Where to Find the Best Bandeja Paisa (That Won’t Put You to Sleep)

To visit Medellin and not eat a Bandeja Paisa is, officially, a sin. This mountainous platter is the culinary anthem of the region: a massive serving of beans, white rice, chicharrón (fried pork belly), carne en polvo (ground beef), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), a fried egg, avocado, arepa, and sweet plantain. It was designed to fuel mountain farmers for 12 hours of hard labor. For a modern traveler, however, it is often a one-way ticket to a 3-hour nap, known locally as the mal del puerco (the curse of the pig).

The secret to enjoying this dish without losing half your day to a food coma is quality over quantity. Avoid the tourist traps that pile on greasy, low-quality fillers. Instead, head to institutions that treat the dish with respect.

Hatoviejo is the gold standard for the sophisticated traveler. With locations in Las Palmas and near the center, this is a white-tablecloth establishment where the chicharrón is perfectly crisp, not greasy, and the ingredients are premium. It feels like a business lunch, not an eating challenge. Another fantastic option is Hacienda, specifically their location in Ciudad del Río. It offers a charming, traditional atmosphere and, crucially, they offer a “Media Bandeja” (half portion). This is the smartest order you can make—you get all the flavors and the cultural experience, but you walk away feeling energized rather than defeated.

Finally, the ultimate insider tip: Never, ever order a Bandeja Paisa for dinner. This is strictly a lunch dish (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM). Ordering it at night is considered reckless behavior by locals, and your stomach will likely agree with them at 3 AM.

To visit Medellin and not eat a Bandeja Paisa is, officially, a sin. This mountainous platter is the culinary anthem of the region: a massive serving of beans, white rice, chicharrón (fried pork belly), carne en polvo (ground beef), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), a fried egg, avocado, arepa, and sweet plantain. It was designed to fuel mountain farmers for 12 hours of hard labor. For a modern traveler, however, it is often a one-way ticket to a 3-hour nap, known locally as the mal del puerco (the curse of the pig).

Hatoviejo is the gold standard for the sophisticated traveler. With locations in Las Palmas and near the center, this is a white-tablecloth establishment where the chicharrón is perfectly crisp, not greasy, and the ingredients are premium. It feels like a business lunch, not an eating challenge. Another fantastic option is Hacienda, specifically their location in Ciudad del Río. It offers a charming, traditional atmosphere and, crucially, they offer a “Media Bandeja” (half portion). This is the smartest order you can make—you get all the flavors and the cultural experience, but you walk away feeling energized rather than defeated.

Finally, the ultimate insider tip: Never, ever order a Bandeja Paisa for dinner. This is strictly a lunch dish (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM). Ordering it at night is considered reckless behavior by locals, and your stomach will likely agree with them at 3 AM.

The Ultimate “Lazy” Lunch

The only thing better than a great Bandeja Paisa is not having to move after eating it. Why trek to a restaurant when you can enjoy this feast in the comfort of your own luxury villa?

When you book with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team can arrange for a private chef to come to your property and prepare a gourmet, high-end Bandeja Paisa right in your kitchen. They use top-tier ingredients and can customize portions to your liking. Best of all, when the meal is done, your private pool lounge chair is just five steps away for that inevitable, blissful nap.

Contact our concierge team to book your private culinary experience.

The Ultimate “Lazy” Lunch

The only thing better than a great Bandeja Paisa is not having to move after eating it. Why trek to a restaurant when you can enjoy this feast in the comfort of your own luxury villa?

When you book with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team can arrange for a private chef to come to your property and prepare a gourmet, high-end Bandeja Paisa right in your kitchen. They use top-tier ingredients and can customize portions to your liking. Best of all, when the meal is done, your private pool lounge chair is just five steps away for that inevitable, blissful nap.

Contact our concierge team to book your private culinary experience.