Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in El Alto, Bolivia
1. Salteña
A traditional Bolivian pastry filled with beef, chicken or cheese. Try it at Mercado de las Brujas in El Alto.
- Unique Filling: Salteñas from El Alto are known for their flavorful and juicy fillings
- Traditional Recipe: Salteña's traditional recipe has been passed down through generations in El Alto.
- Affordable Price: You can find a delicious Salteña for less than $1 USD in El Alto.
2. Chuño Soup
A hearty Bolivian soup made with dried potatoes and local herbs. Visit Restaurante La Casa del Chuño for an authentic taste.
- Traditional Ingredient: Chuños are traditional Bolivian ingredients, making this soup a must-try.
- Warm and Filling: This soup is perfect for cold days in El Alto due to its warm and filling nature.
- Unique Texture: Chuños have a unique texture that sets this soup apart from others.
3. Khuchero de Pollo
A Bolivian chicken stew made with potatoes, corn, and local spices. You can find it at Casa Colorado in El Alto.
- Hearty Meal: Khuchero de Pollo is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for those hungry travelers.
- Local Spices: The local spices give this dish a unique flavor that you won't find elsewhere.
- Family-Run Restaurant: Casa Colorado is a family-run restaurant, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
4. Tarabuka
A type of Bolivian bread made with corn flour. You can find it at Panadería La Paceña in El Alto.
- Traditional Ingredient: Tarabuka is made with corn flour, a traditional Bolivian ingredient.
- Versatile Snack: Tarabuka can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to other dishes.
- Affordable Price: You can buy Tarabuka for less than $0.5 USD at Panadería La Paceña in El Alto.
5. Tucumanas
A Bolivian pastry filled with cheese and corn. You can find it at Tucumana Café in El Alto.
- Unique Filling: Tucumanas are filled with a combination of cheese and corn, creating a unique flavor.
- Traditional Recipe: Tucumanas' traditional recipe has been passed down through generations in El Alto.
- Quick and Delicious Snack: Tucumanas are a quick and delicious snack, perfect for those on-the-go travelers.
6. Sopa de Maní
A Bolivian peanut soup served with rice and meat. Visit Restaurante La Fraternidad for an authentic taste.
- Hearty Meal: Sopa de Maní is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for cold days in El Alto.
- Local Ingredients: This soup uses locally-sourced peanuts and ingredients.
- Spicy Kick: Sopa de Maní has a spicy kick that will warm you up on a chilly day.
7. Chuño Salteado
A dish made with fried dried potatoes. Visit Restaurante La Paceña in El Alto for an authentic taste.
- Unique Texture: Chuños have a unique texture that sets this dish apart from others.
- Traditional Ingredient: Chuños are traditional Bolivian ingredients, making this dish a must-try.
- Quick and Easy Meal: This is a quick and easy meal to try when you're in El Alto.
8. Chargrilled Chicken (Pollo al Carbon)
A traditional Bolivian dish made with chargrilled chicken served with corn on the cob and potatoes. Visit Parrillada La Guarida for an authentic taste.
- Tasty and Satisfying: Chargrilled Chicken is a tasty and satisfying dish, perfect for any meal.
- Local Specialty: This dish is a local specialty in El Alto.
- Affordable Price: You can enjoy Chargrilled Chicken for less than $5 USD at Parrillada La Guarida.
9. Chicha de Jora
A traditional Bolivian corn beer made with fermented maize. Visit the local market for a fresh and authentic taste.
- Unique Beverage: Chicha de Jora is a unique beverage that you won't find elsewhere.
- Traditional Recipe: This drink follows traditional Bolivian recipes, passed down through generations.
- Street Drink: Chicha de Jora is often found being sold on the streets of El Alto.
10. Llajua
A traditional Bolivian sauce made with cooked corn kernels, cheese, and herbs. You can find it at most local restaurants.
- Unique Taste: The combination of ingredients gives Llajua a unique taste.
- Traditional Ingredient: Llajua is made with traditional Bolivian ingredients.
- Versatile Sauce: Llajua can be used as a dip or sauce for various dishes.
11. Silpancho de Pollo
A Bolivian dish made with fried chicken laid over a bed of potatoes and covered in a sauce. Visit Restaurante la Chola for an authentic taste.
- Hearty Meal: Silpancho de Pollo is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for travelers with big appetites.
- Local Specialty: This dish is a local specialty in El Alto.
- Affordable Price: You can enjoy Silpancho de Pollo for less than $5 USD at Restaurante la Chola.
12. Empanada de Salteña
A Bolivian pastry filled with beef, chicken or cheese. You can find it at most local bakeries.
- Unique Filling: Empanadas de Salteña are filled with a variety of flavorsome fillings.
- Traditional Recipe: This dish follows traditional Bolivian recipes, passed down through generations.
- Quick and Easy Snack: Empanadas de Salteña are a quick and easy snack to grab on the go.
13. Sopa Andina
A Bolivian soup made with potatoes, quinoa, and local herbs. Visit Restaurante Casa Colorado for an authentic taste.
- Hearty Meal: Sopa Andina is a hearty and filling meal, perfect for cold days in El Alto.
- Local Ingredients: This soup uses locally-sourced potatoes and quinoa.
- Warm and Comforting: Sopa Andina is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for those traveling in colder months.
14. Salteñas de Pollo
A Bolivian pastry filled with chicken, potatoes, and olives. You can find it at Mercado de las Brujas in El Alto.
- Unique Filling: Salteñas de Pollo have a unique filling with the addition of olives.
- Traditional Recipe: This dish follows traditional Bolivian recipes, passed down through generations.
- Affordable Price: You can find Salteñas de Pollo for less than $1 USD at Mercado de las Brujas in El Alto.
15. Tucumanas con Queso Fresco
A Bolivian pastry filled with cheese and corn. You can find it at Tucumana Café in El Alto.
- Unique Filling: Tucumanas con Queso Fresco are filled with a combination of cheese and corn, creating a unique flavor.
- Traditional Recipe: This dish follows traditional Bolivian recipes, passed down through generations.
- Quick and Delicious Snack: Tucumanas con Queso Fresco are a quick and delicious snack, perfect for those on-the-go travelers.