One of the most popular breakfast foods in Bolivia is Api con Pastel. It’s a sweet and warm cup of a traditional purple corn drink served with a cheesy pastry, similar to an empanada. Intrigued by this odd-sounding dish? Keep on reading to learn all about this Bolivian delicacy and why you should have a taste!
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Does this sound like you?… Always wanting to try delicious and cultural foods while traveling to new places! Then api con pastel is the perfect dish to try when you land in Bolivia.
It’s usually served during those cold early mornings in the Andean mountains. Making it the perfect way to warm up and start your day! However, it is also sometimes enjoyed around tea time as well in case you’re not an early bird.
Whether you plan on visiting Bolivia sometime soon or not, here is everything you need to know about this sweet yummy drink and pastry – api con pastel.
What Is Api Con Pastel
Api con pastel is a warm, hearty, dish traditionally served for breakfast in the country of Bolivia. The drink is api and pastel is the pastry.
Api Morado, more simply known as just api, is a thick and sweet, spiced drink made from purple corn. Cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, water, and sugar are added and mixed together. This mixture is then boiled until it’s hot and steamy.
Pasteles (pastries) are served with the hot api. Generally, one of two pastries is served, either buñuelos or pasteles de queso (cheese pastries). Buñuelos are just fried dough fritters usually eaten with honey. While the cheese pastry resembles cheese empanadas. These are light and flaky topped with powdered sugar to balance out the flavors.
It’s also quite common to dunk and dip the pastry into the Api! The combination of flavors compliment and pair very well with one another.
Api con pastel is a staple dish in Bolivia. I grew up eating and drinking it very often. It may sound unusual to drink something made from corn but I promise you it’s tasty and satisfying. After you’ve tried it, you’ll crave it most mornings during your trip!
Api Morado VS Api Blanco
Api comes in two different forms. There is api morado (purple api) or api blanco (white api). There is also the option of having the two mixed and served in the same glass.
Api Morado is made from purple corn while Api Blanco is made from white corn and usually contains milk as well. They are both quite similar in taste with the purple corn giving Api Morado a bit more of a distinct flavor.
While Api Morado is a bit more common and tasty, I’d recommend trying Api Blanco if you have the chance to compare them both for yourself!
Perhaps this popular Bolivian drink sounds a little familiar. That’s because it’s quite similar to the Mexican drink, Atole. Atole is made differently but they are similar enough to be mistaken for the same thing.
Where To Find Api Con Pastel?
As previously mentioned, Api is usually served in the early mornings starting at around 5 am. The earlier you go, the likelier you are to find some and the fresher it’ll be. You can find Api con Pastel served in small-hole-in-the-wall restaurants or more commonly from street vendors.
Api is also commonly served at the train station when visitors arrive at La Paz from lower elevations.
Some restaurants where you can find Api near the city center of La Paz are Api Orureno and Apis Oruro.
Want To Take Api Back Home With You? You Can!
Did you try Api and end up loving it? Luckily for you, they sell Api Morado mix in most Bolivian grocery stores. You can easily buy a packet and make it at home for your family and friends.
It’s basically just a packet of purple corn flour. All you need to do is add water and boil. Sometimes the packets will already come with added sugar and spices but if not, it’s easy to add that into the mix as well.
I hope this post has piqued your interest and craving while teaching you all about the popular Bolivian Api Morado con Pasteles. I also hope you someday get to visit Bolivia as it’s truly an underrated destination. That way you can also try this delicious purple corn drink!
Below Is A Video of my Family Making Bolivian Cheese Empanadas!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bolivian api made of?
Bolivian Api, also known as Api Morado, is a hearty drink made from purple corn. There is also Api Blanco made a little bit differently from white corn. It’s a Bolivian delicacy!
What is Api con pastel?
Api con Pastel is a traditional Bolivian delicacy often served for breakfast. Api is a sweet, thick, and spiced drink made from purple corn while pastel is a pastry accompanying it. The pastry is usually either a flaky and soft cheese empanada topped with powdered sugar or a buñuelo – a sweet, deep-fried fritter served with honey.
What does api morado taste like?
Api Morado is very sweet in flavor and thick in texture. It tastes like a hearty and spiced sugary corn drink. It pairs perfectly with a cheesy pastry (pastel) that you should dunk into the Api!
For more Bolivia information, you may also like:
- 10 Surprising & Unique Finds At The Witches Market In Bolivia
- La Paz’s Hidden Gem: The Colorful Neighborhood of Chualluma
- 10 Traditional & Great Vegetarian Bolivian Foods You Need To Try!
