What dishes do I recommend trying if you are going to visit Medellin

• Bandeja Paisa: the famous platter with beans, rice, chicharrón, sausage, avocado, fried egg, and arepa. Some say Hacienda or Mondongos are the classics, but locals often have their own hidden favorites.
• Arepas: simple but iconic, you’ll find them everywhere, from street stalls to restaurants, often filled with cheese or topped with butter.
• Sancocho: a hearty soup with meat, potatoes, yuca, corn, and plantain, usually enjoyed with rice and avocado.
• Street food: empanadas, buñuelos, and fresh fruit juices are super common and cheap, but I’m curious about the best spots.
• Modern takes: restaurants in El Poblado and Laureles are also doing creative twists on traditional flavors, which I’d love to try too.

For anyone who’s been in Medellín, where did you have the best Colombian food? Was it a hole-in-the-wall place, a family-run restaurant, or a more upscale spot? And what dish would you recommend to someone visiting for the first time?