Are you a foodie visiting La Paz, Bolivia? Then you can’t leave without trying salteñas – Bolivian empanadas. They’re absolutely delicious, you’ll be hooked after just one bite! In this post, I’ll tell you all about these yummy treats and most importantly, where to find the best ones.
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As the sun rises over the bustling streets of La Paz, an irresistible smell can be found in the air, drawing you closer to the epicenter of Bolivian comfort food… SALTEÑAS!
Salteñas are often known as the national dish of Bolivia and you have to find out why. They are small, delicious snacks that are easy and quick to eat on the go. Plus they’re super affordable, making them the perfect meal.
Whether you’re curious about what salteñas are, how to eat them, or where to find the absolute best ones, I’ve got you covered! Here is all the information you need to know to find the best Bolivian empanadas in the capital city of La Paz.
What are Salteñas?
Salteñas are a traditional type of baked empanada but imagine the classiest and most flavorful kind. Bolivian empanadas are especially unique because they are quite different than most others.
Salteñas consist of savory pastries that encase a flavorful, juicy blend of either chicken or pork, along with vegetables, potatoes, and spices. Think of a warm pot pie but in a sweet, buttery empanada crust.
What makes these so unique is how juicy and brothy they are on the inside. Additionally, they are baked until golden and remarkably tasty.
They are typically served for breakfast in the early mornings or as an early afternoon snack. Be sure to eat them before 2 pm as it’s much harder to find them after that time.
Fear not my vegetarian friends! Although veggie salteñas are not as common, there are certain establishments where they can be located. However, they are not vegan because of the gelatin used to make them.
How to Eat Them
While there may not officially be a right or wrong way to properly eat a salteña, they say that only a true Bolivian can eat one without spilling any of the juice. Are you up for the challenge?
The trick to eating a salteña like a pro is holding it upright in one hand, biting off the top while slurping up the broth, and being extra cautious not to spill any. You can also drink most of the juice this way first if you’d like.
While some people prefer to use a spoon to scoop out the yummy insides, most Bolivians treat it as finger food – eating it while on the go. Its ease among the rest of the street food is what many people attribute to its gain in popularity.
Furthermore, salteñas are frequently accompanied by llajua, a zesty jalapeño sauce, providing the option to customize the level of spiciness according to your preference.
Where to Find the Best Bolivian Empanadas in La Paz
While you may find many vendors selling salteñas in all sorts of different locations, there are a few stationary locations you can always rely on for these mouthwatering treats.
The restaurant you’re looking for, to eat THE MOST DELICIOUS salteñas, is Paceña La Salteña. Luckily, they have four locations spread out all over La Paz. One in the city center, and another in Sopocachi, Miraflores, and Calacoto – making it super easy to satiate your craving wherever you are.
Hours differ a bit depending on location but for the most part, they open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm every day, staying open a little bit longer on the weekends.
My (large) family lives in La Paz and Paceña La Salteña is the only place they get their salteñas from for any family outing. It holds a revered reputation as the city’s finest salteñas!
I especially love this place because they serve vegetarian salteñas, which can be a hard variety to find. Some other shops sell vegetarian ones but the yummiest ones are definitely at Paceña La Salteña.
Here are the types of salteñas offered at Paceña La Salteña:
- Salteña de Carne (Beef Salteña)
- Salteña de Pollo (Chicken Salteña)
- Salteña de Fricase (A Traditional Bolivian Chicken Stew Salteña)
- Salteña de Hoja (“Leaf” Salteña – more of flaky crust than normal)
- Salteña Vegetariana (Vegetarian Salteña)
- Salteña Hawaiana (Hawaiian Salteña)
The best part of this tasty treat is how affordable they are. Each salteña typically costs 7 Bolivianos or just 1 US Dollar! This means you can have as many as your heart desires without breaking the bank.
Do yourself a favor and save this spot on your Google Maps so you can try the best salteñas if you ever visit La Paz!
I hope you have learned something new about Bolivian cuisine and also have a new item to add to your gastronomy bucket list. These Bolivian empanadas are delicious and unique to this special country. There’s really nothing like it. I hope you someday get the chance to try some!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bolivian empanadas made of?
Salteñas are juicy Bolivian empanadas made from either pork or chicken and then filled with a stew of peas, potatoes, and other veggies. The crust is sweet while the inside is a mix of sweet and savory.
When are salteñas eaten?
Salteñas are commonly eaten mid-morning as a light breakfast or an afternoon snack. Most places stop selling them around 2 p.m.
What do salteñas taste like?
Salteñas are generally a mix of sweet and savory flavors. The crust is typically buttery and sweet while the broth inside is slightly spicy and sweet. The protein and potatoes balance out the empanada with a savory finish.
For more Bolivia information, you may also like:
- Hostal Las Olas: Unique & Beautiful Hotel In Copacabana, Bolivia
- La Paz Cable Car: The Most Unique Urban Transit System
- 10 Fantastic Reasons It’s Worth Visiting La Paz, Bolivia
