When in Bolivia, Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Bolivia is well-known in South America for its rich natural resources. Consequently, the country is also famous for the wide variety of its cuisines that use Bolivian native ingredients with influences mainly from Spanish cuisine. Immigrants have also put their own spins on the local cuisine such that restaurants and eateries offer German, Italian, Basque, and Polish fare.
Dining Etiquette
When in Bolivia, there is a certain dining etiquette to remember. You will be able to enjoy your food and drinks more when you show respect for the people’s custom at the dining table. The most important of the dining etiquette includes:
• Although punctuality is not expected, arrive on time just to show respect for your host. Or to be a Bolivian for a day, arrive 20 minutes late.
• You are, however, expected to stay for at least 30 minutes after the meal is finished as a sign of courtesy for the host and his guests.
• Guests are served first. Wait for the host to say “Buen provecho” as your cue for an invitation to eat at his table.
• Refuse the food when it is first offered because this is a custom in the country. Wait for the host to insist, which you should then accept or risk insulting your host.
• Always use utensils even on fruits.
• Wait for the host to make a toast before you make one of your own.
The main rule when being merry by eating and drinking in Bolivia is to treat the dining experience as a social event. Business matters should not be discussed, ever.
Eat and be Merry
Look beyond Bolivia’s reputation as having the original meat-and-potatoes cuisine. You will find that its people love good food just as much as the next gourmand albeit using local ingredients.
Vegetarians may have difficulty finding good food here, however, as Bolivians love meat and plenty of it, too. The most commonly used meat in dishes is beef followed by pork, chicken and llama with the most favorite way of preparing these meats being deep frying. Yes, Bolivian cuisine is not exactly heart-friendly but it is definitely tongue-friendly so much so that the risk may well be worth it.
Street food is a cheap but filling option in Bolivia. Go for the anticucho (beef hearts grilled and then served with potatoes drizzled with a spicy corn sauce) and salchipapa (sausage fried with potatoes). Breakfast is a happy affair with salteña, tucumana and empanada while the health-conscious can start the day with ensalada de frutas (fruit salad).
Drink and Be Merry
What is food without drinks? In Bolivia, almost every market has stalls offering juice bars, shakes and Vitaminico (whole egg with its shell, beer and sugar mixed with coca leaves). Mocochinchi is also a popular drink, which is made by brewing spices, peaches and water. The api is made from corn and it is so good that you will want to drink it every day.
Alcoholic drinks in Bolivia are also common. Try the chichi, which is made from fermented resulting to a whitish, sour and alcoholic brew. Be sure to spill a little on the soil as an offering to the Incan earth goddess.
So, prepare your palate for the delights of Bolivia!
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