This Bolivian Restaurant Offers 3-Course Gourmet Meals For Only 9

A relative newcomer to the La Paz gastronomy scene is redefining not only Bolivia’s national cuisine, but also existing preconceptions of gourmet food. Known simply as Cocina Popular Boliviana, this refreshingly unpretentious fine-dining locale serves up a world-class three-course tasting menu for just over US$8.

For many, both in Bolivia and elsewhere in the world, fine dining is a rare luxury. This is exactly what co-founders—La Paz natives Juan Pablo Reyes, Alexandra Meleán, and Diego Rodas—have set about to change. Indeed, in this context, popular means “common,” implying their delectable fare is not exclusively intended for the upper echelons of society.

Granted, Bolivia’s “common” working class can typically only seek out meals in the US$1–2 range. Nevertheless, for the country’s burgeoning middle class, a 60BOB (US$8.60) lunch is entirely justifiable for a special occasion.

Hidden in a quaint 100-year-old former Christian church at the heart of La Paz’ historic tourist district, the restaurant’s whitewashed edifice overlooks a sunny patio which is home to some of the city’s most beloved tourist-orientated eateries.

Yet since opening its doors in December 2017, Cocina Popular Boliviana has become the star of the show. In fact, diners should arrive at least half an hour before opening. Otherwise, they will be forced to wait at least an hour to secure a seat—an unprecedented occurrence in the restaurant-saturated city of La Paz.

Head chefs Reyes and Rodas honed their skills working in some of the city’s finest restaurants, such as Ona in Hotel Attix, as well as numerous prestigious establishments abroad. Upon acquiring the necessary knowledge, they decided to create their own place.

The idea was born through the friends’ passion to promote Bolivian cuisine. Much-lauded by the city’s toughest critics, their tasting menu uses local ingredients and traditional flavors with a unique contemporary flair. The intention, above all else, is to challenge, while simultaneously celebrating traditional Bolivian cooking methods.

“The memory, the aroma, and the flavor are what form Popular. Aroma is paramount for us because it is linked to memory, the aroma rooted in childhood from when your mother would feed you, the sense of trust you felt for the loved one who cared for you. That’s why there are no walls here that separate the kitchen from the rest of the restaurant,” Reyes told Pagina Siete when asked about the open kitchen.

Upon serving each course, waiters explain the ingredients and the intention of the chefs. Aside from this, however, there is no other reference to the fine-dining scene. In fact, diners are casually encouraged to ask for a yapa (a little bit extra) of bread and llajua (spicy sauce).

So what’s on the menu? The set lunch menu is constantly changing, a major drawcard for locals who revisit the restaurant time and time again. As an example, sajta de pollo (a traditional Bolivian oven-baked chicken dish) is enhanced with cheese and peanuts and served alongside blackberry, cherry tomatoes, ground broom, and Pimpernel—a far cry from the usual accompaniment of plain boiled rice.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.