Finding good vegetarian food in South America can be challenging, and Bolivia is no exception. But that doesn’t mean it’s necessary to survive on just egg sandwiches and ramen. The vegetarian lifestyle is slowly starting to catch on among Bolivia’s more cosmopolitan youth and a small selection of excellent meat-free restaurants have sprouted up to meet demand. Read on to learn where to find the most delicious veggie options in La Paz.
A renowned café and cultural space, Magick is also a prime destination for those craving a healthy and delicious vegetarian feast. This huge former house in the trendy Sopocachi neighborhood boasts a variety of different dining spaces, each with their own unique decorations and ambiance. Magick’s extensive vegetarian menu include salads, curries and tofu burgers, while an exquisite sushi platter is an excellent option for pescatarians.
This longstanding vegetarian restaurant is a hippy oasis in the central working-class San Pedro neighborhood. Don’t despair if it looks full, as there’s plenty more seating in the leafy back section which is adorned with groovy psychedelic murals. Of course, the food is what brings in the crowds, many of whom come for the excellent vegan BOB29 (USD$4.15) set lunch which includes a soup, main course and dessert. If ordering off the menu, consider the quinoa and couscous falafel wrap which has to be the one of the tastiest sandwiches in all of Bolivia.
A trendy new edition to La Paz’s vegetarian scene, Café Vida lies in the heart of the tourist district which makes it a hit with the international crowd. This funky vegan restaurant can be a little bit hard to find (go inside the courtyard and climb up the stairs) but it’s well worth the effort for the scrumptious selection of quinoa patties, Mexican bowls, sandwiches, salads and freshly squeezed smoothies.
This fancy vegan-meets-gourmet restaurant in the ritzy Zona Sur (South Area) offers the most modern and elegant cruelty-free dining experience in the city. Its extensive menu is exquisitely presented in small portions which encourages diners to try a little bit of everything. The restaurant’s emphasis is on local, organic ingredients free from preservatives or colorants. Satisfied customers are welcome to bring home a copy of their recipes to try and cook for themselves. The restaurant is currently focusing on catering events and Sunday lunch, but it should resume normal working hours shortly.
