Located in south-western Bolivia, Uyuni is a small town of just 14,000 people. Because of its proximity to the salt flats, the dusty little town has become a huge draw for tourists from all over the world. Whether it is hiking through the Salar de Uyuni or walking around the train graveyard (which is a great place to click some photographs), tourists are likely to build up quite an appetite!
Travellers will come across several places throughout the city where they can grab a bite, including the food stalls that serve a Bolivian version of fast food.
This Uyuni restaurant guide gives you an idea of what food you'll expect to find whilst in town, as well as listing some good Uyuni restaurants. Information about traditional Bolivian cuisine can be found on our Bolivian restaurant guide. On your way to eating out, why not do a bit of shopping in Uyuni.
Food & Cuisine in Uyuni
A dusty town located in the middle of the Bolivian desert, with a train cemetery clinging to its outskirts, Uyuni is but a gateway to the vast and white Salar de Uyuni and the extraordinary desert beyond - a must-see for all those visiting South America. Therefore, quality restaurants in Uyuni aren't its speciality, but you can still find filling and hearty Bolivian and international food and cuisine.
From the standard Margheritas to more exotic combinations of vegetables, cheese and meats to the daily specials, there is always a pizza for everyone! The food stalls also serve a variety of nachos, pastas, cookies, cakes and, in the morning, breakfast. Potato forms an important part of any meal in this region. Rice and pastas are also among the favourites. Bolivians are said to eat more pork than people in the USA; chicken and beef are the other common foods consumed. An occasional restaurant in Uyuni might also serve llama, goat or cuy (guinea pig).
Those feeling a tad guilty about eating pizzas instead of tasting the local cuisine in Uyuni, could order a Bolivian micro brewed beer, such as Chala, which is a white beer produced in Sucre. What's more, some restaurants in Uyuni offer a good selection of South American wines at pretty reasonable prices. Don't forget to ask for the week's bargain-priced selection!
The Uyuni restaurants are convivial spots and thus quite popular among travellers. They offer welcome human comforts after the harsh conditions around the Salar. Travellers will be happy to know that the pizzas are generously sized and extremely tasty; one can even indulge in a candlelit dinner with a glass of wine or a wholesome pre-tour breakfast.
Uyuni also has some French-run pubs and restaurants; some of these are furnished with comfortable wooden furniture around a log fire. These places serve plenty of drinks and a classy but short menu that offers croques monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich), llama steaks and crepes with a gourmet touch. The service is best when the boss is around!
Additionally, Uyuni also has some friendly cafes, which win points for their charming names and keep visitors happy with various breakfast options, baguettes, sandwiches and a great pique (a Bolivian favourite of sausages, chopped beef, chips and a spicy sauce) in the evening. Simple and pleasing, these places also serve some wines. What's more, there are a number of pubs that have a welcoming feel thanks to their wooden tables, board games and friendly attitude. While these spots are popular for drinks, they also serve some tasty Bolivian dishes.
Traditional Bolivian Cuisine
Bolivia's traditional cuisine includes empanada salteña (chicken, diced meat, diced potatoes, raisins, pepper and hot sauce mixed in a dough), lomo montado (a fried tender loin steak eaten with fried eggs, fried banana and rice), picante de pollo (which is rice, fried chicken, fried potatoes, tossed salad with peppers) and lechón al horno (a roast pig served with fried plantains and sweet potato). Popular drinks include Paceña, which is a local beer, and chichi, which is made from fermented cereals and corn. Empanadas (or bread rolls filled with cheese), chicharron (fried bits of pork) and humitas (balls of corn dough stuffed with cheese) are some of the other delicacies of this region.
Hola from Terra Andina... your local connection in Uyuni and South Lipez. We live around the largest salt flat in the world and some of the most intriguing, extreme natural conditions anywhere! We have spent our lives exploring all the nooks and crannies of southern Bolivia and are thrilled to be able to spread the word to our foreign friends. Come run and frolic on crazy amounts of salt and maybe even taste a little if you like. Feel free to pick our brains if you have any questions and we will give you all the inside tips! Hasta Luego!!
