Paisa cuisine is mountain fare, designed to give energy to the mule drivers who walked the hillsides with their mules. It is robust, full of flavor, and above all, abundant. Each dish is a feast that celebrates the richness of the land.
For Hotel Sloh guests seeking authenticity, this is the route to finding true home cooking, from the noisy and festive atmosphere of the fondas to the more refined version of the traditional dish.
Here are the 10 essential places to try the food that defines Antioquia.
The Temples of the Bandeja Paisa and the Chicharrón
The Bandeja Paisa is the national dish par excellence and a gastronomic challenge: white rice, ground beef, chicharrón, fried egg, chorizo, slices of ripe plantain, arepa, avocado, and, of course, frijoles cargados.
El Rancherito
• Bandeja Paisa and Sancocho
Traditional and family-friendly. It has several locations (Envigado, Las Palmas) with a farm atmosphere, awnings, and live music. Perfect for a Sunday outing.
La Matriarca
• Chicharrón and Beans
Modern/Manila. Located in the heart of the Manila neighborhood (near Sloh). It offers traditional food with a gourmet touch and a vibrant atmosphere.
Hacienda
• Classic Bandeja Paisa
Colonial/Downtown. A classic in downtown Medellín. Elegant and safe atmosphere, ideal for trying the Bandeja Paisa without the street noise.
El Correo (Restaurant Bar)
• Grilled meats and casseroles
Campestre/Envigado. Famous for its generous portions and rustic Antioquian atmosphere, decorated with mule driver's tools.
The Sanctuary of Soups and Broths
Mondongo and Sancocho are the soups that define the climate and culture of Medellín.
Mondongo
• Mondongo Soup
Specialized. They only serve this, and they do it to perfection. The soup is creamy and full of flavor. They also have a good ajiaco (chicken and potato soup).
Doña Rosa (Envigado)
• Sancocho de Gallina
Authentic. This roadside spot is famous for its Sancocho (thick soup with chicken, yuca, plantain, potato, and cilantro) served in a clay pot. A real remedy!
Ajiacos and Mondongos
• Ajiaco and Bean Casserole
Homemade. An excellent option for trying several soups in one place. The Bean Casserole is as hearty as the Bandeja Paisa.
Festive Fondas and Nighttime Experiences
Fondas are bars with a rural theme where music (carrilera) and aguardiente are the stars of the show.
Las Palmas (Fondas)
• Festive and Rural.
The road to Las Palmas (Eastern Antioquia) is lined with rustic fondas that stay open late. It's an excellent place to dance to traditional music, drink aguardiente, and eat a picada de chicharrón.
La Mayoría (Guayabal)
• Classic Rumba.
It's one of the largest and most traditional fondas. Popular rumba atmosphere and band music. It's a total immersion in the Antioquia party scene.
Plaza Minorista (Lunches)
• Market and Authenticity.
For the adventurous. It is not a luxury restaurant, but in the market square you will find the best and cheapest “corrientazos” (daily specials) that local workers enjoy. 100% authentic food.
Tips for Ordering Paisa Food
The Platter is Shared: The portion is designed for a mule driver after three days on the road. If you're not very hungry, order a Bandeja Paisa and share it with someone else.
The Chicharrón: Order it alone. Order a portion of chicharrón with arepa and lemon as an appetizer to share.
Dessert: If you still have room, try the Obleas (thin cookies with caramel and cheese) or the Mazamorra (corn cooked in milk, served with panela, sweet and refreshing).
El Jugo: Accompany your meal with a natural fruit juice: Mora, Maracuyá, or the classic Lulo.
From Hearty Flavors to Restful Relaxation at Sloh
Traditional paisa cuisine is one of the most authentic experiences you'll take away from Medellín. It's a warm embrace that leaves you feeling like you've eaten “at grandma's house.”
However, after a Bandeja Paisa, your body will demand a serious nap. Returning to Hotel Sloh in the quiet Barrio Manila neighborhood guarantees that you will be able to enjoy that “Paisa dream” without interruption.
Our smart rooms allow you to adjust the environment so that your digestion is as pleasant as the food, and our high-tech beds ensure that when you wake up, you will be ready for the city's next gastronomic challenge.