Exploring Bolivia's Affordable Food Scene

Bolivia is a backpacker's dream in terms of value for money. The average cost of a meal in Bolivia is $6.64, but this varies depending on where you choose to eat. A common meal can cost around $3, a breakfast around $2, and a dessert around $1. Tourists tend to spend much more on food than natives, with an average of $15 per meal, $25 per day, or $750 per month. This is because tourist places charge a lot more to foreigners. Eating at local eateries is generally cheaper than dining at tourist establishments, with a main meal costing around $2-$3 compared to $6-$8 for a 'gringo-friendly' meal. If you want to save money, you can go to well-known restaurants in the downtown areas of major cities or buy groceries at supermarkets and cook your own meals.

Eating out vs cooking at home

When it comes to eating out versus cooking at home in Bolivia, there are several factors to consider, including cost, convenience, and health.

Cost

Bolivia is known for its reasonably affordable food options, with the average Bolivian spending around $70 per month on food and groceries. A common meal can be found for around $3, with breakfast costing around $2 and a dessert around $1. Tourists, however, tend to spend significantly more, with an average of $15 per meal, or $25 per day. This is because tourist spots and restaurants aimed at foreigners often charge much higher prices.

Convenience

Eating out in Bolivia can be convenient, especially for tourists who may not have access to cooking facilities. Street food is widely available, and many restaurants offer fixed-price meals, making it easy to grab a quick bite without breaking the bank. However, for those on a tight budget, cooking at home may be a more cost-effective option, as it allows for better control over portion sizes and expenses.

Health

When it comes to health, cooking at home gives individuals more control over the ingredients used, the cooking methods, and the overall nutritional value of their meals. Restaurant meals, particularly those from chains, often prioritize taste over nutrition, resulting in dishes that are high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Additionally, portion sizes in restaurants tend to be larger than the recommended serving sizes, which can lead to overeating.

In conclusion, while eating out in Bolivia can be a great way to experience the local cuisine and culture, cooking at home offers several advantages, including cost savings, convenience, and the ability to make healthier choices. For budget-conscious travellers or those with specific dietary needs, preparing meals at home may be the preferred option. However, for those seeking convenience, variety, or a taste of traditional Bolivian dishes, eating out can be a worthwhile experience, albeit at a potentially higher cost.

Tourist restaurants vs local eateries

Bolivia is a relatively affordable destination for travellers, and food is no exception. The average Bolivian spends around $70 per month on food, with a common meal costing around $3, a breakfast $2, and a dessert $1. However, tourists tend to spend much more, with an average of $15 per meal, $25 per day, or $750 per month. This is because tourist spots and restaurants catering to foreigners tend to charge a lot more.

In this article, we will explore the differences between tourist restaurants and local eateries in Bolivia, and provide tips on how to save money on food while travelling in the country.

Tourist Restaurants

Tourist restaurants in Bolivia can be found in popular destinations such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, Tarija, and Rurrenabaque. These restaurants often cater to foreign tourists and charge significantly higher prices than local eateries. The average meal in a tourist restaurant can cost around $15, which is about five times the price of a typical meal in the country.

Some popular tourist restaurants in Bolivia include:

• Gustu in La Paz, a high-end restaurant serving locally-sourced, creative twists on traditional Bolivian cuisine.
• El Fogón del Gringo in Tarija, serving juicy Argentine meat and a first-rate salad bar.
• Carla's Garden Pub in Coroico, a tourist hangout serving European and Bolivian dishes and offering stunning views of the valley.
• Minuteman Revolutionary Pizza in Uyuni, a longstanding tourist-oriented pizzeria serving creative toppings like spicy llama and pesto.

Local Eateries

Local eateries in Bolivia offer a more affordable option for both locals and travellers on a budget. These restaurants typically serve traditional Bolivian dishes and may be found in the downtown areas of major cities or in the countryside.

• Look for well-known restaurants in the downtown areas of major cities. These restaurants often offer delicious food at a fraction of the price of tourist restaurants.
• Buy groceries at local markets or supermarkets and cook your own meals. This is a great way to save money, especially if you are staying in Bolivia for an extended period.
• Try street food or fast food options, which are usually cheaper than sit-down restaurants.

