Franz Eliz
It’s good to try local dishes in the country you visit, but sometimes you just feel like eating food that reminds you of home. I craved Japanese food during my stay in Bolivia, probably because I missed Asia (and Japanese food is simply awesome). So when I learned that La Paz has restaurants serving Japanese food, I was thrilled.
Restaurant Japonés Kenchan, Santo Ramen Restaurante, New Tokyo, Furusato, Ramen SEIKA, Make Sushi, Hanabi, and New Sakura are Japanese restaurants to visit in La Paz because they offer tasty dishes typical of Japan. Whether you like ramen or sushi, there’s something for you.
I have dined at all these restaurants. From my experience, they’re worth visiting. Keep reading as I discuss each restaurant.
1. Restaurant Japonés Kenchan
Restaurant Japonés Kenchan is a Japanese restaurant in Sopocachi, La Paz. It has an extensive menu with sushi, sashimi, and more.
I ordered a set menu that included rice, trucha (trout), tempura, a bowl of soup, soy sauce, and pickled vegetables. It was absolutely delicious. I always struggle to finish my food. But this time I ate everything clean!
My friend Yasmin joined me for lunch. Her meal was similar to mine. Instead of trout, she had shrimp tempura. Her dish also included some salad.
Restaurant Japonés Kenchan is at the top of my list. I really enjoyed my dish. The restaurant can get quite packed, so customers may have to wait outside to be seated. I decided to wait, as I came all the way from Obrajes to dine at the restaurant. Despite having to wait 20 minutes for a table, it was worth it.
All in all, I spent 197 Bolivianos for us.
Getting there:
It was easy to get there. I took a minivan (combi) from Obrajes for 3 BOB. I had my GPS turned on, so as soon as I got closer to the location, I asked to get down. The driver dropped me on the right-hand side of the road. Then I just walked a little further until I saw the restaurant’s signboard on my right. I walked through an alley that took me to the restaurant.
Address: FVQG+XQG, La Paz, Bolivia
2. Santo Ramen Restaurante
Santo Ramen Restaurante was my go-to place for ramen when I was staying in La Paz. I have been there more than once. The ramen never disappoints – no wonder it’s so popular.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. I would only sit outside at the bar. Sitting at the bar was nice because I could watch the cooks prepare my meal. I remember it was a little too hot inside the restaurant. Thus, I decided to sit outside instead from then on.
I loved their Miso Ramen and pork gyozas. The Miso Ramen came in a big portion. I always struggled to finish it. My friends and I would share pork gyozas. There were four pieces. Eating pork gyozas is more fun when with friends!
For drinks, I ordered tea. Well, it’s called tea – that’s what I called it upon ordering – but it tasted more like kombucha.
In terms of customer service, I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5. The staff were nice and helpful. And some of them speak English. The restaurant is pet-friendly, meaning you can bring along your pets. My friend brought her Golden Retriever along for dinner at Santo Ramen.
On one occasion, I spent USD 38.03 (about 450 Bolivianos). I believe this was the price for two people. The bill covered two bowls of ramen, drinks (an alcoholic and a non-alcoholic), and one plate of gyozas.
Getting there:
Santo Ramen is in Calacoto in the south zone (zona sur). I used to stay in Obrajes and Achumani – also in the south zone – so getting to Calacoto was easy. For example, I would take any minivan that says CALACOTO from Av. Hernando Siles while I was staying in Obrajes. The ride would take about 7 to 10 minutes – a little bit more during peak hours. After Calacoto, this minivan would drive further to Cota Cota (or sometimes Achumani).
Then, I would ask to stop at the nearest point, as usual, by the side of the road. I would get down at Calle 10 (10th Street). It would take me a couple of minutes to walk. Santo Ramen would be on my left.
Address: 00000, C. 14 de Calacoto 8127, La Paz, Bolivia
3. New Tokyo
Another of my top favourite Japanese restaurants in La Paz is New Tokyo. Like Santo Ramen, New Tokyo is located in Calacoto. I went to New Tokyo at night without any reservation. While walk-ins are welcome, it’s good practice to make a reservation to secure a table. New Tokyo is quite popular, after all.
