When I visit a new place I’m always looking for a list of specialties to try. And I often find it hard to come up with a clear list, so I’ve decided that I’m going to add this type of article to my travel articles. Just so you have a list to enjoy your stay even more when you travel. That’s also how we end my series of articles on Bolivia with a list of specialities to try in Bolivia. I hope you’re hungry!
Don’t forget to find me on Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest! You can also watch my Bolivia vlogs on Youtube.
My other articles on Bolivia:
- Everything you need to know to prepare your stay in Bolivia
- Ultimate guide to a few days in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
- The best restaurants, cafés and bars in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
- Ultimate guide to spending a few days in La Paz, Bolivia
- Ultimate guide to visiting Lake Titicaca
The lima
It’s a fruit in the same family as lemons and oranges. The skin is rather yellow and, as oranges also have paler skin than in France or Canada, I had trouble telling them apart. I tried, but mine must not have been ripe because it didn’t have any taste. They can also be found in other South American countries.
Singani
This is a brandy made in Bolivia. It is the country’s national liqueur and is used in many cocktails. When Spain colonized Bolivia, they wanted to grow vinyards to make wine. But the difference in climate complicated their idea. Instead of making wine, they made liqueur.
Today the name is controlled and can only be used under specific ways of doing it and products. Singani has been made in the mountains of Bolivia, at altitudes of over 2,450 meters, since the 16th century.
Chocolate
We continue with our list of specialities to try in Bolivia. Wherever you are in the country, I encourage you to try chocolate. The city of Sucre (pronunced Sucré) is known for its chocolate production. From what I’ve been told, it’s a beautiful city. Unfortunately, logistical choices had to be made and I wasn’t able to go.
Les empenadas
If you don’t know what it is, it’s like a little turnover made from puff pastry. Many countries have their own version. Bolivia’s are delicious and are an integral part of the Bolivian way of life. The friends I was visiting had already made me some in Toronto. They’re so good. Incidentally, they also have them at Starbucks. I wouldn’t encourage you to get them there at all, it would be like me telling you to get pains au chocolat or croissants at Starbucks in France. There are much better things in other local stores. It’s more to show you how Starbucks adapts to each culture and how it’s a specialty rooted in Bolivian culture. You’ll usually find them made with meat and vegetables or cheese, my personal favorites.
The salteña
It’s a little different from empenada, even if it looks similar visually. Be especially careful when you eat it because the inside is liquid. It’s a mixture of chicken, spices, meat and broth. It’s really delicious. Writing this article makes me hungry and, above all, eager to find these Bolivian specialties here in Toronto.
Calistas de maiz
It’s something I tasted in the family I was visiting. It’s more of a snack. To give you an idea, the shape resembles a gnocchi, except that it’s hard. It’s made with corn flour and cheese. Believe me, you can eat it without needed to be hungry!
Cuñapés
This is another little delicacy I’ve tried from them and loved. These are little balls made from eggs and cinnamon. Once again, you can eat them without being hungry.
Le Sonso de yuca
This is a preparation made from cassava and cheese. The dough is wrapped around a wooden stick before being cooked. The traditional way of making it is on the wooden stick, but depending on the restaurant, it may be presented differently. It’s really good.
Paceña beer
I’ll finish with a Bolivian beer made in La Paz. The bride’s dad told us it was a very popular beer with Bolivians. I don’t drink much alcohol so I couldn’t give you a detailed opinion of this beer. But all the guests seem to have enjoyed it and asked for more. We’ll trust them.
I hope this list of specialities to try has helped you prepare for your stay in Bolivia and add a few delicacies to try! If so, don’t hesitate to tag me on Instagram or send me photos, so I can travel with you.
