Street Food in La Paz – Taste the City One Bite at a Time
April 2025
Hi guys, and welcome back to a new blog post from La Paz and Café del Mundo!
Today we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: street food in La Paz. It’s all about delicious bites, amazing smells, friendly faces, and just a little bit of carefulness so you can enjoy it all safely. With a few good tips, you’ll discover some of the best food moments of your trip!
Post-Easter Vibes & Sunny Streets Ahead
First of all, I hope you had a wonderful Easter if you celebrated! We had a lot of fun at Café del Mundo — especially with our colorful, creative Easter eggs that inspired travelers to join in some fun challenges and explore more of Easter traditions in La Paz and Bolivia.
Hopefully, you were one of the lucky ones to complete the challenge and win a prize!
Also, finally! The rainy season, which stayed a little longer this year, is on its way out. Baaam! That means it’s the perfect time to be outside: trekking, hiking, or walking the beautiful streets of La Paz.
So… back to street food and let’s head out and explore!
🎧 In this week’s podcast episode, we’re talking about exploring La Paz with all five senses, what you can do, where you can do it, and how.
One of those senses, of course, is taste! Listen here.
My Street Food Story – A First-Timer’s Surprise
I remember my first weeks in La Paz. One night after going out with friends, we decided to try some street food. I was mostly eating vegetarian at the time, and the options were limited. After wandering a bit, we stopped at a woman grilling meat on her homemade sidewalk kitchen. The smell was smoky and tempting, and I was hungry.
After a quick explanation that it was some kind of beef, I gave it a try. She served it on small skewers with a boiled potato and a delicious peanut sauce. I thanked her, finished the plate and asked what meat it was.
“Corazón,” she said.
Heart? Cow heart? I was a little shocked, but it was already too late to back out. And honestly, it was delicious. The whole experience stuck with me.
Today, if I’m out late at night in La Paz, I love stopping at these little barbecue spots for a bite.
If you’re here, don’t miss the anticuchos!
Street Food in La Paz – More Than Just a Snack
Street food in La Paz is more than just a quick bite, it’s a way to connect with the city. It’s the warmth of a freshly fried salteña in your hand, the sound of a busy plaza, and the friendly smile of the vendor who’s been perfecting their recipe for years.
Every corner holds a new flavor, a new face, and a story waiting to be tasted.
Come hungry, stay curious, and let the streets guide you.
What to Try – A Small Street Food Checklist
There’s a lot to taste, but here are some local favorites you shouldn't miss:
Street Food Tip: Get Inspired Before You Arrive
Before you even land in La Paz, get a taste of the street food culture from home.
A must-try is the famous papa rellena, mashed potatoes filled with meat, shaped into a ball, and fried until golden.
One of the best in the city? Doña Emi, a local legend featured on Netflix’s Street Food: Latin America.
You’ll find her stand in front of San Francisco Church, early in the mornings.
It’s simple, authentic, and full of flavor.
Watch the Bolivia episode here:
Street Food: Latin America – Bolivia
Street Food Etiquette: How to Eat Like a Local in La Paz
Street food in La Paz is safe and delicious when you know what to look for — busy stalls with lots of locals are usually your best bet. Bring small bills, as many vendors don’t have change. And don’t be shy — asking what something is or how to eat it is part of the fun and the experience.
Where to Find Street Food in La Paz
You’ll almost always find something tasty around these spots:
Cable car stations – vendors often set up for commuters and travelers.
Mercado Lanza & Mercado Rodríguez – open from early morning with lots of local favorites.
Plaza San Pedro & Plaza Abaroa – great for night snacks and people-watching while you eat.
Taste La Paz with Us
Street food in La Paz is about more than eating, it’s about experiencing the city with your senses. Whether you’re starting your day with a salteña or ending it with anticuchos by a plaza, each bite brings you closer to the real La Paz.
At Café del Mundo, we love helping travelers discover local food. Come by for a coffee and a chat, or send us a message on WhatsApp, we’ll happily point you to the best street food spots in the city.
And don’t forget to download your free eBook about La Paz and Bolivia, it’s full of travel tips, local info, and loads of inspiration for your journey!
Hope to see you around the streets of La Paz
