I had my first taste of Colombian food at El Desorden at the suggestion of my brother’s girlfriend, who happens to be Colombian.  I’m always game to try out new food, especially when I have someone who can make suggestions.

Pictured below is a Pony Malta (a malt soda) and an empanada.  The Pony Malta was very refreshing and had a vague after-taste of Whoopers (the candy, not the burger).  The pork empanada was really good, but I skipped adding the salsa because it was too spicy for me.

For my entree, I ordered the “bandeja paisa” (the main picture above), which included rice, pinto beans, grilled top round steak, spicy sausage, grilled sweet plantain, a fried egg, a half of a hominy corn cake, deep-fried thick crispy bacon, and a slice avocado. Yes, ALL of that food.

The combination of textures and flavors was awesome.  I would perhaps try ordering the ground beef instead of the top round steak because the  steak was a little dry.

Colombian recipes to try at home

• Colombian empanadas

Directions to El Desorden