P.A.N. — Harina P.A.N.
Cinematic golden empanada frying in oil
Harina P.A.N. — Empresas Polar
A Flagship Activation by HARINA P.A.N.

THE GIANT
EMPANADA
PROJECT

A Guinness World Record attempt powered by P.A.N.

Frying a 5-meter Venezuelan empanada using a custom-engineered industrial system.

Explore the Project
5m
Length
1.5m
Width
40cm
depth
Scroll
Venezuelan cheese empanada with melted cheese
The Story

THE STORY OF THE EMPANADA.

In Venezuela, empanadas are an all-day favorite — enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Alongside arepas, they are one of the country's most iconic and beloved foods, traditionally served with sauces such as guasacaca or tartar sauce.

Unlike the wheat-based empanadas commonly found in Argentina or Spain, Venezuelan empanadas are made with pre-cooked cornmeal. This gives them a distinct sweet corn flavor, a naturally gluten-free profile, and a crispy outside with a soft, slightly chewy bite inside. The most popular pre-cooked cornmeal in Venezuela is Harina P.A.N., the sponsor of this important event.

Venezuelan empanadas are especially known for being fried rather than baked, creating a texture and flavor that make them unique within Latin American cuisine.

This project transforms that tradition into something never seen before.

The Goal

THE GUINNESS
WORLD RECORD

Create and fry an extraordinary Venezuelan empanada measuring 5 meters long and 1.5 meters wide at its center, filled with cheese in one of the most traditional Venezuelan styles. Not just a record — a celebration of Venezuelan identity, creativity, and culture.

5
meters
Length
1.5
meters
Width
1
world record
Goal
Engineering

ENGINEERED TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE.

A custom-built industrial frying system designed for precision, scale, and safety.

6m × 2m × 50cm
Fryer dimensions
Stainless
Food-grade steel
Pulleys + cables
Lowering system
Industrial gas
Burner system
Industrial fryer engineering concept
Subsystems

FOUR SYSTEMS, ONE MISSION.

01

Structural System

  • Reinforced steel support frame
  • Designed load capacity: over 7 tons
  • Cross-braced for stability and safety
02

Heating System

  • Multi-burner industrial gas system
  • Distributed along the 6-meter base
  • Zoned heat control for even frying
03

Lifting System

  • Overhead gantry structure
  • Motorized winch system
  • Load-rated steel cables
  • Controlled vertical immersion
04

Frying Tray

  • Reinforced stainless steel tray
  • Perforated for oil circulation
  • Designed to support full empanada structure
Safety

BUILT FOR SAFETY AND PRECISION

This project is engineered with strict safety and performance standards

✓
Oil expansion and displacement management
✓
Controlled heating zones
✓
Load-rated lifting system
✓
Reinforced structural design
✓
Operator safety perimeter
✓
Engineering oversight throughout
Process

HOW IT WORKS

01
Assembly

The empanada is assembled on a reinforced tray outside the fryer.

02
Transfer

The tray is moved over the fryer using the gantry system.

03
Immersion

The empanada is lowered gradually into the oil for stability and safety.

04
Reveal

After frying, the empanada is lifted, drained, and presented.

National celebration event
The Event

A NATIONAL CELEBRATION

A live event bringing together influencers, chefs, local media, and the general public — a celebration of Venezuelan gastronomy culminating in the tasting and sharing of the final empanada with attendees.

Who Joins
  • Renowned chefs
  • Influencers & creators
  • Media outlets
  • The general public
The Climax
  • 01 — Official measurement
  • 02 — Public unveiling
  • 03 — Shared tasting
Project Developed By
Dynapro — Eventos y Promociones