Some recommended local eateries in Bolivia include:

• Pacena La Saltena in La Paz, serving traditional Bolivian cuisine.
• Café Mokka in Tarija, offering international favourites.
• Camila's in Rurrenabaque, serving pasta, pizza, Mexican food, and meat dishes.
• La Cocina in Samaipata, a casual eatery serving tasty snacks like hamburgers, quesadillas, falafels, and shawarma.

When travelling in Bolivia, it is important to be aware of the significant price difference between tourist restaurants and local eateries. By opting for local options, travellers can save money and still enjoy delicious and authentic Bolivian cuisine. Remember to exercise caution when choosing where to eat and always prioritise your health and safety.

Street vendors and markets

La Paz, the seat of government in Bolivia, is a great place to start your foodie tour. Here, you can find "salteñas", baked pockets stuffed with meat, for between 6.5 and 8.0 Bolivianos (around one US Dollar). You can also find vegetarian options in some restaurants. For a traditional pork sandwich, head to Las Cholas park, where you can get the freshest "Sandwich de Chola". Another La Paz specialty is "tucumanas", similar to salteñas but fried and served with a variety of sauces. These typically cost around 10 to 12 Bolivianos per portion.

If you're looking for something more substantial, try the "trancapecho" sandwich, which comes with rice, potatoes, lettuce, tomato, a fried egg, and a thin piece of beef or chicken. Cochabamba, the country's third-largest city, is known for its abundant food culture. Here, you can find "anticuchos", a traditional street food made from thinly sliced beef heart, marinated in spices, grilled on skewers, and covered in a creamy sauce made from yellow chilli and peanuts. This typically costs between 10 and 12 Bolivianos.

In the lowlands of Santa Cruz, you'll find cheesy pastries made with yucca, grilled or baked fresh every day. These typically cost around 5 Bolivianos from street vendors, with some upscale bakeries and coffee shops offering them at a slightly higher price.

When eating street food in Bolivia, it's important to be mindful of food safety and only eat from places that look clean. Some dishes are spicy, so be cautious if you don't handle chilli well.

Imported vs local products

The average cost of food in Bolivia is $17, or $b115, per day. A meal in a restaurant will cost on average $6.64, or $b46, per person, with breakfast being slightly cheaper and dinner slightly more expensive. However, there is a significant disparity between the prices paid by locals and tourists.

For locals, a common meal costs around $3, breakfast around $2, and a dessert around $1. The average Bolivian spends around $70 per month on food, with good-quality meals rarely costing more than $4.

For tourists, the average cost of a meal is $15, with tourists spending on average $25 per day or $750 per month. This is because tourist places charge much higher prices to foreigners.

Bolivia's largest import categories are manufactured products, machinery and equipment for industry and transport, raw materials, consumer goods, and food products. The country's main import partners are Brazil, China, Chile, Peru, and Argentina.

Bolivia's exports are primarily natural resources such as petroleum gas, gold, zinc ore, soybean meal, and soybean oil.

Luxury vs budget accommodation

When it comes to accommodation in Bolivia, there are options to suit all budgets.

Budget Accommodation

Budget accommodation is aimed at travellers who want to spend as little as possible. While basic, rooms will still have amenities such as an en-suite, a good bed, and clean, comfortable surroundings. Budget accommodation is often located outside of parks, though some are inside large national parks such as the Serengeti National Park. The average price for budget hotels in Bolivia is $25 per night.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Mid-range accommodation offers a better standard of services and facilities, with more comfortable rooms, a good location, and a greater variety of food options. The average price for a mid-range hotel in Bolivia is $50 per night.

Luxury Accommodation

Luxury accommodation is much pricier, with opulent rooms, lavish decorations, and fine dining. Luxury hotels in Bolivia are often located in the most scenic parts of the country. The average price for a luxury hotel in Bolivia is $84 per night.

Meals

The average cost of food in Bolivia is $17 per day, with an average meal costing around $6.64. Tourists, however, tend to spend much more, with an average of $15 per meal, or $750 per month. This is because tourist spots charge foreigners much higher prices.

Frequently asked questions