I have only been to New Tokyo once. For dinner, I ordered a bowl of rice served with fresh trout. There was some seaweed on it. The rice dish came with a bowl of soup. I believe it was miso soup.
For refreshment, I had hot green tea. Having green tea at a Japanese restaurant is a must for me whenever possible.
A local friend joined me for dinner. It wasn’t his first time there. He ordered a plate of octopus sushi. The sushi came with wasabi and fresh ginger.
Overall, the atmosphere at New Tokyo was inviting. Even when the restaurant was packed with people, the noise was manageable. I could still hold a conversation at ease. In terms of customer service, it was neither quick nor slow.
All in all, I spent 215 Bolivianos for two people at New Tokyo.
Getting there:
I came at night by Uber. But I believe you can get there by taking a minivan to Farmacias Chávez. The pharmacy is right by the road. Ask the driver to drop you off there. It only takes 1 minute to get there by car. But on foot, it takes 6 minutes.
Address: C. 17 8048, La Paz, Bolivia
4. Furusato
Another restaurant in Calacoto worth visiting is Furusato. The restaurant was awarded for its excellence. I have only been there once, so I didn’t get to try many dishes. I had dumplings, cucumber salad, and noodles. Out of the three, I especially loved the cucumber salad. It was very delicious.
I arrived at the restaurant a little too close to closing time. Most people had already left by the time I was ready to order. I wish I could have ordered more food, but there was not much time left. A second visit would be nice.
Anyhow, the customer service was good. The restaurant had a relaxing atmosphere. Overall, it was a lovely experience.
Getting there:
I travelled to Furusato from Achumani. It was easy to get there by minivan. The driver dropped me off by the roadside on the main road going towards Calacoto. It took a bit of walking to Furusato.
I don’t remember where my drop-off point was. But I suggest asking the driver to drop you off near Mokaffee on Calle 10. It takes about 4 minutes on foot to Furusato.
Address: Av. de la Fuerza Naval 437, La Paz, Bolivia
5. Ramen SEIKA
I wasn’t planning on eating at Ramen SEIKA at first. But the Japanese restaurant I wanted to visit nearby was closed. When I saw Ramen SEIKA, I thought of giving it a try instead. And I was glad I did. I absolutely enjoyed my ramen. It was very delicious! I felt like I was back in Asia.
My dish cost 30 Bolivianos. The other dish also cost the same.
The restaurant is small, so tables are also limited. Alternatively, customers can dine at bar-style tables.
Some people complained that some of the ramen had more fat than meat. What a bummer. Not for me, though. Fat is good for the brain. So, give me all that fat!
Another reason to like Ramen SEIKA was its decor. The walls had anime wallpapers, even in the toilet. I saw a picture of Son Goku in the toilet. Awkward. But somehow that made me happy. The toilet was clean, and so was the entire restaurant.
In terms of service, it was quick. Overall, I had a good experience at Ramen SEIKA. I would totally go back again.
Getting there:
You can get there by Uber or any e-hailing ride. I took the minivan to the city centre, somewhere near a roundabout called Plaza del Estudiante. If you stop there, walk down the road. Ramen SEIKA will be on your left.
Address: FVW9+GMJ, Batallón Colorados, La Paz, Bolivia
6. Make Sushi
Make Sushi is a sushi restaurant with different outlets. I have been to the Obrajes and Achumani outlets. I like the one in Achumani as it was close to my home. The sushi options at Make Sushi looked interesting. And yet, I have never ordered any. But I have tried some of the sushi whenever a friend ordered it.
I usually ordered noodles whenever I visited the Obrajes outlet. At the Achumani outlet, I liked to order their trucha dish. The trucha dish was my favourite.
I’ve been to Make Sushi a couple of times. I had a good experience, in general. My only complaints would be that the restaurant only accepted cash and their drink options were limited. Other than these, all good.
At Maki Sushi, I would spend around 200 Bolivianos for two people.
Getting there
If you’re visiting the Obrajes outlet by minivan, stop at Calle 6. The restaurant will be on your left if you’re coming from downtown La Paz.
