Pabellón criollo

Pabellón criollo is a popular Venezuelan meal that is the Caribbean's equivalent of the rice and beans combo. It consists of rice, stewed shredded beef, and stewed black beans.

Tajadas (fried plantain slices) and fried eggs are popular additions, and both have earned slang titles. A pabellón with barandas (guard rail in Spanish) is served with tajadas because the long plantain slices put on the edges are said to protect the meal from slipping off the dish. A pabellón a caballo is a dish with a fried egg on top, as if the egg were "riding" the dish. Aside from these two primary variations, people also add other ingredients to the meal, such as granulated sugar on the beans, Queso Palmita over the beans, or spicy sauce on the meat.

Depending on the locale, time of year (beef intake is banned by the Roman Catholic Church during Lent; however, capybara and fish are permitted), or personal preference, the shredded beef can be changed with chigüire, shredded caiman meat, or even freshwater fish.