Americas · Latin America

Bolivia

Recipes connected with Bolivia

Food and eating habits

How people eat in Bolivia

50 indicators exploring everyday meals, ingredients and food culture. Information is completed progressively from documented evidence.

47 of 50 indicators with documented information

Not all data are comparable: food supply, purchases and intake are different measures. Check the period, population and method for each finding. Qualitative descriptions do not establish percentages or amounts.

Timing and company

6/8
Timing and company — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Meal times
Quantitative findingSurvey

Among pupils who said they had breakfast before going to school, 89.8% reported the local time interval from 6:00 to 9:00. Among those who said they ate lunch, 95.3% reported 12:00 to 15:00.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2022
Unit
% of responding pupils; local time
Population or sample
Pupils at public and government-agreement schools in the municipality of La Paz.
Geographic scope
2022 school survey.
Definition and method
Interviews in a cross-sectional study with two-stage probability sampling.
Comparison limitations
Results for the school population studied. The study did not obtain an equivalent measure for dinner.
Meals per day
Quantitative findingSurvey

87.6% reported eating breakfast before going to school and 95.7% reported eating lunch.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2022
Unit
% of surveyed pupils
Population or sample
Pupils at public and government-agreement schools in the municipality of La Paz.
Geographic scope
2022 school survey.
Definition and method
Interviews in a cross-sectional study with two-stage probability sampling.
Comparison limitations
Results for the school population studied. The study did not obtain an equivalent measure for dinner.
Meal duration Insufficient data in the sources consulted
Daily energy distribution
Quantitative findingObserved intake

Energy intake was distributed across breakfast (22%), school break (20%), lunch (24%), tea time (12%) and dinner (22%).

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2003
Unit
% of daily energy intake
Population or sample
45 secondary school students in Calama, in rural La Paz Department.
Geographic scope
2003 pilot study.
Definition and method
Food intake survey with a 24-hour dietary recall.
Comparison limitations
Historical school sample from one locality.
Weekdays and weekends Insufficient data in the sources consulted
Eating at home and away
Quantitative findingSurvey

Among pupils who said they had breakfast before going to school, 95.8% reported eating breakfast at home.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2022
Unit
% of pupils eating breakfast before school
Population or sample
Pupils at public and government-agreement schools in the municipality of La Paz.
Geographic scope
2022 school survey.
Definition and method
Interviews in a cross-sectional study with two-stage probability sampling.
Comparison limitations
Results for the school population studied. The study did not obtain an equivalent measure for dinner.
Cooking frequency
Quantitative findingSurvey

69.0% took part in preparing and serving food for their household. The average daily time spent on that activity was 01:33 (hours:minutes).

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
% of persons; hh:mm/day
Population or sample
People aged 12 and over in La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.
Geographic scope
June to September 2023.
Definition and method
Urban probability sample survey. Previous-day activity list, Table 14.
Comparison limitations
The category combines preparation and serving. It gives no weekly count of days spent cooking.
Eating together
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

Most interviewees identified lunch, dinner or both as the main occasions to spend time together as a family.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2013–2014
Population or sample
Families with at least one adolescent child in the city of Tarija.
Geographic scope
October 2013 to March 2014.
Definition and method
Mixed-methods cross-sectional case study with surveys, interviews and focus groups.
Comparison limitations
Local qualitative finding. The study gives no share of meals eaten with others or alone.

Pantry and recipes

2/2
Pantry and recipes — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Most consumed ingredients
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated food availability was 72.30 kg of potatoes and products, 54.55 kg of rice and products and 45.17 kg of poultry meat per person per year.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. Three product categories were selected and the original units retained.
Comparison limitations
Average availability for human food use. It does not measure individual intake or distinguish households.
Ingredient prevalence in recipes
Qualitative descriptionRecipe sample

Potatoes and peanuts appear in the beef-heart anticuchos, chicken sajta and vegetarian peanut soup.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2026-11-03
Population or sample
Five published KitchenPause recipes linked to Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Catalogue consulted on 3 November 2026.
Definition and method
Public ingredient lists were reviewed. Each recipe was counted once by identity and each food once per recipe, grouping preparation forms.
Comparison limitations
Small editorial sample. It describes the published recipes and their selection shapes the results.

