Cochabamba Food: 5 Must-Try Bolivian Dishes & Drinks
Cochabamba, Bolivia, is, in some respects, known as the culinary heart of the country, and that’s saying something! Very, very, like, Bolivian food can be pretty amazing. As a matter of fact, Cochabamba boasts some of the most varied and, honestly, satisfying food you’ll encounter. So, whether you’re into eating meat, follow a plant-based diet, or have particular tastes, this place will certainly tempt your tastebuds. You see, the city’s markets and restaurants are like the places where old meets new in terms of traditional techniques mixed with modern ideas, that, pretty much, reflect Bolivia’s past and future. Alright, let’s talk about five eats that should be on your list if you ever go.
Pique Macho: A Mountain of Flavor
Now, Pique Macho… this is not, for instance, a dish; it’s something else entirely; a statement! At the end of the day, just piled high with french fries, chopped beef, sausage, onions, locoto peppers, eggs and all floating in some kind of gravy, it’s designed, too it’s almost, like, for sharing… Or, well, attempting to conquer alone. It is like one of the dishes from Cochabamba that symbolizes both generosity and abundance. Anyway, that spicy locoto pepper gives a pretty unique kick that I honestly, like, think brings the, like your, dish together. Apparently, locals joke that the dish’s heat intensity correlates with a person’s ‘machismo’ – only the ‘macho’ can handle the spice! Very, actually, very clever, right?
Where to try it: For what it’s worth, just go to a local ‘picanteria’. So, they’re often informal eateries offering Pique Macho at pretty good prices.
Read our full review: Pique Macho Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Pique Macho Menu)
Silpancho: A Thinly Disguised Feast
Alright, another staple you gotta attempt is Silpancho. It’s just a humongous plate starring a wide, thin layer of breaded beef – seriously, almost covering a whole plate. Okay, then piled onto the meat there is rice, boiled potatoes and, of course, like, a fried egg, more or less, that, kinda, tops the whole creation. Very, actually, the kicker? Llajua is like, the fiery salsa Bolivians put on practically everything. As a matter of fact, like, Silpancho is the ultimate comfort eat, and if you order it for lunch, that tends to be one, by the way, massive calorie bomb to help you power for, just a little, afternoon.
Where to try it: Walk round most markets; lots of stalls are often dishing out Silpancho at midday. Apparently, keep in mind, many offer it only during lunchtime.
Read our full review: Silpancho Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Taste Silpancho Now)
Api & Pastel: The Morning Energizers
Now, for breakfast – if you are wanting to have what the locals do – give Api with a Pastel that is, a try, too it’s almost. Right, Api? It is just a really warming beverage normally prepared with purple corn, plus sugar, cinnamon and cloves. A bit, actually, it tastes a little similar to hot, spiced corn juice. Anyway, that Pastel? A deep-fried pastry commonly packed with cheese or potato. In fact, in the same way, having this combo while it’s cold really just, honestly, warms you right up. Also, you’re sure to come across street sellers giving away Api and Pastel from as early as the morning; they certainly look appealing, just about!
Where to try it: At the end of the day, look at local marketplaces or street food stands early am. Clearly, almost every single spot serves these morning specialties, pretty.
Read our full review: Api & Pastel Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Try Api & Pastel Today)
Salteñas: The Bolivian Empanada
In fact, talking about typical fare, let’s explore Salteñas, the Bolivian rendition of, in short, like, empanadas that seem more juicy! Well, what I mean is, that a slightly sweet crust packed filled up with stew-like blend having either chicken or beef, peas, potatoes, olives and some spices. More or less, it tastes quite yummy. Anyway, that secret? It’s like how the cooks, in that case, bake such treats in a manner which they have succulent broth enclosed in them. Clearly, always bite from the upper part – otherwise the juices probably are escaping. As a matter of fact, like, these goodies are commonly served each day earlier to midday; they will often vanish once that afternoon begins!
Where to try it: Look out various Salteñarias throughout the municipality which concentrate mostly at this item alone, instead.
Read our full review: Salteñas Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Salteñas Nearby)
Chicha: The Ancestral Drink
Now, to quench your own thirst by sipping something that may well just go into your veins of Bolivian culinary background, explore local Chicha. Or, really, you could consider exploring it! I want to say that that, actually, the type of alcohol in Bolivia differs according to your destination; one of many popular renditions stems through fermented maize(corn). Basically, very frequently ready-made in residential settings adopting ways of preparation from a time long ago – therefore it’s something greater to take hold of heritage here – far beyond consuming. First, typically supplied throughout ‘chicherias’ spots; look for ones boasting colored flags out entry doors – generally signposting that individuals trade with this unique regional alcohol that’s something in Cochabamba!. Honestly, as a matter of fact, this is like one beverage to experience.
Where to try it: Check for ‘chicherias’, usually identified by flags outside; be careful and confirm whether its locally well-accepted/responsible drinking location, as well.
Read our full review: Chicha Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Taste Authentic Chicha)
