What is bandeja paisa? Colombia's big plate, in Surry Hills
If you only order one dish at a Colombian restaurant, make it the bandeja paisa. The name means "paisa platter", and paisa is what Colombians call people from the Antioquia region around Medellín. It is a whole meal on one plate.
What is on a bandeja paisa
At Tentaciones the bandeja paisa comes with beans, rice, chicharron, pulled meat, chorizo, blood sausage, plantain, a fried egg and a fried arepa. Every part has a job: the beans and rice are the base, the chicharron brings the crunch, the sweet plantain cuts through the salt, and the arepa is there to mop up whatever is left.
It is a big plate. Come hungry, or plan to share a few sides.
If you want something similar
The arroz paisa is the same flavours in a different shape: Colombian-style fried rice with chorizo, pork, chicharron, sweet plantain, coriander and shallots. The cazuela de frijol puts the beans at the centre, as a bean stew with chorizo, avocado, ripe plantain, rice and chicharron.
Where to get it in Sydney
Tentaciones is at 50-52 Foveaux St, Surry Hills, up the hill from Central Station in the UKO Surry Hills building. The bandeja paisa is on the menu every day from 11am, and from 9am on Saturday and Sunday. You can eat in, take it away or order it for delivery.
A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, chicharron, pulled meat, chorizo, blood sausage, plantain, fried egg, and fried arepa.
Colombian-style fried rice with chorizo, pork, chicharron, sweet plantain, coriander, and shallots.
A flavorful bean stew with chorizo, avocado, ripe plantain, rice, and chicharron.