Typical food from Bolivia: What and where to eat in Bolivia?

Typical food from Bolivia is undoubtedly one of the most delicious in the world, so it is not unusual to see the concept of fusion of Bolivian cuisine with that of other countries quite often. However, while you are there you can take the opportunity to sample the authentic delicacies that Bolivia has to offer. Due to the multicultural character of the nation, the cuisine combines influences from indigenous, mestizo, European, Asian and African communities, creating an exceptionally unique culinary fusion. We’re sure you’ll be fascinated!

In this post we talk about the most typical dishes of the country as well as some of the best restaurants where you can try them. For those with a sweet tooth we have also included a section with typical sweets and another with the most famous drinks such as chicha, mate de coca or apí morado (purple chili).

Which are the typical dishes of Bolivia?

1. Silpancho

The Silpacho is undoubtedly one of the typical foods of Bolivia par excellence, specifically in the department of Cochabamba. The name of the dish comes from the Quechua word “sillp’anchu”, which means elongated or flattened. The dish consists of a breaded fillet of meat that takes up practically the whole plate, so we recommend you try it when you are very hungry. It is usually accompanied by rice, boiled and fried potatoes, fried egg and a classic Bolivian salad. This salad has tomato, chilli and onion.

2. Pique Macho

Pique Macho is one of the most basic and delicious dishes of Bolivian cuisine, especially for those who love meat. This dish is also quite hearty, with minced meat, chorizo, fried potatoes and tomatoes. Usually, the typical spicy locotos are added to this dish. Locotos are a native species of peppers that give Pique Macho a special touch and make it even tastier.

3. Chola Sandwich

Although the chola sandwich is a typical food from all over Bolivia, it is more so from the region of La Paz. That’s why we recommend that, if you’re passing through there, you take the opportunity to try it. It is a sandwich made with the traditional round bread. Inside it, a good piece of crispy pork leg is added, accompanied by chilli, onion and tomato slices. It sounds very basic but it’s delicious and can be the most practical option after a day’s sightseeing in La Paz.

4. Anticucho

The anticucho is one of the most typical dishes of Bolivian food, so you must try it. This dish is simply a kind of skewered meat with potatoes cooked on the grill. As you can imagine, this dish is a guaranteed success even for the most demanding, and it’s super cheap! It’s worth mentioning that it’s also served with spicy peanut sauce. The best advice we can give you when eating it on the streets of Bolivia is that it’s usually eaten with your hands.

5. Chajchu

Chajchu is a typical dish from the valley area of Bolivia, so it is quite hearty. It is cooked using shredded beef, and chajchu also includes tender beans, potatoes, onion and hard-boiled egg. It is usually accompanied by a very tasty onion, tomato and chilli sauce.

6. Salteñas

Although empanadas are generally traditional throughout South America, empanadas salteñas are a typical Bolivian food usually served at snack time. In addition, Bolivian salteñas are more complex and time-consuming to make than other empanadas. They are filled with many ingredients such as vegetables, meat pieces, or eggs. In any case and in all their variations, salteñas are always very juicy and have an unmistakable flavour, so be sure to try them everywhere you go during your trip to Bolivia!

7. Chancho Pork

Chancho is how they commonly refer to barbecued pork in Bolivia. In this case, we are referring to the whole pig cooked over a very low heat. I’m sure you can already imagine its delicious taste. It is usually placed over the fire for eight or even twelve hours, leaving it there overnight. It should be noted that chancho is a typical Bolivian dish that is usually cooked on holidays or on very special occasions.

8. Sonso de yuca

Sonso de yuca may seem like a very simple and straightforward Bolivian food, but it is particularly peculiar. To cook the delicious yucca sonso, you make a yucca puree mixed with cheese. So far so simple, right? Then it’s all grilled, giving it a smoky flavour that’s simply exquisite. Don’t leave Bolivia without trying it!

9. Majadito

The majadito is a typical food from Bolivia, exactly from the eastern part of the country. So we recommend you try it while you’re travelling there. It consists of a dish of toasted rice with dried meat. It is usually accompanied by other side dishes, such as fried eggs, tomato salad and fried plantain. We assure you that the combination is simply delicious.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What are the typical sweet dishes of Bolivia?

1. Cuñapé

The cuñapé is a typical dessert of the Santa Cruz area. It is a delicious cheese piece that is cooked together with baked cassava. The cuñapé is so good that we assure you that once you try it, you will want to take a bite more times.

2. Humintas

Though it may seem unbelievable, tamales are also typical in the food of Bolivia, but in this country it is a sweet dessert. For this reason, they are usually served at breakfast or snack time. These delicacies are made by mixing grated sweet corn with cinnamon, sugar, sultanas and sometimes cheese. All this filling is usually wrapped in corn husks (tamales) to be steamed or grilled. Try them, they have a super characteristic flavour!

