What is "paila"

A paila is an earthenware bowl used as a plate in several South American countries. Dishes served in a paila are often prepared in it inside an oven. By extension the word paila is also used for the dishes eaten in it such as Paila marina and Paila de huevo. An advantage of this dish is that clay retains heat well and keeps foods warm.

In Colombia in the department of Nariño, there is the ancient tradition of the "ice pail." This presentation is performed by placing the bowl on ice and adding ingredients such as fruit, which is stirred to form an ice cream.

In gastronomy, Chilean and Peruvian clay pans are used to cook cornbread and other specialties such as pan or "pan marina."