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This South American Degustation is Gluten Free, Vegetarian Friendly And 100% Delicious

This South American Degustation is Gluten Free, Vegetarian Friendly And 100% Delicious

I’ve been vegetarian since I was 6 years old — what can I say, I’m stubborn as hell. While the world is a much tastier place for non-meat eaters now, one of the things we still often miss out on is the good old degustation.

Unless you head somewhere strictly vegetarian, in which case you have to convince all your meat-loving friends to come along too, your options are usually just not as good despite paying the same price. Heck, often they don’t even exist. I can only imagine these same struggles apply to you gluten-free peeps as well.

Arepa Oz in the Sydney suburb of Enmore is here to shake that age-old truth up.

Image: Beans And Fetta Mini Arepa / Arepa Oz

One of the first restaurants bringing arepas (the popular and super delish South American street food) to Sydney, they decided to celebrate their second birthday with the launch of a nine course, 100% gluten free South American degustation with actual legit vegetarian alternative options.

“As a team, all of us at Arepa Oz wanted to bring the true taste of the South American foods we grew up eating to Australia — everything from traditional Venezuelan Raw Corn Tortillas to Plantain and Cheese Empanadas and delicious churros with Delce de Leche sauce,” said co-founder of Arepa Oz, Kysbel Castellanos.

Image: Vegan Ceviche / Arepa Oz

“We’re proud to have launched Sydney’s first South American degustation offering that is completely gluten free — it’s a coeliac heaven”.

“At Arepa Oz we believe in authentic, delicious food that everyone, even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy”.

Let me just tell you, they walk the walk too. I popped in to check out the degustation, and holy crap it’s so frikin’ good. South American food is quite different from the rest of the world, and to me at least, provides some flavour combinations that I’m not used to, but always die for.

Image: Pineapple And Passionfruit / Arepa Oz

Like pineapple marinated in lime, salt and pepper, and beans with plantain. Never overly complicated, but always so good.  In fact, I’m just going to say it: from the Black Bean Soup, to the Cheese and Plantain Empanadas to the churros were actual perfection.

Image: Mini Empanada / Arepa Oz

If you forced me to pick a least favourite dish, it would say final course of Shredded Coconut Macarons, and I kind of wish I just got two serves of churros which were the best I’ve ever had to date — and I’ve had a lot of them.

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Honestly, the biggest danger here is that my home is walking distance from Arepa Oz and now it’s all I want. And yes, I was absolutely invited by them to come along, but this is 100% warranted gushing. Please accept this photo of me stuffing my face as proof:

Image: Provided by author

The 100% gluten free degustation happens every Monday night, with tickets going for $49.99. When you arrive for your feast, you can add beer or wine by the glass or bottle from $8.

There are only 20 people per session and they book out bloody fast, so go here right now and nab your spot. You can thank me later.

(Lead Image: Provided / Arepa Oz)

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