If you’re visiting Medellín, one thing you absolutely cannot miss out on is the typical Paisa cuisine. Colombia has plenty of traditional dishes to try, but if you really want to get the flavor of the Antioquia region, you’ll want to check out the dishes mentioned below. There are plenty of traditional regional dishes to choose from, but these are some of Medellín’s most popular foods. If you want to make sure you’re getting the real deal, it’s recommended to look into Medellín food tours. The tour guide will know all the best spots that offer these dishes, and you’ll also have the advantage of learning more about the history of both the dishes and the traditions behind them.
What to expect during Medellín food tours
Paisa culture is deeply rooted in the Antioquia region, so if you’re eating anything with “Paisa” in the name, it’s likely a traditional Antioquian dish. This cuisine is hearty and satisfying, with rich meats and sausages, succulent eggs, and well-seasoned beans and rice. Arepas (a type of bread) are also massively popular, as well as empanadas. If you go to mom-and-pop establishments, you’ll get dishes that pretty much taste homemade. Some restaurants put their own spin on these dishes, but the basics usually stay the same.
Bandeja Paisa
You can’t find a dish that’s more popular in Medellín than Bandeja Paisa. It’s massive, varied, and satisfying – a bit like a full English breakfast, but in a way that’s distinctly Paisa. The dish features beef, chorizo, chicharron (fried pork belly), fried eggs, pinto beans, white rice, and avocado. And of course, since this is Colombia, it’s usually served with an arepa or two as well. There are also other variations of this platter; most of the components remain the same, but with different meats included. If you want to try a Bandeja Paisa, make sure you come with an appetite; this is a fairly huge meal! It’s considered to be a must-try dish when visiting Medellín, so you may as well make plans to enjoy it at some point during your trip.
Cazuela de Frijoles
If “bean stew” doesn’t sound terribly exciting, just wait until you hear what goes into it. In typical Paisa style, this dish is anything but boring. It’s actually full of flavor, and will leave you satisfied for hours afterwards. As you’d expect, the base of Cazuela de Frijoles is beans – red beans, to be specific. You’ll also get chicharron, corn, baked banana, and avocado. Most restaurants will also serve an arepa, rice, and some aji (a pepper-based relish) on the side. What makes this dish interesting is the contrast between the savory beans, pork, and avocado, and the sweetness of the corn and banana. There’s also a beautiful combination of textures, from the soft beans and banana, the crispy pork, the velvety avocado, and the crunchy corn. If the bowl of stew isn’t quite enough, the arepas and rice will round out the meal very nicely.
Calentado Paisa
This is one of those dishes that’s commonly made with leftovers. It’s made of a base of fried rice mixed with chicharron and baked bananas, and topped with a fried egg, avocado, and a couple of arepas. Again, it’s a very filling dish with typical Paisa flavors: fried pork belly, fried egg, baked bananas, etc. However, this dish isn’t as heavy as some other traditional Antioquian foods. It’s great for lunch, especially if you’ve joined one of the Medellín food tours; in other words, you’re less likely to need a nap after eating this meal!
Picada
This is essentially a snack platter that often accompanies a night of partying with friends or family. Picada didn’t originate in the Antioquia region, but it has gotten its own twist from Paisa influences. It’s a bit like Texas chili or Chicago hot dogs in that sense; even if the dish didn’t originate there, the regional variant did, and locals are sure to have plenty of opinions on exactly how their version of the dish should be prepared. In the case of the Medellín picada, you’ll get chicharron, chorizo, salchicha (a type of sausage), roast potatoes, and empanadas. If you really want to complete the experience, don’t forget an ice-cold beer to wash it all down! You can get this dish at restaurants, but it’s also commonly served at bars.
Mondongo
This soup is so popular that one of Medellín’s top restaurants is named after it. Mondongo’s restaurant specializes in this soup, as well as other traditional local dishes. However, not all tourists are as enthusiastic about Mondongo as they are about other typical Antioquian dishes, since the star ingredient is beef tripe (stomach). There are also flavors of cilantro and garlic in the rich broth, making it one of Medellín’s favorite soups. If you don’t mind the idea of eating beef tripe, you should definitely give this dish a try.
Pasteles Paisas
Empanadas are everywhere in Colombia, and you can bet that Medellín has put its own unique spin on this popular treat. Pasteles Paisas are fried empanadas that feature chorizo and chicharron, which (as you probably know by now) are typical Paisa ingredients. If you’re in one of the Medellín food tours, make sure your tour guide has these on the list.
Arepas
These are commonly found as accompaniments to larger meals, but they deserve a special mention because of their popularity. There are countless variations on Colombian arepas, including a couple that are popular in Medellín. Whether you’re at a restaurant or just picking up a snack during Medellín tours, the typical arepa will be made with white corn flour, and toasted until it’s cooked through. You can even get them with a filling of shredded beef, chicharron, baked banana, and beans, or topped with fried eggs and cheese.
Antioquian dishes have a lot to offer
You’ll never run out of amazing food to try in Medellín. Whether you want something hearty like the Bandeja Paisa, or something a little lighter like an arepa with traditional toppings, there’s definitely something for everyone.
