Bolivia’s Best Restaurant: Gustu Restaurant
Claus Meyer, creator and co-founder of the #2 rated restaurant in the world Noma, embarked on a new Bolivian venture, one that is much more than a restaurant. Gustu restaurant was set up with a vision that is all-encompassing, one that focuses on the development of his inspiration as a restaurateur, the customer and providing novel, creative, and high-quality cuisine, as well as the improvement in quality of life for Bolivians. It has since become an independent company and has a school inside its premises, paving the way for a Bolivian culinary revolution.
Claus Meyer’s creation
Following in the footsteps of other Latin American culinary pioneers such as Peru’s Gaston Acurio, Meyer hopes to put the country’s cuisine on the map, elevating Bolivian cuisine, and providing his customers with a totally new and exciting culinary experience. Opened in April 2013 in La Paz’s Zona Sur, Gustu, like Noma, promotes local and indigenous ingredients, incorporating Bolivia’s myriad of available products sourced from all over the country. The potential of the raw ingredients available in the country’s dramatically different and biodiverse regions, much like its neighbor Peru, allows Meyer’s team to create highly unique and creative offerings. The result is a menu including dishes like sous-vide llama shoulder, sun-dried Bolivian potatoes, and poached local river trout, all of which can be enjoyed a la carte or as part of a tasting menu paired with Bolivian wines and spirits. It is by far the best high-end dining experience in all of Bolivia and truly unique and refreshing dining experience.
Awards and Accolades
Gustu Restaurant has been internationally recognized, with Gustu’s chef, Kamilla Seidler, being crowned Latin America’s best female chef in 2016. This young Danish chef is at the forefront of making Gustu a reference for Bolivian gastronomy. On the World’s Top 50 Restaurant List, Gustu is consistently listed as the Best REstaurant in Bolivia.
The Melting Pot Foundation
Beyond being an excellent restaurant, Gustu also supports Meyer’s Melting Pot Foundation, aimed to train locals from humble backgrounds to be future chefs, waiters, managers and other restaurant employees. Some profits from the restaurant will be reinvested in projects like the associated Gustu Cooking School and as well as provided to local farmers in an effort to encourage them to rediscover, embrace, and produce certain ingredientsts. Meyer is inviting diners to, in addition to having a world-class meal, participate in a social and culinary movement, thus creating a model of long-term sustainability.
Bolivia Tailormade travel
Aracari specializes in tailormade travel to Bolivia and Peru. Contact us for travel advice and to book a trip to Bolivia.