GRIP, Internships Abroad Bandeja Paisa

Designit - Medellín, Colombia

Before coming to Colombia, everybody asked me what I was most excited for. Without fail, my answer was always the food. I come from a family that’s big on traveling, and wherever we go, my dad’s top priority is scoping out the best food stops, even if it means standing in line for hours. The jury’s still out on whether or not this is a good trait to have inherited because I have to hit the gym so hard whenever I come back from a trip, but I am definitely the epitome of a foodie thanks to my dear old dad.

Being the foodie that I am, my first order of business in Colombia was to try the local food, so eating Bandeja Paisa quickly made the top of my to-do list. “Bandeja” is Spanish for tray and “Paisa” refers to the people who come from the Paisa region or the northwest region of Colombia. Bandeja Paisa is a big dish traditionally served with red beans, white rice, ground beef, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain, chorizo, arepa, black pudding, and avocado. I know- it’s a mouthful both figuratively and literally.

About a week after my arrival, I went to a Colombian restaurant with the other interns and I wasn’t very hungry, so I was excited to see a mini Bandeja Paisa on the menu. When I ordered it, the waitress warned me that it was very small, but I ordered it regardless. When it finally came, I was surprised to see how full the “mini” dish was. Eating it was quite the experience because there are so many different components, and I felt about ready to take a nap after feeling so satiated.

Bandeja Paisa is a perfect representation of Paisa people: consistent, diverse, and generous. I have only been in Colombia for a little over a week, and I have already had this dish three times. Each time, the dish consisted of the same delicious ingredients without much variation. Similarly, the Paisa people are similar in that they have their own culture, including distinct slang, cuisine, and music. Although they share a unique culture, they are very diverse like the flavorful components of Bandeja Paisa. The people are all so wonderful in their own ways, making Colombia such a fun place to be. Finally, like the portions of Bandeja Paisa, the people here are very generous. Every day, I am greeted with warm smiles and greetings from my doorman, strangers, and coworkers. The kind people here with their big personalities make me feel welcome and safe in an otherwise foreign place.

In the short time I have been in Medellín, I have already grown to love the city and the people. Getting a taste of both the Bandeja Paisa and Paisa people gave me a sneak peek of what the rest of my two months here will be like, and I can’t wait to see what other amazing foods, people, and experiences my time in Colombia will bring.