Pollo broasted y la brasa a gringo nightmare

by GringaAbroad
(Santa Cruz de la Sierra)

I'm a U.S student living in Santa Cruz de la Sierra this summer/technically winter. I've lived in this city for two weeks now and with the Fourth of July coming and getting really homesick. I'd just like to put in my commentary on the recommended food above that I Googled "where to find a hamburger in Santa Cruz de la sierra."

Bolivians do not believe in beef. Now don't get me wrong, they have dishes with beef in them but the Bolivian hamburger is a sad sad thing that makes the hungry, homesick gringo cry.

If one is a fan of deep fried chicken WELCOME TO YOUR PARADISE! Pollo broasted = that same type stuff your southern grandma brought to pot lucks at church. Typically the meal comes with fried plantains, french fries (ask for more salt), fried rice, this delicious salsa that I'm a Mexican at stomach and is quite comparable and your typical South American really sweet ketchup.

If someone would please tell me where I can find a real hooray USA burger I'd pretty much be forever grateful.

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Apr 03, 2016
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Try hard rock cafe
by: Anonymous

They have the standard menu including cheese burgers and mushrooms (my fav)... Closest to the American Dream burger you'll get in SCZ!

Jul 12, 2012
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comment title?
by: GringaAbroad

Wow! This is pretty awesome how many people are commenting and thank you all for your beautiful suggestions. I tried hamburgeas Toby and well it worked for the fourth of july after I skyped my family and ate apple pie while watching Katy Perry's FIREWORK music video (God bless America, land of edible food!). I found a place near the GNC near the plaza (names are my weakness) that has hamburgers that instead of pickle have pineapple. It wasn't the best but it was clearly closer to the previous. I (Kosher Jew) am kinda delighted that despite the lack of actual hamburger there is also a lack of bacon burgers. This would upset most Americans but is clearly a sign there is hope! Time to continue the culinary trail! Side note: this isn't just a Bolivia problem, I'm a chronically anemic college student who is always on the hunt for a good place for red meat.

Jul 12, 2012
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Two Good Options
by: Warren

If you want a good burger head to the Los Hierros Grill right by the Cristo. A decent fast and cheap burger can be had at Pickers in IC Norte or the Cine Center. Corralito can be great but it is hit and miss.

Jul 12, 2012
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Fridolin
by: Tara

Whoever gets brave enough to try the hamburger at Fridolin, do yourself a favor and try the mocha cake. Yum. It will leave a great taste in your mouth even if the hamburger doesn't :)

Jul 11, 2012
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Fridolin Hamburgers
by: Steve Baker

Oops! I was having pollo milanesa at the Fidolin today on Monseñor, when I decided to peruse the menu. Lo and behold, I was wrong in my previous comment--they DO have hamburgers. But, though I love Fridolin, I wouldn't get my hopes up about their burgers, though I hope someone will give one a try and report here what they discover. Meanwhile, please pass me that delicious pollo milanesa!

Jul 09, 2012
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El Corralito Restaurant
by: Steve Baker

This place (El Corralito) was recommended to me, so we tried it. The place was soooo empty for lunch! The hamburger took FOREVER! It was a "real" hamburger, not the famous Fridosa fake meat (leather and soy) that most places in Santa Cruz serve.

But it was not good hamburger! These guys, unfortunately, don't know what they're doing, in my humble opinion. Sorry Teresa!

Kingburger and Hot Burger are both extremely bad! Fridolin has the best pollo milanesa in town, but they don't serve hamburgers. The Med has sort of a hamburger, but I'd avoid it if I were you.

Margie is right, you have to make your own! Brixy dill pickles are wonderful, better for hamburger than those in the U.S. and Heinz ketchup and Kraft American cheese slices are available at the larger supermarkets.

Bon appetite!

Jul 04, 2012
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Re: Pollo broasted y la brasa a gringo nightmare
by: Steve Baker

I feel your pain!!! I'm originally from Indiana, but have lived in Santa Cruz for a few years now. My wife and I eat out very often, but we have never found even a mediocre hamburger in Bolivia. Burger King might be the best and they are abysmal.

But there is hope. I have perfected the perfect American hamburger in Bolivia. We'd love to invite you over for one or two. I can be reached through BoliviaBella (by responding in the comment section below) or justmoondog@hotmail.

We even have American pickles, cheese, and Heinz ketchup! I can't live without a good hamburger either!

Jul 03, 2012
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WHERE¨S THE BEEF?
by: Teresa Brown de Pena

Hi! You are going to be so very happy!!!!!!!

Go to EL CORRALITO restaurant in Santa Cruz

for an excellent hamburger (tender, juicy, flavorful cuadril beef) with french fries on the side and 3 or 4 sauces to dip from. They sell the hamburger by the weight of the patty.

They also offer ribs that are awesome too!
I know Boliviabella loves them! The portion is very large, you will be carrying a doggy-bag home with you!

Address: 588 Cochabamba St.
Tel: 3-334-6348

The wall outside is painted black and white like a cow! Inside, the decor is American western style, with a Santa Cruz twist. They play American music in the background.

Ask for the owner and he will be happy to talk with you. Tell him Teresa from New York sent you and you found out about it on Bolivia bella!

¡PROVECHO!

Jul 03, 2012
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Dear Gringo Abroad
by: Margie Mindel

If you want a really home-made style hamburger--make it yourself. I use my mom's recipe. You can use yours. Or find some other ex-pats who are planning a 4th of July picnic: hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, cole slaw, etc. Anyone offering?

Jul 03, 2012
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Hamburgers...
by: Tara

I'm technically a vegetarian, so I didn't do much searching for hamburgers:) It's harder to find good vegetarian food (that is not just rice and plantain) than it is to find a decent hamburger, trust me.

On this site, BoliviaBella mentions Corralito as one of the best places to get a burger. A friend of mine in Santa Cruz says that Kingburger is one of the better places. You can also try Fridolin. Their food is decent overall and I think they have hamburgers. You can also try the fast food places (Burger King, Hot, Toby's, etc.) Or possibly Picolo's in the city center. I think they have burgers.

Have fun in Santa Cruz! This is only the 2nd time in 6 years that I will see the fireworks here in the States :) Part of me misses July winters!

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