Cereals and plant foods

6/6
Cereals and plant foods — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Cereals and cereal products
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 54.55 kg of rice and products, 43.76 kg of wheat and products and 31.11 kg of maize and products.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption. The balance includes processed products and does not give cooked serving weights.
Bread
Quantitative findingPurchases

The La Paz reference basket included 118.69 g of pan de batalla bread per person per day.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2003–2004
Unit
g/person/day in reference basket
Population or sample
Reference group in the household survey in the city of La Paz, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Quantities estimated from the 2003–2004 survey.
Definition and method
Food basket estimated from the consumption patterns of the reference group.
Comparison limitations
Historical example of a bread type in a local basket. The figure is not a national mean intake.
Pulses
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 3.94 kg of beans and 0.39 kg of peas.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption. The series does not give cooked serving weights.
Vegetables
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 11.20 kg of onions and 7.21 kg of tomatoes and products.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption.
Fruit
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 30.00 kg of oranges and mandarins and 6.96 kg of bananas.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption.
Potatoes, roots and tubers
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 72.30 kg of potatoes and products, 13.65 kg of cassava and products and 0.36 kg of sweet potatoes.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption.

Protein foods

5/5
Protein foods — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Meat
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 84.43 kg of meat in total, 45.17 kg of poultry meat, 23.54 kg of beef and 10.58 kg of pork.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption. The total already includes the listed categories. The balance generally expresses meat in carcass weight.
Fish and seafood
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 2.12 kg of fish and seafood in total and 0.94 kg of freshwater fish.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption. The total includes freshwater fish. The series does not distinguish fresh from preserved fish here.
Eggs
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 6.89 kg of eggs.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption.
Milk and dairy products
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 39.06 kg of milk and products, excluding butter.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption. The aggregate category does not split out liquid milk, cheese and yogurt.
Protein sources
Quantitative findingObserved intake

Plant sources accounted for 81.1% of protein intake and animal sources for 18.9%.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2008
Unit
% of protein intake
Population or sample
Households in Achacachi, San Lorenzo and Rurrenabaque included in the study.
Geographic scope
November 2008.
Definition and method
24-hour dietary recall with the person in charge of household meals and nutrient estimates from food composition tables.
Comparison limitations
Historical result for the three municipalities studied. The table groups foods by plant and animal origin.

Fats, flavours and condiments

3/3
Fats, flavours and condiments — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Cooking fats
Quantitative findingFood supply

Estimated availability per person per year was 1.63 kg of soybean oil, 0.16 kg of sunflower oil, 0.03 kg of olive oil and 0.12 kg of butter and ghee combined.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Unit
kg/person/year
Population or sample
Bolivia’s population in the national balance.
Geographic scope
Year 2023.
Definition and method
National food balance. The amounts refer to the series categories and are expressed in kg per person per year.
Comparison limitations
Availability for human food use. The series does not measure individual intake or frequency of consumption.
Herbs and spices
Qualitative descriptionRecipe sample

Ground yellow chilli and cumin occur together in the beef-heart anticuchos and chicken sajta.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2026-11-03
Population or sample
Five published KitchenPause recipes linked to Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Catalogue consulted on 3 November 2026.
Definition and method
Public ingredient lists were checked and each recipe counted once by identity.
Comparison limitations
Partial example from the editorial collection. The sample does not represent frequency of use in households.
Sauces and condiments
Qualitative descriptionCultural context

Llajwa is a hot sauce served as an accompaniment. The published La Paz version uses locoto, tomato and either quirquiña or huacataya.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2025
Population or sample
Recipe published by the municipality of La Paz, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Published in 2025.
Definition and method
Review of the preparation and its ingredient list.
Comparison limitations
Local example of a sauce. The recipe offers a choice of herb and does not measure frequency of use.

