Market & plaza favorites

Bolivian street food is a vibrant reflection of daily life, served in bustling markets, town plazas, and roadside stalls. Perhaps the most famous is the salteña — a baked empanada filled with spiced meats, vegetables, and a slightly sweet, juicy broth. Other favorites include anticuchos, skewers of marinated beef heart grilled over open flames, and api con pastel, a purple corn drink paired with a fried cheese pastry that makes for a perfect morning snack. These foods are not just quick bites; they’re cultural experiences. Eating street food in Bolivia means engaging with vendors who have perfected recipes passed down through generations. Each city has its own specialties, and locals often debate whose salteñas are the best. For travelers and locals alike, these dishes embody the energy, flavor, and warmth of Bolivia’s food culture.