Peru is home to one of South America’s most exciting food scenes. The mix of indigenous ingredients and flavors from European, African, and Asian influences creates a rich culinary experience. From street food to fine dining, your taste buds will have a lot to explore. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best dishes you should try, where to find authentic grub, and how to navigate Peru’s dining scene like a local.
Ceviche: The Star of Peruvian Cuisine
Ceviche is Peru’s national dish and it is a must-try for anyone visiting. It’s raw fish marinated in citrus juice, usually lime, and served with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. The acid “cooks” the fish, leaving it tender with a burst of flavor. It’s fresh, zingy, and absolutely delicious.
If you’re in Lima, head to La Mar for one of the best ceviche dishes around. For a more affordable option, check out the Mercado Central or any smaller cevichería (ceviche shop) scattered throughout the city.
Lomo Saltado: A Stir-fry With a Twist
Lomo Saltado is one of the most popular dishes you’ll find in Peru. It’s a stir-fry made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce. The Chinese influence is obvious here, and you’ll often find it served with a side of crispy French fries and rice.
One of the best places to try this dish is Tanta in Lima. You can also find it easily in local mercados and casual eateries. It’s hearty and filling, perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
Aji de Gallina: A Peruvian Comfort Food
This dish might look simple, but once you taste it, you’ll understand its magic. Aji de Gallina is shredded chicken in a creamy yellow sauce made from aji amarillo (yellow chili), walnuts, and cheese. It’s often served with rice and boiled potatoes.
For a cozy dining experience, head to Panchita in Lima or find small mom-and-pop restaurants in cities like Cusco and Arequipa where you can try this dish. It’s classic comfort food at its finest.
Anticuchos: Peru’s Favorite Street Food
If you want a quick bite while exploring local markets or just walking around, grab an anticucho. These juicy skewers, often made from marinated beef heart, are grilled to perfection. Don’t let the idea of beef heart scare you away—it’s incredibly tender when cooked right.
Street vendors sell them all over Peru, especially in cities like Lima. You can also find them in lively markets like Mercado San Pedro in Cusco. Pair an anticucho with a Peruvian beer, and you’ve got a fantastic snack.
Papas a la Huancaína: Potatoes With a Kick
Papas a la Huancaína is another Peruvian classic featuring boiled potatoes smothered in a spicy and creamy aji amarillo sauce. It’s usually served as an appetizer, but it’s comforting enough to leave you satisfied as a light lunch.
Look for this dish in small restaurants or local set menus (menú del día). It’s easy to find in both high-end eateries and local joints, especially in Lima and Arequipa.
Pollo a la Brasa: Peru’s Roasted Chicken
Pollo a la Brasa is Peru’s take on roasted chicken. It’s incredibly juicy and flavorful thanks to a marinade of garlic, herbs, and spices. Pollo a la Brasa is typically served with fries and a salad, making it a straightforward but fantastic meal.
While you can find this dish almost anywhere, some of the best spots include Pardo’s Chicken and El Chinito in Lima. It’s also a popular option in small eateries across the country.
Chifa: Chinese-Peruvian Fusion
Chifa is the name given to Chinese-Peruvian food, and it’s everywhere in Peru. You’ll find familiar ingredients like rice, noodles, and stir-fries but with a Peruvian twist. One of the best dishes to try is arroz chaufa, a fried rice dish packed with garlic, soy sauce, and a mix of meats or seafood.
Chifa restaurants are all over the place, especially in Lima and Arequipa. A great recommendation would be Madam Tusan in Lima if you’re in the mood for an elevated chifa experience.
Amaz: Exploring Amazonian Cuisine
While most travelers stick to coastal or Andean cuisine, Amazonian food is also worth exploring. At a restaurant like Amaz in Lima, you can try ingredients unique to the region, such as paiche (a type of freshwater fish), Amazonian fruits, and plantains.
Amazonian cuisine is earthy and rich. If you’re visiting the Amazon region, check out local markets where vendors sell food made with freshly caught river fish and tropical fruits. It’s a world of its own, and entirely worth the detour.
Street Food in Peru
Street food plays a huge role in Peruvian dining culture. It’s affordable, delicious, and widely available in cities and towns across the country. Here are a few must-try street eats:
- Empanadas: These turnovers are stuffed with meat, cheese, or chicken and are perfect for a snack on the go.
- Tamales: Made with corn dough and filled with chicken or pork, you’ll find tamales being sold early in the morning as a breakfast option.
- Churros: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often filled with caramel or dulce de leche.
- Rocoto Relleno: This stuffed pepper is filled with minced meat and topped with cheese. It’s particularly common in the Arequipa region.
When it comes to finding street food, it’s hard to go wrong. Wander through markets like Mercado San Pedro in Cusco or Parque Kennedy in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood for plenty of options.
Regional Specialties
Peru has a number of regional specialties depending on where you go. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to try in different areas:
- Cusco: Don’t leave without trying cuy (guinea pig). It’s often roasted and served whole. Another dish to try in Cusco is chiriuchu, a traditional Andean dish.
- Arequipa: Known for its spicy food, try adobo (pork stew) and chupe de camarones (shrimp soup).
- The Andes: Pachamanca is an Andean specialty where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked underground over hot rocks.
Where to Eat: From Markets to Fine Dining
Markets
When in Peru, visit the local markets for a real taste of the country. Meals are cheap, quick, and authentic. Popular markets like Mercado Central in Lima and Mercado San Pedro in Cusco offer plenty of food stalls with everything from ceviche to soups like sancochado (a Peruvian stew).
Local Restaurants
You don’t need to spend a lot to eat well in Peru. Small restaurants, known as cevicherías or huariques, serve up delicious local fare at wallet-friendly prices. The menú del día is common in these spots; it’s usually a set price for a starter, main dish, and drink.
Fine Dining
If you’re looking for fine dining, Lima is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Places like Central, Maido, and Astrid y Gastón consistently rank on “World’s Best” lists. You’ll get a deeper look into Peruvian cuisine with innovative and refined techniques.
Final Thoughts on Eating in Peru
Peru’s food scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re into fresh seafood, hearty stews, or discovering new flavors from the Amazon, you’re in for a treat. The food here is diverse, affordable, and—most importantly—delicious. Just dive in and enjoy!
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