3. Tawa Tawas

The tawa tawas are a dessert typical of the area of Chuquisaca. They are formed by a fried dough in the shape of a rhombus. They are usually covered with cane honey and grated coconut, although sometimes you can also find them with icing sugar. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be surprised at how good they are, especially with tea.

Tawa tawas are often offered by street vendors in the streets.

What are the typical drinks in Bolivia?

1. Mocochinchi

This is a traditional non-alcoholic drink that is prepared by rehydrating dried peaches in water and cooking them with cinnamon and sugar. It is then cooled. Mocochinchi is very refreshing and ideal for quenching thirst on hot days. It has a very concentrated sweet taste and is often flavoured with cloves or cardamom. You’ll see that it’s a staple of Bolivian cuisine that you’ll be able to try in different restaurants.

2. Chicha

Bolivian chicha is a fermented drink that has been made since ancient times by indigenous communities. Traditionally it was made from corn, although there are variants that use peanuts or yucca. Its preparation process varies regionally, but the stages generally involve grinding, cooking and natural fermentation of the main ingredient.

This drink, served on festive occasions, symbolises unity and is a gesture of celebration. It can also be made with fruit juices, such as pineapple. This drink has a sweet and rather peculiar taste, you’ve never tasted anything like it.

4. Chuflay

The Chuflay is an emblematic Bolivian drink with an alcohol content of 40º. It is prepared by mixing singani, a distinctive Bolivian liquor distilled from Moscatel grapes, with ginger ale and ice to cool it. It is served very cold, in a tall glass that is typically garnished with lemon slices, adding a citrus twist that complements its unique flavour.

The result is a light cocktail, with a balanced taste between sweet and sour. Perfect for gatherings with friends, parties and all kinds of events.

5. Mate de Coca

Mate de coca is a traditional Andean infusion made from dried coca leaves. It is a refreshing and energising drink, and is also valued for its medicinal properties, especially popular in Bolivia and Peru for alleviating altitude sickness.

This mild-tasting, slightly bitter drink is consumed hot and offers other benefits such as improved digestion and increased energy. It could be said to be a coffee substitute, and is often taken with a sweetener such as sugar or honey.

5. Apí, the perfect Bolivian drink for cold days

Api is the perfect drink to warm you up on cold winter mornings. It’s made from ground purple corn, slow-cooked with water, cinnamon and cloves, giving it a sweet and spicy flavour. But the most characteristic features of the drink are its thick texture and bright purple colour.

This drink is especially widespread in the Andean areas and is often accompanied by fritters or pastries, making it a very popular breakfast or snack in Bolivia.

Where to eat in Bolivia?

We recommend that you take advantage of your trip to try the typical Bolivian food in the following restaurants:

1. Popular Cocina Boliviana:

This delicious restaurant is located in the heart of the city centre of La Paz. At Popular Cocina Boliviana you will find typical dishes but with new designs and flavours. It is an authentic culinary experience at very affordable prices. All the customers highlight the mastery they have in reinventing simple preparations with local products, and the sophistication of the presentation is amazing. The average price per diner is between 1 and 3 euros.

2. Ali Pacha:

Also located in La Paz, this is an ideal vegan restaurant where you can try Bolivian food without giving up your diet. The creativity of the dishes, the variety of the menu and the service are incredible. We recommend that if you go to Ali Pacha you try their tasting menu. The average price per diner is from 9 to 46 euros.

3. Bienmesabe:

Bienmesabe is an ideal restaurant in the centre of Sucre for tasting traditional food from various Latin American countries – the arepas, for example, are spectacular! But the truth is that the entire menu perfectly reflects the typical food of Bolivia. They also have gluten-free and vegetarian options.

4. Nativa:

La Nativa is also in Sucre and is the perfect restaurant to sample both Bolivian food and its fusion with other cuisines. When you go, it is highly recommended that you order the 6-course menu, as it is a true gastronomic experience.The average price of a meal for one diner is between 9 euros and 18 euros.

5. Casa Caramba: 

It is one of the best places to try the local cuisine in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. They also offer a tasting menu so you can try various dishes. It’s a chain, so it’s fast and good value.

On the Passporter App you can read where other travellers have eaten and discover very special restaurants. In this post we tell you how to organise your trip to Bolivia with Passporter: How to plan a trip to Bolivia?

What should I consider before travelling to Bolivia?

• From Spain you do not need a visa to enter Bolivia, but you do need a passport valid for at least 6 months.
• The country is not the safest, so avoid going out at night, don’t expose valuables and keep an eye on your belongings.
• The official language in Bolivia is Spanish.
• The official currency of Bolivia is the Boliviano.
• It’s best to change money before you start your trip, as there are shops and restaurants that don’t accept credit cards.
• Bolivia’s climate is tropical, which means that temperatures are mild.
• Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of the country.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover different travel itineraries to Bolivia. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers 🙂

How to prepare what to see on your trip and discover Bolivia’s typical dishes?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers
• Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
• Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
• Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travellers the typical food from Bolivia.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about typical food from Bolivia