Tequeño

A tequeño is prepared with a bread dough with white cheese (queso blanco) in the middle. It is formed into a bread stick and then usually fried. It is one of the most popular Venezuelan snack foods in parties, especially weddings. It is said that a party is not a true Venezuelan party without tequeños.

The name "tequeños" comes from the town of "Los Teques", capital of the state of Miranda where it is believed this food originated from. The oldest known references to it come from the first decade of the 19th century. At that time the richest families of Caracas would spend long vacation periods in Los Teques and it is believed that they started preparing them with the left over dough of another Venezuelan food "pastelitos".

New tequeño versions by gourmet Venezuelan chefs exist. For example, Helena Ibarra has invented tequeños made with local goat cheese that are dipped in a sugary (papelón) sauce.