Meal composition

6/6
Meal composition — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Breakfast composition
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

Breakfast examples included coffee with bread and cheese, api with fried foods and quinoa and apple juice.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Population or sample
Selected dishes from outlets in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews at food outlets. The list classifies dishes by meal occasion.
Comparison limitations
Examples of the dishes studied. The selection does not estimate frequency or describe all households.
Main meal composition
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

The lunch list included noodle soup with peanuts and chicken majadito as a main course.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Population or sample
Selected dishes from outlets in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews at food outlets. The list classifies dishes by meal occasion.
Comparison limitations
Examples of the dishes studied. The selection does not estimate frequency or describe all households.
Dinner composition
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

Fried chicken and ají de fideo were among the dinner mains recorded.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Population or sample
Selected dishes from outlets in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews at food outlets. The list classifies dishes by meal occasion.
Comparison limitations
Examples of the dishes studied. The selection does not estimate frequency or describe all households.
Appetisers and snacks
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

The morning snack list includes baked cheese empanada and relleno de papa.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Population or sample
Selected dishes from outlets in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews at food outlets. The list classifies dishes by meal occasion.
Comparison limitations
Examples of the dishes studied. The selection does not estimate frequency or describe all households.
Desserts and sweets
Qualitative descriptionRecipe sample

The buñuelos in the collection are a sweet fritter with panela syrup and anise in the dough.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2026-11-03
Population or sample
One published KitchenPause recipe linked to Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Catalogue consulted on 3 November 2026.
Definition and method
Review of the recipe’s ingredient list.
Comparison limitations
Editorial example of a sweet. The recipe does not establish when or how often people eat it.
Portion sizes
Quantitative findingSurvey

Chicken salteñas in the Santa Cruz market category averaged 206.29 g per portion.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Unit
g/observed portion
Population or sample
Selected dishes from outlets in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews at food outlets. The list classifies dishes by meal occasion.
Comparison limitations
One preparation and outlet category. This is an observed weight, not a recommended serving.

Techniques and equipment

5/5
Techniques and equipment — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Cooking techniques
Qualitative descriptionCultural context

The study documented boiling native potatoes and sometimes frying charke in oil after soaking.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2012–2014
Population or sample
Communities studied in Colomi, Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from 2012 to 2014.
Definition and method
Qualitative research with workshops, participant observation and interviews.
Comparison limitations
Local example of documented practices. The study does not estimate national frequency.
Vegetable preparation
Qualitative descriptionCultural context

Potatoes for papa wayk’u are boiled and served with their skins on. Some participants described baking or boiling oca.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2012–2014
Population or sample
Communities studied in Colomi, Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from 2012 to 2014.
Definition and method
Qualitative research with workshops, participant observation and interviews.
Comparison limitations
Local example of documented practices. The study does not estimate national frequency.
Food preservation
Qualitative descriptionCultural context

For chuño, the study documented exposing potatoes to outdoor freeze and thaw cycles, followed by pressing, washing and drying.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2012–2014
Population or sample
Communities studied in Colomi, Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from 2012 to 2014.
Definition and method
Qualitative research with workshops, participant observation and interviews.
Comparison limitations
Local example of documented practices. The study does not estimate national frequency.
Fermented foods
Qualitative descriptionCultural context

The case studies identified huillcaparu and yellow maize among the varieties most used to make fermented chicha.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2006
Population or sample
Cases from six municipalities in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Thesis published in 2006.
Definition and method
Case studies and participatory interviews.
Comparison limitations
Local finding on production. The thesis does not estimate national consumption frequency.
Kitchen equipment
Quantitative findingSurvey

55.0866492% had a refrigerator or freezer and 19.5214475% had a microwave.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2024
Unit
% of households with specified response
Population or sample
Censused households in Bolivia with a specified response for each appliance.
Geographic scope
2024 census.
Definition and method
Percentage distribution from the census table. Unspecified responses are excluded for each appliance.
Comparison limitations
Partial equipment coverage. The table groups refrigerators and freezers together.

