Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in La Paz, Bolivia
1. Salteña
A traditional Bolivian pastry filled with meat, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Try it at Casa Mallmas.
- Unique Ingredients: The combination of ingredients like corn flour dough, beef, olives, and boiled egg
- Tradition: A dish that has been a staple in Bolivian culture for centuries
- Popularity: Salteña is considered one of the most popular dishes in Bolivia
2. Chuño Soup
A hearty soup made from freeze-dried potatoes known as chunos. Visit Mercado Lanza for an authentic experience.
- Freeze-Drying Technique: The unique process of freeze-drying potatoes to preserve them during the dry season
- Local Ingredients: Chuño is a traditional and locally sourced ingredient
- Warmth: Perfect for the cooler climate of La Paz, providing a warm and comforting meal
3. Anticuchos de Corazón
Grilled heart skewers marinated in spices. Find them at Plaza San Francisco's street food market.
- Cultural Significance: A dish that reflects the indigenous Andean tradition of utilizing all parts of an animal
- Spice Blend: The unique combination of spices used to marinate the hearts gives a distinctive flavor
- Street Food Experience: Savoring this dish at a bustling street food market adds to the local atmosphere
4. Silpancho
A dish consisting of fried beef, served over rice and covered with a fried egg. Visit El Taller del Silpancho for the best silpancho.
- Simplicity: The simplicity of ingredients yet the complexity in flavor combinations
- Local Flavor: Silpancho showcases traditional Bolivian cooking techniques and flavors
- Comfort Food: A hearty dish perfect for a satisfying meal in La Paz
5. Manki Parique
Traditional Bolivian drink made from corn flour, water, and sugar. Visit the Witches' Market for a unique shopping experience along with trying Manki Parique.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of corn flour as a base for this beverage
- Cultural Significance: A drink that has been enjoyed in Bolivia for generations, often associated with indigenous traditions
- Fresh and Refreshing: Ideal for quenching your thirst during a hot day in La Paz
6. Quinoa Salad
A refreshing salad made from local quinoa, vegetables, and dressings. Try it at Almacen Touristic.
- Superfood: Quinoa is a nutrient-dense superfood that has become popular worldwide
- Local Ingredients: The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Healthy Option: A delicious and healthy choice for vegetarians or those seeking a light meal
7. Chargrilled Trout
Freshly caught trout cooked over charcoal, best enjoyed at Cholita Linda.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly caught and locally sourced trout
- Cooking Method: The traditional cooking method of chargrilling over coals
- Flavorful Option: A flavorful and satisfying dish for seafood lovers
8. Llajua
A traditional Bolivian side dish made from cooked and mashed yellow chili peppers mixed with cheese. Visit the Witches' Market for a unique shopping experience along with trying Llajua.
- Spiciness: The spiciness of the yellow chili peppers used in this dish
- Local Flavor: Llajua showcases traditional Bolivian ingredients and flavors
- Complement to Main Dishes: A versatile side dish that pairs well with various main dishes in La Paz
9. Pollo al Ají
A spicy chicken dish seasoned with ají amarillo paste. Visit El Pollo Rico for an authentic experience.
- Spiciness: The use of ají amarillo, a spicy yellow chili pepper
- Local Flavor: Pollo al Ají showcases traditional Bolivian flavors and cooking techniques
- Spicy Option: A flavorful and spicy dish for those who enjoy heat in their meals
10. Empanadas de Sapito
Fried pastries filled with frog meat. Find them at the street food stalls near the San Pedro Prison.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of frog meat as a filling for these empanadas
- Street Food Experience: Savoring this dish at street food stalls adds to the local atmosphere
- Bold Taste: A bold and adventurous culinary experience for those seeking unique flavors
11. Chicha de Jora
Traditional corn beer made from fermented jora corn. Visit the Witches' Market for a unique shopping experience along with trying Chicha de Jora.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of jora corn, a type of corn specific to Bolivia
- Cultural Significance: A drink that has been enjoyed in Bolivia for centuries and holds cultural significance
- Strength: Chicha de Jora is a stronger alcoholic beverage compared to other drinks found in La Paz
12. Tucumanas
Stuffed pastry pockets filled with potatoes and cheese. Visit Casa Mallmas for an authentic experience.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of potatoes and cheese as the main filling for these pastries
- Tradition: A dish that has been a staple in Bolivian cuisine for centuries
- Comfort Food: A hearty and comforting dish perfect for a satisfying meal in La Paz
13. Misqui Raqchi
Traditional Bolivian dessert made from ground wheat flour and sugar. Visit the Witches' Market for a unique shopping experience along with trying Misqui Raqchi.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of wheat flour and sugar in this dessert
- Cultural Significance: A dessert that has been enjoyed in Bolivia for generations, often associated with indigenous traditions
- Sweet Option: A sweet and satisfying treat to end your meal in La Paz
14. Chairo de Llama
A hearty stew made from llama meat, potatoes, and various herbs. Try it at Cholita Linda.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of llama meat, a traditional ingredient in Andean cuisine
- Warmth: Perfect for the cooler climate of La Paz, providing a warm and comforting meal
- Local Flavor: Chairo de Llama showcases traditional Bolivian flavors and ingredients
15. Bolivian Coffee
Rich and flavorful coffee grown in the Yungas region. Visit Cafe Mercado for an authentic experience.
- Unique Region: Grown exclusively in the Yungas region of Bolivia
- Flavor Profile: A bold and rich flavor profile that sets it apart from other coffees
- Caffeine Boost: Ideal for travelers seeking a caffeine boost during their day in La Paz