Eat Your Way Through La Paz: A Culinary Adventure
Forget the tired tourist traps. La Paz is a city that eats well, and so should you. From street-side salteñas to world-class tasting menus, here’s how to navigate its vibrant food scene.
A Taste of the Andes: Eating Your Way Through La Paz
La Paz isn't just a city; it's an altitude-fueled culinary journey. Forget everything you think you know about high-altitude eating – this isn't just about sustenance; it's about flavor, tradition, and an unabashedly Bolivian embrace of ingredients you won't find anywhere else. Ditch the guidebooks promising 'authentic experiences'; true authenticity here is found in the bustling markets and the humble, family-run joints.
Morning Bites and Street Eats
Start your day, as any self-respecting Paceño does, with a salteña. These savory, juicy baked empanadas are the quintessential Bolivian breakfast. Don't even think about calling it an empanada, though; a salteña has a distinct, slightly sweet, stew-like filling that makes it a meal in itself. My go-to is usually a chicken (pollo) salteña, but the beef (carne) is equally delicious. You'll find vendors on nearly every corner, but seek out places where locals queue – that's your sign of a good one. Pair it with a refresco , a cold, sweet drink often made from tropical fruits or purple corn.
As the day progresses, keep an eye out for tucumanas , a fried, spicier cousin to the salteña, usually served with a variety of llajwa (Bolivian salsa) for dipping. For something truly unique, try api con buñuelos – a thick, hot purple corn drink, sweet and slightly spiced, served with light, fluffy donuts. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly morning.
Lunch in El Alto and Sopocachi
When it comes to lunch, you have options. For a more traditional, bustling experience, head up to El Alto. The Things to do in La Paz section of Sochely can give you a feel for what else is going on up there, but for food, you want to immerse yourself in the market. Here, hearty, filling portions are the norm. Think plato paceño – a robust dish featuring corn, broad beans, potato, and fried cheese, often with a piece of meat. It