Drinks

3/3
Drinks — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Everyday drinks
Quantitative findingSurvey

63.1% reported usually drinking carbonated soft drinks at least once a day in the previous 30 days.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2012
Unit
% of students aged 13–15
Population or sample
Students aged 13 to 15 attending school in Bolivia.
Geographic scope
2012 school survey.
Definition and method
Self-report questionnaire and two-stage cluster sampling.
Comparison limitations
Historical estimate for adolescents attending school. It measures frequency, without volume or sugar content.
Coffee and tea preparation
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

The recorded coffee-with-bread and tea-with-bread preparations included sugar.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Population or sample
Preparations studied at outlets in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews at outlets. The survey’s list of preparations was reviewed.
Comparison limitations
Example from the sample. The study does not estimate the proportion of people who had each drink with meals.
Drinks with meals
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

Breakfast examples studied included api with bread and coffee with bread and cheese.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Population or sample
Preparations studied at outlets in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews at outlets. The survey’s list of preparations was reviewed.
Comparison limitations
Example from the sample. The study does not estimate the proportion of people who had each drink with meals.

Nutrition and dietary patterns

3/3
Nutrition and dietary patterns — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Energy and nutrients
Quantitative findingObserved intake

In the order energy, carbohydrate, protein, total fat and fibre, daily means for men and women were 2736 and 2422 kcal, 423 and 376 g, 139 and 119 g, 46 and 40 g, and 29 and 26 g among the Tsimane. Among the Moseten they were 1990 and 1916 kcal, 284 and 258 g, 114 and 114 g, 40 and 44 g, and 15 and 15 g.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2010–2016
Unit
kcal/day and g/day
Population or sample
Adults aged 30 and over from 78 Tsimane and 4 Moseten villages in the Bolivian lowlands.
Geographic scope
Tsimane, 2010–2015. Moseten, 2015–2016.
Definition and method
24-hour dietary recall interviews on the previous day’s intake. Daily means from Table 1 by population and sex.
Comparison limitations
Historical estimates for the communities studied.
Salt and sugars
Quantitative findingObserved intake

For men and women respectively, mean total sugar was 112 and 111 g per day among the Tsimane, and 55 and 56 g among the Moseten. Estimated mean sodium was 512 and 446 mg per day among the Tsimane, and 491 and 326 mg among the Moseten.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2010–2016
Unit
g/day total sugar and mg/day sodium
Population or sample
Adults aged 30 and over from 78 Tsimane and 4 Moseten villages in the Bolivian lowlands.
Geographic scope
Tsimane, 2010–2015. Moseten, 2015–2016.
Definition and method
24-hour dietary recall interviews on the previous day’s intake. Daily means from Table 1 by population and sex.
Comparison limitations
Total sugar includes sugars present in foods. Sodium is expressed in mg and recalls may miss cooking or table salt. Historical estimates for the communities studied.
Dietary patterns
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

The survey identified a pattern with more sweets, ice cream and soft drinks, and another dominated by fresh foods with less refined cereal and added sugar intake.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2023
Population or sample
Urban households in the municipality of Cochabamba.
Geographic scope
2023 Nutrition and Development Survey.
Definition and method
Principal component and cluster analysis of reported consumption.
Comparison limitations
Local statistical patterns. The classification does not measure identification as vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian.

