Pao's Pastries & Cafe — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Pao's Pastries was my first time having Bolivian food. Bolivian food is very hard to find in Los Angeles, and I believe Pao's Pastries is the only existing establishment that serves it. Their specialties here are the pastries, most specifically the saltenas, but they do have quite a menu of other stuff. Along with the chicken saltena, I also got the sopa de mani (creamy chicken soup), the silpancho (thin breaded steak) and relleno papa (potato ball). All of it was great. It's very similar tasting to Central American food. What I especially liked is the large portions of the food. Even the saltena was huge, bigger than any empanada I've had in other countries.

If you want to try all your basic Bolivian foods, then this is the place to go. Everything tastes fresh, and from what I researched, it's pretty authentic. It's a taste of Bolivia in Van Nuys. Even their ice coffees here are pretty amazing. The only downside is street parking, but other than that, come here to enjoy the amazing food. I shot a Youtube video of my experience at Pao's Pastries, which you can find on my channel,...

Decided to take myself out for lunch at a new place. Came out on a quiet saturday afternoon and had the place to myself. It's tucked away on a small street off Van Nuys Blvd, a block from the library. Ordering was easy and met with a big smile from the owner. Other reviews said to try the Silpancho and that's exactly what I wanted. Such a simple meal made with love. Perfectly fried steak on a bed of white rice and lightly fried potato slices, with two perfect eggs ontop and an onion tomato garnish. Got their strawberry lemonade as well. Sweet and refreshing on a warm summer day. Decided to sit outside under an umbrella. Everything came out fast and hot. Portion is quite large, I ate half and am taking the other half for later. Will have to come back for the...

When I tell you this is my happy place. I 100% am not lying. My family is from La Paz and Cochabama, and no other restaurant that serves salteñas compares to here. It is my home away from home. I love watching them make salteñas. It reminds me of my tias and abuela. It is worth the drive to get a little piece of home. The cost is great and the atmosphere is lovely. I drop at least $30 every time I go, and it's worth it. I bring my friends and they immediately love it!! Don't go anywhere else. A whole country and tradition live in that kitchen, and I...