Venezuelan Chicha
Venezuelan chicha is a rich, sweet, creamy drink that tastes like dessert in a glass. Traditionally sold by street vendors across Venezuela, this version uses soft-boiled spaghetti instead of rice to create an ultra-smooth, custardy texture. Blended with condensed milk, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon, it’s chilled to perfection and served over ice with an optional drizzle of milk. The result? A refreshing, nostalgic treat that’s beloved across Latin America — and surprisingly easy to make at home. Check out Juan on Instagram @juanbiteatatime for more recipe inspo!
Tasty Team
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
1 hr 30 min
Prep Time
10 minutes
10 min
Cook Time
20 minutes
20 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
1 hr 30 min
Prep Time
10 minutes
10 min
Cook Time
20 minutes
20 min
Ingredients
for 3 servings
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 7 oz spaghetti (from 1 [16-oz.] package), broken in half
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 ½ cups whole milk, plus more if needed
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar, to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- For serving: Ice, ground cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk (optional)
Nutrition Info
- Calories 356
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 59g
- Fiber 2g
- Sugar 12g
- Protein 13g
Estimated values based on one serving size.
Preparation
- Bring the water, cinnamon stick, and salt to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Add the broken spaghetti. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is very soft and almost mushy, 12–13 minutes. Remove from heat, and drain. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick. Let the pasta cool slightly, for 3–5 minutes.
- Place the condensed milk, whole milk, sugar, vanilla, and cooled pasta in a blender. Blend for 45–60 seconds, until completely smooth and creamy (continue blending if the consistency isn’t smooth enough). TIP: The drink should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and leave a line if you drag your finger through. If it’s too thick and difficult to drink, add a splash of milk.
- Transfer the drink to the refrigerator, and chill for 1 hour.
- Pour the chilled drink into glasses (over ice if desired). Sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with condensed milk if desired. Serve.
- Enjoy!
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