One of the very first things everyone asks me when they drop in to visit is: where can we have a Bandeja Paisa? In other words, I want to try really local food. I literally, save my local food savoring for this moment. There are several options around Antioquia for it but Sabaneta is one of the best "Comederos", (eateries) as the locals like to call it. I couldn’t agree more; very good and extremly cheap. It can’t get better than this.

So lets dive into it.

My #1 first option in Sabaneta is El Viejo John or Old John, located near the park this is a staple for locals. They have a menu that will satisfy you just by looking at it. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have all meats in various forms and of course everyone’s favorite the traditional Bandeja Paisa. Although they also do this in a mini version with just one meat selection and an addition of french fries, which I am not trilled about. I like to stick to the basics.

I will usually order another local favorite, the Beans Cazuela or Cazuela de Frijoles. This heartwarming dish is a Monday Blues savior. It has chicharron (fried pork belly), chorizo, matured plantain, shredded meat, avocado and it is toped with shredded crunchy slived potatoes. Honestly, it is beyond words!

I've recently tried their local bread selection and was pleasantly surprised. I loved the Cheese bread – pan de queso – just ask for them to heat it up a bit. I also have on my to do list to go back and try the chicken skewer as I saw someone else order it in another table and I was beyond impressed. Antioquia is a very meaty region and they do very well their poultry. El Viejo John sure honors their tradition.

Another fancy favorite in Sabaneta is La Doctora. The thing here is that it's higher up on price, so fab if you are looking for a beautiful place to sit down with the family. It can also get very loud on weekends with live music and locals having a sing-along with their Guaro (Aguardiente – Anis based licor drank in shots)  bottles. This place for me is great for a lovely grilled piece of meat, such as a baby beef. The Bandeja Paisa is not to shabby but overall is more of a fancy, let's show off with the family, type of place. They also have a second place in Envigado in the Buena Mesa (Good Table) area; not as grand as the original Sabaneta one. 

But if what you are looking for is going all out Sancho Paisa is a true gem. It is the ultimate local food place. They have a place just outside of Sabaneta and another one very close to the airport.