District Dish: Troupial brings Venezuelan comfort food to Savannah
Written by Emma Pilger. Photo courtesy of Emma Pilger.
Nestled in the heart of the Starland District, Troupial is a Venezuelan cafe that specializes in Venezuelan cuisine and high-quality coffee. Troupial was originally located on Whitaker Street close to W Victory Drive. However, the cafe is now located in a newly renovated, classic Savannah two-story home on 43rd Street. This new location is colorful, bright and filled with antique tables and chairs that pay tribute to southern culture.
On the menu, you will find a variety of soulful Venezuelan dishes and coffee options. Each menu item is made with care by passionate people who want to share Venezuelan culture with Savannah. Prided by its dedication to Venezuela, Troupial’s website states, “specialty indicates that we are consuming a traceable product from start to finish and that we are part of the value and work chain of coffee-producing communities and families around the world. This allows us to recognize coffee as an expression of the earth.” From the coffee to the ambiance, it is clear that Troupial is run with intentionality and care.
While visiting Troupial for myself, I ordered off of the “Hey Cappuccina” menu, which includes a mini bread and a drink for $9. I chose a cappuccino with oat milk paired with cheese bread, which was a perfect portion for a small breakfast. The cappuccino was smooth and rich, topped beautifully with fluffy milk foam. The cheese bread was distinctly fresh and warm and let out hot, fragrant steam as I tore it open. The cheese was a Venezuelan cheese, of course, and was baked to perfection. The salty, crisp top was debatably the best part of the bread and complimented my coffee wonderfully.
I also was able to taste Troupial’s Perico Arepa from the arepa bar, which is one of the highlights of the cafe. An arepa is a bread made with maize dough, which is a cornmeal-based staple in Central and South American cooking. Troupial’s arepas do not disappoint. They are light, flavorful and crisp with a warm center. The arepa is split in half and stuffed with an array of toppings like eggs, veggies, meats and cheeses. The Perico Arepa is stuffed with Venezuelan-style scrambled eggs, onion and tomato (and Venezuelan cheese upon request). This savory arepa is filling and perfect for any hungry morning.
This beautiful cafe is a hidden gem in the city. Troupial’s flavorful Venezuelan food and coffee are a gift to Savannah and should be widely known by locals and students.
Emma Pilger is a copy editor and columnist at District who prioritizes high quality writing and strong personal voice. She is passionate about writing, food, and community. Her column, District Dish, highlights some of Savannah’s best food as well as cooking advice geared towards college students.
