Cuban Empanada vs Venezuelan Empanada
By Sofrito Latin Cafe. September 15, 2026.
Both empanadas live on the same Small Bites board at Sofrito Latin Cafe in Orlando, and both are fried. The quick tell is the dough: the Cuban Empanada uses wheat flour and stays savory, while the Venezuelan Empanada uses corn flour, tastes slightly sweet, and is gluten free.
The dough
The Cuban Empanada is built on fried wheat-flour dough. It fries up smooth and pastry-like, with a savory, bready character. The Venezuelan Empanada uses fried corn-flour dough, which gives it a coarser, corn-forward bite and a naturally gluten-free base.
Fried or baked
At Sofrito Latin Cafe, both of these empanadas are fried, not baked. Baking tends to yield a paler, softer shell, while frying gives the blistered, crisp exterior you get on both empanadas here. The baked Venezuelan Pastelito is a separate item, not the empanada.
Sweetness
The Venezuelan Empanada is described as slightly sweet from the corn-flour dough. The Cuban Empanada is savory, with no built-in sweetness.
Typical fillings
The Cuban Empanada comes with your choice of beef or chicken. The Venezuelan Empanada comes with shredded beef or cheese. If you want cheese without meat, the Venezuelan is the one to order.
Side by side verdict
| Cue | Cuban Empanada | Venezuelan Empanada |
|---|
| Origin | Cuba | Venezuela |
| Dough | Wheat flour | Corn flour |
| Cooking method here | Fried | Fried |
| Sweetness | Savory | Slightly sweet |
| Fillings | Beef or chicken | Shredded beef or cheese |
| Gluten free | No | Yes |
| Price | $4.75 | $5.75 |
Orlando ordering map
- Want gluten free: order the Venezuelan Empanada.
- Want cheese, no meat: order the Venezuelan Empanada with cheese.
- Want savory and classic: order the Cuban Empanada with beef or chicken.
- Want the lower price: the Cuban is $4.75 versus $5.75.
- Want chicken: that is Cuban only.
- Trying both: get one of each off the Small Bites board.
Ordering tip: the two empanadas can look similar once plated. Ask your server or cashier to write the country label, Cuba or Venezuela, on the ticket so the kitchen and your table both know which is which.
Frequently asked
Which empanada is gluten free at Sofrito Latin Cafe?
The Venezuelan Empanada, because it is made with corn-flour dough. The Cuban Empanada is wheat based and is not gluten free.
Are the empanadas fried or baked?
Both the Cuban and Venezuelan empanadas are fried at this location.
Which one is sweet?
The Venezuelan Empanada is slightly sweet from the corn-flour dough. The Cuban Empanada is savory.
Where can I find these in Orlando?
Sofrito Latin Cafe is at 8607 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836. Call (407) 778-4205.
Sofrito Latin Cafe
8607 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836
Sunday to Thursday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Friday and Saturday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.