Shopping, prices and waste

6/7
Shopping, prices and waste — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Food expenditure
Quantitative findingPurchases

Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 37.1% of urban household consumption expenditure.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2015
Unit
% of household consumption expenditure
Population or sample
Households in urban Bolivia.
Geographic scope
2015 Household Survey.
Definition and method
Analysis of consumption expenditure reported in the survey. The percentage is the share of total consumption expenditure assigned to food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Comparison limitations
Historical estimate with partial coverage. The table lists restaurants and hotels separately. This share does not express monthly expenditure per person.
Cost of a common basket
Quantitative findingPurchases

The estimated basket included 118.69 g of pan de batalla bread and 119.79 g of potatoes per person per day. The full basket was estimated to cost 402.85 Bs per person per month.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2003–2004
Unit
g/person/day; BOB/person/month
Population or sample
Reference basket for the city of La Paz, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Quantities estimated using the 2003–2004 household survey. Valuation for December 2012.
Definition and method
The authors constructed a basket from purchases and consumption in the survey reference group and valued it using CPI prices.
Comparison limitations
Historical local estimate. The two quantities are examples from the basket. The price covers the full basket at that month's prices.
Cost of specific meals
Quantitative findingPurchases

The menu listed beef salteñas, chicken salteñas and yellow-chilli fricasé salteñas at 12 Bs each.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2026 (observed 2026-11-03)
Unit
BOB/listed item
Population or sample
Salteñas listed by Los Castores in La Paz, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Online menu consulted on 3 November 2026.
Definition and method
Direct reading of advertised prices in bolivianos per listed item.
Comparison limitations
Partial example from one establishment. Prices may change and the menu gives no item weight.
Grocery shopping locations
Quantitative findingSurvey

In the sample, 51.9% reported buying these Andean foods at markets and 31.2% at fairs.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2019
Unit
% of surveyed families
Population or sample
Sample of 285 families in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia. Mothers responsible for preparing family meals answered.
Geographic scope
2019 survey.
Definition and method
Descriptive case series. Mothers recruited at markets, supermarkets and fairs were asked where they bought quinoa, cañahua, amaranth and tarwi.
Comparison limitations
Partial finding for the foods studied. The way participants were selected limits its applicability to households as a whole.
Shopping frequency Insufficient data in the sources consulted
Prepared food and delivery
Qualitative descriptionSurvey

The dishes studied included beef and chicken salteñas as morning snacks and silpancho with egg as a main course at lunch.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2016
Population or sample
Selected dishes at food outlets and stalls in Bolivian departmental capitals.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork from October to December 2016.
Definition and method
Direct weighing and interviews with the people who prepared the dishes at the outlets.
Comparison limitations
Partial description of the dishes studied. The selection does not show how often households bought them or how much they spent on them.
Household food waste
Quantitative findingSurvey

Food leftovers accounted for 15.09% of household waste by weight. Fruit, vegetable and similar scraps accounted for 47.74%.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
2019
Unit
% by weight of characterised household waste
Population or sample
Household waste samples from the city of La Paz, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Fieldwork in the second half of 2019.
Definition and method
Waste was sorted and weighed. Percentages were weighted by the population share of each socioeconomic stratum.
Comparison limitations
Partial measurement for one city. The denominator is the weight of the household waste characterised. The study does not distinguish the edible fraction here and these percentages do not express waste per person.

Seasons and celebrations

2/2
Seasons and celebrations — Bolivia
IndicatorFindings and context
Seasonal produce
Qualitative descriptionCultural context

Wild aguaí ripens from May to July in the Chiquitania. The guide describes a preference for cooking or roasting it because of the resin in its skin.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
mayo a julio
Population or sample
Aguaí (Chrysophyllum gonocarpum) in the Bolivian Chiquitania.
Geographic scope
Local ripening season.
Definition and method
Regional botanical profile on fruiting and uses.
Comparison limitations
This describes wild fruit ripening. The species is unevenly distributed across the region.
Celebration food
Qualitative descriptionCultural context

In La Paz, Todos Santos is observed on 1 and 2 November. Offering tables include tantawawas, bread shaped like people, and breads shaped like small horses or ladders.

