5 Street Foods You Have To Try In Bolivia

Everywhere you go, every country has their own specialty of food that they sell on the streets. Bolivia is one of my favorites so far because there are so many delicious goodness that is on the streets of Bolivia! Everywhere you turn there is someone selling fresh squeezed orange juice, sandwiches, or meat on a stick. So cheap and so delicious- the perfect combination for all backpackers!

Saltenas
These things are the epitome of street food in Bolivia and are most commonly compared to empanadas, but don’t be confused because these are way better! They are filled with either meat, chicken, or veggies. They are baked in the oven and come out with a delicious soupyness inside that I just can’t explain how they do it! Bolivians love these things so much that they actually now have complete restaurants dedicated to the sole purpose of making and selling these. You can find these almost anywhere on the streets of Bolivia, but usually only up until mid-day as they are considered only a morning/early afternoon snack. If you want to try these and are a little weary about eating them on the streets then head to the restaurant called La Pacena in La Paz and this place is completely safe and SO DELICIOUS. My favorite is the chicken…but please try all of them!

Anticuchos
Anticuchos will be some of the most tender meat that you will try (this is 100% my biased opinion). It is cow heart, but don’t worry you wont even realize what it is when you eat it! It is cooked on the grill and usually served with potatoes and a yellow/pinkish sauce that is on top of it. Must try, just make sure the meat is fully cooked when you do.

Buñuelos

Buñuelos are the perfect evening snack and go great with Api or tea. They are usually served with fresh powdered sugar and/or a sweet syrup, much like what is served on Pancakes in the U.S. You will find them in different styles such as a donut shape or like the photo below. If you head to Las Velas in La Paz you can head to many of the shops that are there and drown yourself in buñuelos, Api, and fine movie selection. Every single buñuelos stall we went to was playing a different movie on an enormous T.V. screen! This is a must try and must see.

Humintas

Humintas can be eaten at any time of the day, well that’s my opinion anyway. I would eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if my waist wouldn’t expand because of it! The best humintas can be found in Oscar’s grandmas house…but sorry, she’s not open for business so you will have to try somewhere else.

Pasancallas

Pasancallas are literally sent from the heavens above to satisfy my tastebuds…haha, no but really they are delicious. They are easily compared to popcorn, but are much larger and much sweeter. They are sold in various sizes of bags in the streets and prices depend based on which city you are in. The best pasancallas come from Copacabana and that is indeed a well known fact to all Bolivians. If you are buying from a street vendor, I would recommend you ask to try a piece so that you can taste the freshness. If they are a few days old, they will taste stale and then you wont be able to thoroughly enjoy the best food on earth and that would be a shame.