Medellin cuisine is a blend of Spanish, Native American and African influences. Local specialties include bandeja paisa, a hearty dish of rice, beans, plantains, avocado, sausage and steak; arepas, made from cornmeal and filled with cheese, meat or butter; and empanadas, a pastry filled with meat, vegetables or cheese. Fruit is abundant in the region, and tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and pineapple are used in many dishes. Colombian coffee is also famous worldwide and should not be missed.