Eat your way around La Paz

One of my favourite past times is enjoying one of the greatest things in life: food. I was surprised at how good the food scene was in La Paz. The vegetarian and vegan trend is quickly catching on in La Paz and quality eateries are on the rise. Here are a few of my favourite places to eat in La Paz, all of them either vegetarian or having vegetarian options.

1. Popular Cocina Boliviana. This was my far my favourite place and well worth the queue. The food here is incredible quality, presented impeccably and the service was second to none. A Mcdonalds at home would cost you more than this three course meal and drink setting you back a whole B$ 65 (€7). The run two sittings daily for a three course lunch, one at 12.30 pm and one at 2 pm. However you need to be here at 12 to put your name down as they don’t take prior reservations. I arrived at 11.45 am and they wouldn’t take my name until 12 pm. https://www.facebook.com/popularlapazbolivia/

2. Cafe del Mundo. I came back to this place several times during my time in La Paz. The extensive menu is inspired from food around the world. It’s great any time of the day. Healthy salads, smoothie bowls, pad thai or fluffy american style blueberry pancakes for brunch topped off with vanilla ice cream. They also do great coffees and vegan treats to take away. As meals go in Bolivia you will most certainly find a lot cheaper but it’s not too expensive either. Some home comforts at a fraction of what they would cost at home. http://www.cafe-delmundo.com/

3. The Carrot Tree. This cafe/ restaurant is Irish owned, does a brilliant brunch, not a bad place for a burger either and has good veggie options. They do great cocktails and are 2-for-1 making expresso martinis insane value.

4. Green Kitchen Bolivia. One of the best vegetarian restaurants in La Paz ranging from salad bowls, acai bowls to vegan pizzas. It has plenty of vegan options too. It is slightly more on the pricier side for Bolivia but still very reasonable. https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Vegetarian-Vegan-Restaurant/Bolivia-Green-Kitchen-401193933686272/

5. The Writers Cafe. This place bring work space and speciality coffee together in a cosy environment. Their coffee is the best I had in La Paz and their generous slice of red velvet cake is also very decent. https://www.thewriterscoffee.com/

6. Tomate. This local little restaurant is hard to find if you don’t know where you’re going. It doesn’t look like anything special and the decor leaves a lot to be desired but the food is great. Two ladies run it and one of them usually has her baby with her too. It’s great to see local women and mothers running their own business in Bolivia. It serves vegetarian only food at really reasonable prices. Don’t be in a hurry, the food can take a while as they cook everything from scratch after you order.

7. Namas Te. Lovely vegan and vegetarian restaurant doing an incredible lunch menu of the day which changes daily. For B$25 (€3.25) you get a starter, soup, main and dessert. Could not be beaten! http://namastebolivia.com/Namaste/Bienvenidos.html