Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 2 Episode 5 Bolivia
- TVPG
- April 1, 2008
- 43 min
-
8.2 (16)
In season 2 episode 5 of the popular travel and food show Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, our intrepid host ventures to the stunning South American country of Bolivia to explore its diverse culinary landscape. Bolivia is a country known for its rugged natural beauty, Andean culture, and rich history, and Andrew is excited to go on an unforgettable food adventure.
The episode kicks off with Andrew exploring Bolivia's bustling capital city of La Paz, where he samples some of the city's most beloved street foods. From deep-fried pork skewers to savory salteñas, Andrew discovers how Bolivia's indigenous and immigrant cultures have blended together to create a truly unique cuisine. He also gets his hands dirty learning how to make one of Bolivia's most iconic dishes, a spicy llama stew called pique macho.
Next, Andrew heads to the picturesque town of Coroico in the Yungas region, where he discovers the surprisingly sophisticated flavors of Bolivian coffee. He visits a local coffee plantation where farmers have been growing high-quality Arabica beans for generations. Andrew learns about the challenges of growing coffee at high altitudes and then has the opportunity to roast his own beans and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee overlooking the stunning Bolivian countryside.
One of the highlights of the episode is when Andrew ventures into the Amazon rainforest to learn about the traditional foods and medicines of the indigenous Quechua people. He joins a group of hunters and gatherers on a hunt for coati, a small mammal found in the forests of South America. After an arduous journey through the jungle, Andrew and the hunters return to the village to cook up their catch using traditional methods.
Andrew also visits one of the most unique food markets in South America, the notorious Witch's Market in La Paz. Here, he meets local healers and shamans who sell everything from dried herbs and spices to live frogs and llama fetuses. Andrew tries some of the traditional medicines and learns about the role that food and ritual play in Bolivian culture.
Finally, Andrew heads to the salt flats of Uyuni, one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Here, he samples some of the area's most unusual foods, including dried llama foetus and paprika-infused fried chicken. He also learns about the salt flats' rich mining history and how salt has been a crucial part of Bolivian trade and economy for centuries.
Throughout the episode, Andrew's enthusiasm and sense of adventure shine through as he uncovers the many fascinating aspects of Bolivian cuisine and culture. From the busy city streets of La Paz to the remote jungles and salt flats of Bolivia's hinterland, this episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern offers a full sensory experience of one of South America's most fascinating countries.