La Pepiá

Exquisite Gluten-Free Arepas with Guava Delight

At Borough Market, amid the bustling throngs feverishly hunting for artisanal cheeses and exotic spices, lies an unassuming little cart peddling South American treasures—specifically, sumptuous little pockets of joy known as arepas. This hidden gem went by quietly until it caught my discerning eye—and perhaps more importantly, my demanding palate. Their gluten-free arepas served as my passport to a land of giddy gastronomic exploration, an irony not lost given it’s nestled next to stalls boasting gluten-packed breads and pastries. I scarfed down their guava and halloumi concoction, an ephemeral marvel that tiptoed on my taste buds with the confidence of a tightrope performer. Better yet, it was allergen-friendly, ensuring that no sensitive foodie was left behind, marooned in hunger.

Alas, life is rarely ever uncomplicated. Some will lament about lukewarm servings with the sorrowful demeanor one might reserve for a Shakespearean tragedy, yet others—myself included—find comfort in its crispy textures and uniquely blended flavors. Yes, it may be a tad coquettish with temperature compliance, but fortune favors the bold, or so I've convinced myself. The prices might make you pause momentarily, like any damsel would at London’s markets before paying for her first organic honey. But remember, you pay for the culinary proclivity and resilience they exhibit as purveyors of gluten and dairy-free delights. Rest assured, these arepas still betray enough goodness with each bite worthy of a revisit—even if it’s just to bask once again in the quirky charm of their nuanced offerings. — Penelope Savory