Vegetarian Food in La Paz, Bolivia

Vegetarian Food in La Paz, Bolivia

eating_vegetarian_food_la_paz_boliviaSouth America has a reputation of being difficult for vegetarians. Local markets boast an abundance of fresh produce and exotic fruit juices, but restaurant offerings are more limited. Sometimes, you’re simply limited to pizzas at touristic restaurants or rice served with sautéed vegetables and fries elsewhere. Luckily, La Paz has more to offer the hungry vegetarian traveler, if you know where to look.

If you’re worried about unwanted ingredients, think about stopping by the market and throwing something together in the hostel’s shared kitchen.

Street Food

  • The papas rellenas, stuffed mashed potato fritters, humintas_sold_street_la_paz_boliviathat are sold on the streets aren’t always meat-filled. Many have just egg or cheese in the center, so do ask to avoid missing out. They’re available for 3 Bs and come with a tangy sauce.
  • Humintas are an excellent find; they look like tamales but the outer dough is made of fresh ground corn. Some are sweet and cinnamony, while others are stuffed with salty cheese.Backpackers_La_Paz_Bolivia
  • If you have the chance, enjoy the mashed yucca and cheese croquettes called sonso. They’re often served on a stick and thus an ideal street food. However, chicken is sometimes included, so ask first.
  • You can also buy little bags of toasted fava beans, fried plantains, nuts, and more for just 1 – 2 Bs. Make sure to pack some while going on a bus trip, in case you have trouble finding making_sonsos_la_paz_boliviafood at the rest stops.
  • The most iconic street food in La Paz is the brothy salteña empanada. Vegetarian versions are rare, but you can find a wonderful one at Paceña La Salteña (Loayza 233). For lunch, 2 per person is good, at 5.50 Bs each.

Set-Menu Meals

menu_namaste_restaurant_la_paz_boliviaNatur Center (Calle Murillo 752) is very popular with locals, and offers mainly traditional Andean dishes. You can get a salad, soup, main course, and dessert for just 18 Bs. A perennial favorite, consistently rated at the top vegetarian restaurant in La Paz on tripadvisor, is Namas Te (Calle Zoilo 1334). It also offers four course set menu, for just 20 Bs at lunchtime. It boasts an artistic ambience and offers vegan as well as vegetarian options. Some offerings are traditional Bolivian dishes, while others are more international. Plus, the staff can accommodate requests when something on the day’s menu doesn’t fit with your dietary needs. Stop by before 12:30pm, because the menu goes fast. Also, if you’ll be spending Christmas in Bolivia, and want to try the country’s most traditional holiday dish, picana stew, you’re in luck- Namas Te offers a vegetarian version!

eating_salteñas_la_paz_bolivia

Gringo Trail

It’s a good idea to give your palate a rest once in a while, so there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional pizza or lentil burger. Restaurants aimed specifically at tourists boast nice quality, but limited ‘international’ offerings and slightly higher prices. At La Mia Pizza (Calle Ilampu 809), you can find tasty vegetarian and vegan pizzas for 15 Bs, as well as falafel pitas with hummus for 10 Bs. It’s a popular spot for travelers. Located on the most touristic street in La Paz, Cafe del Mundo (Calle Sagarnaga 324) offers all-day breakfasts and a plethora of international fare for 20-35 Bs.

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