Bandeja Paisa is a well-loved and delicious dish that comes from Colombia, from the Paisa region in Antioquia. This dish is important to me because I grew up eating it for either lunch or dinner. To me this dish is not just food but it's a part of who I am and part of my culture. Whenever I have this dish it brings me back to my country and eating it along with others. A typical Bandeja Paisa has red beans, fluffy white rice, seasoned ground beef, and chorizo (a type of sausage), with crispy fried pork belly (known as chicharrón), a fried egg, sweet plantains, and avocado. An arepa, which is a soft corn cake, rounds out this colorful dish. It symbolizes Colombian culture and identity, showing the spirit of the Paisa region and its traditions. Sharing Bandeja Paisa with family and friends during gatherings or celebrations creates a cultural experience that highlights the importance of my culture. To me this dish symbolizes my connection to my roots in Colombia. When we went to Colombia over the summer I was so happy to be back to my first home and with others like me all around. I have Bandeja Paisa when it’s a special date because it's a reminder no matter where I am or who I'm with I will always be connected to my culture one way or another. I love this dish because it can be shared with others and you feel connected because of this dish. To me when I share this dish with someone it’s me sharing my culture with them.

– Liceis U-S

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