Scope, method and limitations
Observation period
1 y 2 de noviembre
Population or sample
Todos Santos tradition in La Paz, Bolivia.
Geographic scope
Annual November observance.
Definition and method
Municipal guide describing the festive calendar and offerings.
Comparison limitations
Examples of offerings in La Paz. The selection can vary between families.

Coverage in progress

The editorial guide for this country is in preparation. You can already explore its recipes; regional attributions are added when documented.

Guide available in other languages: Español

Places and communities

One country, many cuisines

An initial selection of regions to explore. Culinary boundaries may differ from administrative divisions.

Bolivia

Valles de Cochabamba

Bolivia

La Paz

Bolivia

Santa Cruz

Cook

Recipes connected with Bolivia

Each recipe documents one version. Geographic associations do not imply an exclusive origin.

Bolivian baked cuñapé
Image generated by the Kitchenpause team
40 minEasy

Bolivian baked cuñapé

Bolivian cassava-starch and cheese rolls with lightly golden exteriors and tender, chewy centers.

View recipe
Purple api
Image generated by the Kitchenpause team
25 minEasy

Purple api

A thick purple-corn drink with cinnamon, lemon, and sugar, served hot. Makes approximately 4 servings.

View recipe

Sources consulted

Read the sources and each document’s scope. A heritage inscription concerns a particular practice, not all of a country’s cuisine.

