Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

1. Salteña

A traditional Bolivian pastry filled with meat, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Try it at Mercado Campesino.
  • Authentic Experience: Savor the original taste of Salteñas in a bustling local market.
  • Affordable: Enjoy delicious street food without breaking your budget.
  • Variety: Experience different flavors from various vendors at Mercado Campesino.

2. Chicharrón de Pollo

Crispy fried chicken skin served with a tangy salsa. Visit El Churrasco for the best chicharrón de pollo.
  • Local Specialty: Taste a popular dish that is unique to Santa Cruz.
  • Quick Bite: Ideal for a quick snack between activities.
  • Finger Food: Easily enjoy this dish as an appetizer or on-the-go.

3. Masa de yuca con salmorejo

A mashed cassava dish served with a cold tomato soup. Visit Parque Simón Bolívar for this hearty meal.
  • Traditional Ingredients: Savor the flavors of locally sourced cassava and fresh tomatoes.
  • Relaxing Environment: Enjoy your meal in a peaceful park setting.
  • Hearty Meal: Fulfill your hunger with this filling and delicious dish.

4. Tucumanas de maní

A traditional Bolivian pastry filled with peanut butter. Try them at Mercado Campesino.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the sweet and nutty flavor of tucumanas de maní.
  • Affordable: Enjoy delicious street food without breaking your budget.
  • Variety: Experience different flavors from various vendors at Mercado Campesino.

5. Chuzos de harina tostada

Thick fried bread with a variety of fillings. Try it at El Churrasco.
  • Local Specialty: Taste a popular dish that is unique to Santa Cruz.
  • Flexible Fillings: Customize your chuzos with a variety of delicious fillings.
  • Quick Bite: Ideal for a quick snack between activities.

6. Chancho en piedra

A dish where meat is cooked on hot stones. Visit Parrilla La Piedra to try this unique dish.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience the traditional cooking method of chancho en piedra.
  • Savor Flavors: Taste the well-seasoned and tender meat cooked on hot stones.
  • Shared Experience: Enjoy this communal dish with family or friends.

7. Charque con papas

Dried and salted beef served with potatoes. Try it at Casa Real.
  • Authentic Experience: Savor the original taste of charque con papas in a traditional setting.
  • Hearty Meal: Fulfill your hunger with this filling and delicious dish.
  • Cultural Significance: Understand the importance of charque as a traditional food source in Bolivia.

8. Bebida de maíz

A refreshing corn drink. Try it at the local markets or roadside stands.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the sweet and earthy flavor of bebida de maíz.
  • Refreshing: Cool off with this refreshing drink on a hot day.
  • Local Specialty: Taste a popular drink that is unique to Santa Cruz.

9. Pique macho

A hearty plate of fried potatoes, sausages, steak, and eggs. Try it at El Refugio.
  • Hearty Meal: Fulfill your hunger with this filling and delicious dish.
  • Local Specialty: Taste a popular dish that is unique to Santa Cruz.
  • Flexible Ingredients: Customize your pique macho with a variety of ingredients.

10. Mazamorra

A sweet corn porridge served with milk. Try it at Casa Real.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the sweet and creamy flavor of mazamorra.
  • Traditional Ingredients: Savor the flavors of locally sourced corn and milk.
  • Hearty Meal: Fulfill your hunger with this filling and delicious dish.

11. Papas con queso frito

Boiled potatoes served with melted cheese. Try them at El Churrasco.
  • Local Specialty: Taste a popular dish that is unique to Santa Cruz.
  • Quick Bite: Ideal for a quick snack between activities.
  • Finger Food: Easily enjoy this dish as an appetizer or on-the-go.

12. Tapado de carne

A stew made with meat, corn, and squash. Try it at Parrilla La Piedra.
  • Cultural Experience: Experience the traditional cooking method of tapado de carne.
  • Hearty Meal: Fulfill your hunger with this filling and delicious dish.
  • Shared Experience: Enjoy this communal dish with family or friends.

13. Cocido de pollo

A chicken stew made with potatoes, corn, and vegetables. Try it at Casa Real.
  • Hearty Meal: Fulfill your hunger with this filling and delicious dish.
  • Traditional Ingredients: Savor the flavors of locally sourced chicken, potatoes, corn, and vegetables.
  • Cultural Significance: Understand the importance of chicken stew as a traditional dish in Bolivia.

14. Manjar blanco con queso

A dessert made with sweet corn pudding and cheese. Try it at El Refugio.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the sweet and creamy flavor of manjar blanco con queso.
  • Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious dessert.
  • Local Specialty: Taste a popular dessert that is unique to Santa Cruz.

15. Licuado de frutas

A fruit smoothie made with milk. Try it at the local markets or roadside stands.
  • Refreshing: Cool off with this refreshing drink on a hot day.
  • Unique Taste: Experience the sweet and fruity flavor of licuado de frutas.
  • Local Specialty: Taste a popular drink that is unique to Santa Cruz.