Street Food in La Paz:
What to Try, Where to Go, and How to Enjoy It Like a Local
August 2025
Hope you’re doing great, and maybe even in a bit of a food mood today?
This week’s post is all about one of my favorite topics: street food in La Paz! So if you’re feeling just a little hungry (or curious), you’re in the right place.
The other day, a travel couple messaged me on Instagram from La Paz. They only had time to try one street food dish and asked me: Which one should it be? Honestly… I kind of failed them. I had so many ideas, and my answer turned into a long list of “well, it depends”, on the day, the time, the area they were in… In the end, I think I left them more confused than inspired.
So today I decided to do better, to organize my thoughts and give you a clearer guide to street food in La Paz. Plus, I made a little street food score sheet you can download (check at the end of this blog) to track how many street foods you try while you're here. Let’s make this fun, and tasty!
Street Food in La Paz – What it's all about
Street food in La Paz is something very special. It’s not just a trendy or chill option, it’s part of everyday life. For many people in the city, it’s the easiest way to eat: quick, filling, and very affordable. You’ll find workers grabbing salteñas or quinoa soups on the go, families sharing pastel and api on a chilly morning, and students having anticuchos late at night before they are heading home. It’s not just about food, it’s about daily routines, traditions, and connections.
Vendors know their regulars, and some stands have been passed down through generations. Eating on the street means going into the daily pulse of the city. If you want to understand La Paz and be a part of it, you have to taste it, right there on the sidewalk.
What to Try – Street Food Classics You Can’t Miss
La Paz has an endless variety of street food, but here are some of the most loved local favorites:
Salteñas
A warm, juicy baked pastry filled with meat, potatoes, olives, and spices. Sometimes also vegetarian. Usually eaten in the morning and best enjoyed carefully (yes, they’re soupy!).
Api con pastel
Sweet, hot purple corn drink served with a crispy cheese-filled pastry with sugar on the top. Perfect on a cold morning or as an afternoon snack
Papas rellenas
Mashed potatoes filled with seasoned meat or cheese, fried until golden brown. The perfect snack-on-the-go.
Choripán & salchipapa
A favorite combo for a quick, satisfying snack. Choripán is a chorizo sandwich, and salchipapa mixes sliced hot dogs with fries, often topped with sauces.
Anticuchos
Grilled beef heart skewers served with potatoes and spicy peanut sauce. A classic late night street treat.
Sandwich de chola
A bold sandwich with crispy pork, pickled vegetables, and spicy sauce. Messy, delicious, and iconic.
Tucumanas
Fried empanadas stuffed with meat, vegetables, or cheese, often served with a mix of spicy sauces. Choose your favorite one.
Fresh juices & traditional drinks
Don’t miss out on linaza (flaxseed drink), mocochinchi (peach infusion), or a tropical fruit mix licuado made right in front of you.
Morning snacks:
In the early hours, the markets around Sagárnaga Street, Rodríguez Market, and Tumusla come alive with breakfast food stands or ladies walking around with small strollers selling breakfast food, that’s why it can sometimes be hard to say exactly where to find certain street food, because many vendors are mobile. You’ll find hot street coffee served from thermoses, freshly made sandwiches, sweet api with pastel, thick quinoa drinks, papas rellenas, and fried tucumanas. These spots are perfect for grabbing something warm while wandering through the morning activities while you are a part of the local life.
Afternoon cravings:
Mercado Lanza and the area around Plaza San Francisco are great places to explore in the early afternoon. Vendors offer snacks like api with buñuelos or pastel, refreshing fruit juices like mocochinchi, ice cream, and even filling midday meals.
Nighttime eats:
When night falls, Plaza San Pedro becomes a popular area for street food, with plenty of anticuchos, choripanes, and salchipapas fried on the corners. Sopocachi is also a great spot for a more relaxed evening food , especially near parks and plazas. And if there’s a big football game in Miraflores, the streets fill up with even more options, turning the neighborhood into a night market of flavors and smells.
How to Enjoy It Like a Local
Eating street food in La Paz is all about going into the daily life. Locals don’t sit down, they stand, chat, and eat right on the sidewalk. Don’t worry about ordering perfectly; vendors are used to curious travelers and usually happy to help. If you’re unsure what to choose, just ask what’s popular or point to what looks good. Always go for the stalls that have people waiting,it's a sign the food is fresh and tasty. Try the sauces, but maybe start small if you’re not into spicy food. It’s okay to eat with your hands and get a little messy, that’s part of the fun. And for the safest experience, choose food that’s hot and cooked in front of you.
Hot Tip
If you still feel a bit unsure about diving into the world of street food, start with something lighter,like popcorn. It’s safe, and verygood. You’ll often see women selling bags of freshly popped popcorn from their small kitchen strollers, where the corn are still popping as you walk by. Especially around Sagárnaga Street, just as it starts to get dark. It’s warm, cheap, and addictive.
Final Bite & Inspiration Station
When it comes to street food, this is probably where I’ve collected some of my best La Paz stories. I love going out with no real plan, just trying to find something I’ve never tasted before. Sitting down on a plastic chair, sharing the moment with strangers, asking the vendor about the recipe or chatting with the person next to me about their favorites, it’s relaxed, and it always leads to something unexpected. There are no formal rules, no need to dress up or reserve a table. Just go with the flow!. Street food here isn’t just about what’s on your plate,it’s about connection, curiosity, and being open to the moment. So if you’re looking for the real La Paz, this is a pretty good place to start.
If you want more inspiration and tips about street food or traveling in La Paz, Bolivia, scroll down to our Inspiration Station and click on whatever sparks your curiosity. Whether it's where to eat, what to explore, or how to dive deeper into local life, your next adventure might just start there.
🎧 Podcast of the Week
From boiling pots on street corners to smoky anticucho grills after dark, this week’s episode dives into the world of street food in La Paz. I share my own stories, plus surprising favorites foundright on the sidewalk.
📰 TravelZine: Our Weekly Travel Magazine
This week’s edition is all about what’s going on in La Paz — from music and shows to soccer matches and local events. We’re bringing you quick tips, exciting happenings, and everything you need to make the most of the city right now.
→ [Check it out]
📩 Newsletter & Free Street Food eBook
Want more travel tips, street food highlights, and La Paz inspiration straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter and get our free eBookto explore La Paz and Bolivia in the best way
☕ Visiting La Paz? Stop by Café del Mundo
We’re more than just coffee. Come in for food, travel chats, and tips on where to eat on the street. Ask your questions, share your stories, and plan your next bite or big adventure.
→ Find us at Café del Mundo
💬 Got Questions? Write to Us
Need help planning, feeling unsure about what to eat, or just curious where to start? We’re always happy to help—message us anytime on WhatsApp:
→ http://wa.me/59175817945
That’s all for now,I hope you feel inspired to try something new, wherever you are. Maybe it’s a street snack in your hometown, a recipe from another country, or just a flavor you’ve never explored. You don’t have to go far to feel the beauty of discovery, sometimes, it starts with a new recipe, home in your own kitchen!