The Achumani outlet is between Calle 14 and Calle 15. If you’re from Calacoto, take any minivan that goes to Achumani. Stop at Jaime Escalante Park. You can also get there by PumaKatari, which is a local bus service in La Paz. From the park, walk up the hilly road towards a local neighbourhood at Av. Alexander. Take the left junction and walk further up until you reach Make Sushi on your left.
Address: Av. Alexander #7722 (between streets 13 and 14), Achumani, La Paz, Bolivia
7. Hanabi
Despite not having a high Google rating, I thought Hanabi was quite good. Sure, the restaurant might not look as interesting as the rest of the restaurants mentioned in this article. But the food wasn’t bad. In fact, I finished my food.
Remember that restaurant I wanted to go to, but it was closed? Yes, I meant Hanabi. I tried going there more than once, but I was a little too late every time. Luckily, it was open during my last attempt.
I learned about Hanabi from a local friend. He said the restaurant is owned by a local of Japanese descent and that the food is authentic and affordable. I had a chance to meet the owner when I visited. He seemed nice.
My first impression of the restaurant was that it was so quiet. There were no customers at first, until an hour later. All in all, only three tables were occupied. The atmosphere was very relaxed. It almost felt like I was in a restaurant for old people. I don’t know why, but it just gave me that vibe.
Maybe it was also the restaurant’s old-fashioned decor. But thanks to that, the restaurant felt more authentic, and it reminded me of some parts of Japan.
Before the food arrived, I picked up some magazines to read. They were written in Japanese.
Fun fact: The restaurant is located in the same building as the Sociedad Japonesa La Paz (also known as the Japanese Society of La Paz).
Overall, I enjoyed my time there. I don’t like crowds, so having some quiet time was nice. I ordered the lunch menu – rice with gyozas served with soup and salad. And I also had hot green tea.
Before leaving, I bought a souvenir from the restaurant. It was a smiling crocheted onigiri. Kawaii!
All in all, I spent 121 Bolivianos on all the dishes, drinks, and one souvenir.
Getting there:
You can get there by Uber or your preferred e-hailing ride. I took the minivan to the city centre, somewhere near Plaza del Estudiante. If you plan to do the same, walk down the road from the roundabout. You will see Ramen SEIKA (another Japanese restaurant) on your left.
Keep walking further down until the end of the street. Hanabi will be on your right. Pay attention to the sign that says ‘Sociedad Japonesa La Paz’. Enter that building and walk up the stairs. The restaurant will be on your right.
Address: FVWC+P3P, Federico Zuazo, La Paz, Bolivia
8. New Sakura
The last restaurant in Calacoto on this list is New Sakura. Just like the restaurants in Calacoto discussed here, New Sakura has received many positive reviews from diners. I’ve been to New Sakura once and thought that the restaurant was lovely.
On the outside, the establishment looked like a regular home. It did feel like I was going to someone’s house. It felt homely. Chifa Pagoda in Cota Cota has a similar concept.
New Sakura provides outdoor seating. I sat indoors because it was cold and rainy. The only customers at the time were just me and my friend. We came in the afternoon, and it was pretty quiet. The owner was nice. He took our orders.
My friend ordered trout sushi, and I ordered Nabeyaki Udon. The Nabeyaki Udon tasted different from the Nabeyaki Udon I am used to, but I still enjoyed it. We had our meals with hot green tea.
Overall, it was a lovely experience. The restaurant’s decor was nice. I liked how the place had a fireplace and wooden furniture, giving the premises a rustic feel. The restaurant also had a traditional Japanese vibe to it thanks to its wooden floors and ceilings and sakuras, as well as Japanese wall art.
Getting there:
At Av. Ballivián, you can ask your minivan to drop you off at Calle 13, perhaps at a home goods store called Dismac. If you’re coming from Achumani or Cota Cota, Dismac will be on your left, right by the road. From there, walk for 5 minutes to New Sakura.
Address: Av. Julio Patiño 668, La Paz, Bolivia
Friendly note: Many restaurants in Bolivia only accept cash. Cash is king in Bolivia. But if you can only make card payments, then be sure to ask the establishment beforehand whether or not you can pay by card.