  1. Movilidad socioeconómica y consumo en Bolivia siip.produccion.gob.bo/noticias/files/BI_11032019baa96_6cismovi.pdf PNUD y Centro de Investigaciones Sociales Consulted: November 3, 2026
  2. Estimación de la canasta básica de alimentos y líneas de pobreza en Bolivia iisec.ucb.edu.bo/assets_iisec/publicacion/n20_a04.pdf Latin American Journal of Economic Development Consulted: November 3, 2026
  3. Menú y precios — Los Castores La Paz loscastoresbol.com/LaPaz/menu Los Castores Consulted: November 3, 2026
  4. Consumo familiar de alimentos andinos, en las ciudades de La Paz y El Alto, gestión 2019 www.scielo.org.bo/scielo.php?pid=S1652-67762020000200002&script=sci_arttext Cuadernos Hospital de Clínicas Consulted: November 3, 2026
  5. Operativo de Consumo de Alimentos Fuera del Hogar 2016, Bolivia siip.produccion.gob.bo/noticias/files/BI_111020192c6c2_4operine.pdf Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Bolivia Consulted: November 3, 2026
  6. Estudio de caracterización de residuos sólidos de la ciudad de La Paz, Bolivia lapaz.bo/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Estudio-de-Caracterizacion-de-residuos-solidos-La-Paz.pd… Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de La Paz Consulted: November 3, 2026
  7. FAOSTAT Food Balances — Bolivia, 2023 www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/FBS FAO Consulted: November 3, 2026
  8. KitchenPause — anticuchos-bolivianos-de-corazon-con-papa-y-salsa-de-mani www.kitchenpause.com/es/recetas/anticuchos-bolivianos-de-corazon-con-papa-y-salsa-de-mani KitchenPause Consulted: November 3, 2026
  9. KitchenPause — sajta-de-pollo-boliviana-con-tunta-y-mani www.kitchenpause.com/es/recetas/sajta-de-pollo-boliviana-con-tunta-y-mani KitchenPause Consulted: November 3, 2026
  10. KitchenPause — sopa-de-mani-boliviana-version-vegetariana www.kitchenpause.com/es/recetas/sopa-de-mani-boliviana-version-vegetariana KitchenPause Consulted: November 3, 2026
  11. El desayuno escolar en Bolivia. Diagnóstico de situación actual campovirtual.ipdrs.org/pluginfile.php/12972/mod_folder/content/0/c3.3%20Programas_Desayuno%2… Federación de Asociaciones Municipales de Bolivia Consulted: November 4, 2026
  12. Llajwa — receta municipal de La Paz lapaz.bo/turismo/2025/09/25/llajwa/ Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de La Paz Consulted: November 3, 2026
  13. Buñuelos bolivianos con jarabe de panela www.kitchenpause.com/es/recetas/bunuelos-bolivianos-con-jarabe-de-panela KitchenPause Consulted: November 3, 2026
  14. Indigenous Food Systems and Climate Change in Colomi, Bolivia www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2016.00020/full Frontiers in Public Health Consulted: November 4, 2026
  15. Variedades de maíz y trigo para elaborar chicha en Cochabamba redicyt.dicyt.umss.edu.bo/entities/tesis/4ce0d141-095b-4d3f-b57f-6d4cbdc7cb73 Universidad Mayor de San Simón Consulted: November 4, 2026
  16. Bolivia — tenencia de electrodomésticos, Censo 2024 nimbus.ine.gob.bo/index.php/s/Hs3YpsarQpyygtr Instituto Nacional de Estadística Consulted: November 4, 2026
  17. 2012 Bolivia Global School-based Student Health Survey fact sheet cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/ncd-surveillance/data-reporting/bolivia/gshs/2012… World Health Organization Consulted: November 4, 2026
  18. Nutrition transition in 2 lowland Bolivian subsistence populations pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6290367/ The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Consulted: November 4, 2026
  19. Dietary patterns and socioeconomic disadvantage: an analysis of food consumption patterns and their determinants in Cochabamba, Bolivia pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12632106/ Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition Consulted: November 4, 2026
  20. Guía de frutos silvestres comestibles de la Chiquitania sbb.org.bo/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Guia-Frutos-2025.pdf Fundación para la Conservación del Bosque Chiquitano Consulted: November 4, 2026
  21. Todos Santos lapaz.bo/turismo/todos-santos/ Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de La Paz Consulted: November 4, 2026
  22. Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre alimentación saludable en escolares del municipio de La Paz www.scielo.org.bo/pdf/chc/v65n2/1562-6776-chc-65-02-38.pdf Revista Cuadernos Consulted: November 4, 2026
  23. Estado nutricional y características de la dieta de un grupo de adolescentes de la localidad rural de Calama, Bolivia vbn.aau.dk/en/publications/estado-nutricional-y-caracter%C3%ADsticas-de-la-dieta-de-un-grupo… Aalborg University Research Portal Consulted: November 4, 2026
  24. Caracterización de las Familias Tarijeñas desde las Dimensiones Vinculares tja.ucb.edu.bo/estudio-caracterizacion-de-las-familias-tarijenas-desde-las-dimensiones-vincu… Universidad Católica Boliviana Consulted: November 4, 2026
  25. Desigualdades: tiempos y trabajos. Encuesta Urbana de Uso del Tiempo 2023 cedla.org/producto/desigualdades-tiempos-y-trabajos-principales-resultados-de-la-encuesta-ur… CEDLA Consulted: November 4, 2026
  26. Bolivia: destinos y cultura gastronómica conocebolivia.turismoyculturas.gob.bo/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PF-Bolivia.pdf Ministerio de Turismo y Culturas de Bolivia
  27. El plato paceño y el festival gastronómico de La Paz lapaz.bo/el-protagonista-de-las-fiestas-julias-el-plato-paceno-cierra-con-broche-de-oro-la-p… Gobierno Autónomo Municipal de La Paz
  28. Programa 200 años, 200 destinos conocebolivia.turismoyculturas.gob.bo/mapa/ Ministerio de Turismo y Culturas de Bolivia

We use session and security technologies to provide our features. Only with your permission do we load Google Analytics to measure visits and Google Maps on Contact. Choose separately, reject or accept both.

Withdraw either permission here. Withdrawing analytics reloads the page to unload the running tag.

Cookie policy