke. I went with the shredded beef, boiled yuca, sweet plantains, and French fries. I wanted to try the mini tamales, but they didn't have any. The beef and plantains were nice and flavorful. The yuca was rather bland. The French fries were super fresh, but also lacked any flavor. Perhaps this will appeal to those with milder palettes than myself. I can only assume they have some sauces that perhaps the person working didn't offer to me and I didn't know to ask for. Pretty good sized meal for the price, just a little bland for me.

The empanadas are so good. The cheese, chicken and shredded beef are great choices. Two will fill me up. The Arepas are hand made and fresh. Give them a try.

Super good food , great sauces , amazing customer service! 10/10 . Food is very fresh and drinks are great. Very authentic food

This was my first empanada experience and I was very satisfied! I ordered the carne mechada empanada which is like a pulled beef empanada in a corn meal pocket. They gave me a little dipping sauce to go on the side which was like a cilantro mayo dip, which I really enjoyed as well. The staff was very friendly and even let me know how to make my own empanadas. They have a little "store" inside with Venezuelan groceries you can purchase too, I thought that was a nice touch! They have a lot of different drinks to try too that they make fresh at the restaurant as well. Everything here is fresh and can be made to order, I really like that there is an open kitchen and you can watch them make your food. You can tell they make their food with love

I paid $20 just for a small drink and a cheese arepa. The cheese was cold and just placed in the arepa. The passion fruit drink didn't even taste right. The arepa itself was full of oil. I had to vomit after eating this disgusting food, save your money and don't get sick eating here. It wasn't even worth spending half that for this food.

You know what every mall excision needs? Family owned Arepas! Or ceviche? Or pho? Idk why but Memorial City Mall has all three! While I can't say I've eaten a lot of arepas in my day, I can say I've enjoyed every one I've indulged in. Arepas by Perla was no exception. I'm sure when freshly prepared these babies are FIRE. Mine (not so fresh) was still good. I could tell the meat had been sitting, and the bread was on the grill for a bit too long, but my arepa came piping hot, hot enough to melt the Gouda cheese and heat the chicken releasing the flavor. Although my arepa was filling, and was presented in beautiful packaging - $10.99 for one arepa, nothing else...I may stick to the food trucks for this treat.

Delicious food! Mall location so you can see them making your order. This is Venezuelan food, which I've had no experience with before. The arepas are in a pocket made with just masa, and there are lots of fillings. Including plantains is apparently the authentic way to serve them.Plenty of food in just one, and very enjoyable.

Best arepas in houston!! Employees are always so friendly and the food is AMAZING!! Try the plantains when you go!