The fried empanadas of Puerto la Cruz are eastern Venezuela's most famous street food: cornmeal half-moons stuffed with cazón (small shark), white cheese, or chicken, sealed and deep-fried until the crust crisps. Stalls along the Paseo Colón sell them from late morning until the small hours, served with picante sauce and sliced lime.
Locals will tell you the cazón empanadas are the genuine article; expect a queue at the busier stalls. Cash only, very cheap, and eaten standing up by the waterfront.