Guaiqueri Empanadas brings Venezuelan flavors to Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Venezuelans across the world are closely watching their country’s presidential elections this July 28, including a couple in Honolulu who’ve brought the traditional cuisine of their homeland to Hawaii.

Originally from an indigenous community on Margarita Island in Venezuela, Omarlys Fernandez, and her husband Jurian Rojas, moved to Hawaii 13 years ago. During the pandemic, they started making empanadas at home and delivering them to customers, creating Guaiqueri Empanadas.

They joined HNN’s Sunrise to show how they make their signature empanadas using Venezuelan flour and filling them with various ingredients, including cod, plantains, black beans, chicken and more. It’s served with a traditional Venezuelan guasacaca sauce, with green bell peppers, cilantro, onions and garlic.

“We wanted our kids to feel close to our roots as indigenous people,” Fernandez said. “During the pandemic, we saw an opportunity to share our culture through our food.”

Beyond their renowned empanadas, Guaiqueri Empanadas serves up a variety of specialties such as arepas, chicha and cocada drinks, and soon-to-be-launched Venezuelan bowls featuring rice, protein, sweet plantains, and arepa.

Guaiqueri Empanadas has become a local favorite, known for its dedication to quality and authenticity.

Through pop-up events across the island, Fernandez and Rojas engage with the community, offering not just a meal, but an experience that connects diners with the essence of Venezuelan culture.

For Fernandez and Rojas, Guaiqueri Empanadas is a labor of love — an endeavor that goes beyond business to celebrate their heritage and foster cultural exchange.

Discover Guaiqueri Empanadas and their upcoming events in Honolulu by visiting their website at guaiqueriempanadas.com for more information.

Follow them on Instagram @Guaiqueri_empanadas.

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