Discover South America's Leading Culinary Destination
Are you craving a culinary experience? Then Peru might be just the place you're looking for. Known for its unique blend of flavours and tastes, Peru is fast becoming the leading culinary destination in South America. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds— it's time to discover the unique flavours of Peruvian food!
Peruvian Cuisine
Various cultures have influenced Peruvian dishes for over 10,000 years. From the world-renowned ceviche to traditional staples like chicharrones, Peru has a dynamic and unique food culture you won't find elsewhere. Whether you’re getting your grub on in Cusco or sampling street food in Lima, here are some of the delicious recipes that you have to try while exploring this incredible country.
A trip to Peru would not be complete without tasting its most famous dish—ceviche. This fresh seafood concoction is made with chopped raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions and spices. It's a classic Peruvian dish that's served all over the country and it comes in many different forms — from shellfish to octopus, each ceviche is as unique as it is tasty!
Peruvian cuisine also offers plenty of delicious meat dishes like papa rellena: Potato croquettes stuffed with meat and spices. Lomo saltado: a stir-fry dish with vegetables, beef and French fries cooked in a savory sauce. Seco de Carne: a stew made with beef or lamb cooked in cilantro and red onion.
These are just some examples of Peru's unique flavours - it would be impossible to list them all! Peru has something special for every taste bud, whether it's seafood or vegetarian options.
Best Cities for a Gastronomic Experience
If you're planning to go on a culinary adventure in Peru, you should definitely check out the cities of Cusco and Lima.
It’s impossible to ignore the distinction between coastal and mountain food. These two styles of cooking have come together over the years to create a unique identity for Peruvian cuisine. The coastal regions of Peru are rich in fresh seafood, so it comes as no surprise that dishes like ceviche are so popular here.
Heading inland, you'll find that mountain food is characterized by hearty stews and soups that are perfect for warming up on a cold winter's day.
CUSCO
From typical Andean food to hip-organic restaurants, there’s a lot to choose from, and Cusco is no exception! When walking around the city, you can find many quirky and hipster-filled coffee shops.
But if you want to try a true Peruvian experience, you should check out one of the many restaurants in the city serving up some of the most famous dishes in Peru. From classic staples like lomo saltado and aji de gallina to more adventurous dishes like roasted guinea pig — there’s plenty to explore.
WOULD YOU TRY THE GUINEA PIG?
Eating guinea pigs is a long-standing tradition in Peru, and the best place to experience it is in Cusco. The guinea pig is typically served with potatoes and salad. The meat is incredibly tender, juicy and full of flavour. It's cooked over an open flame so you can expect a smoky aroma. It tastes a little like chicken but it has a fattier flavour.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS IN CUSCO
If you’re ready to dive into a culinary adventure, come along as we explore some of the best restaurants in Cusco.
pisco sour
Peru is the actual birthplace of the Pisco Sour. In fact, there’s even a town in Peru that bears the name Pisco! Made with pisco brandy, simple syrup, lime juice, egg white, and a few dashes of bitters, the pisco sour's taste is a tantalizing mix of tart, sweet, silky, and herbaceous. It's a fabulous cocktail and an excellent excuse to explore the diverse range of piscos available.
I’ve tried Pisco Sour in other South American countries, and I have to admit that there is just no comparison with the Peruvian recipe!
CHOCOLATE TASTING IS A MUST IN CUSCO!
Chocolate is part of the Peruvian culture and it has been a part of the local cuisine for centuries. In fact, Peru is known for producing some of the best chocolate in the world! It comes as no surprise that there are plenty of different ways to experience chocolate in Cusco.
Pay a visit to one of Cusco’s many chocolate factories for a tasting experience that will satisfy your sweet tooth. You can also try your hand at chocolate-making by taking a class. I highly recommend going to Bean to Bar workshop at ChocoMuseo known for making one of the best chocolate in the city!
Lima
In recent years, Lima has become highly regarded within gastronomical circles, with no less than three of the top fifty best restaurants in the world. In fact, today, Lima is also known as Peru's Gastronomic Capital. The menus here range from classic dishes to delicious fusion cuisine that blends with Spanish tapas and Japanese restaurants – known as Chifas.
The specialities that you have to try if you ever visit Lima are: causa rajada — mashed potatoes topped with tuna ceviche; and chupe de camarones — shrimp chowder.
Whistl you visit Lima, head to the bustling marketplace at San Pedro, where you can sample a variety of local snacks such as empanadas filled with cheese or steak accompanied by Peruvian chili sauce.
Whether you visit the capital of Lima or wander in Cusco, try to eat with an adventurous heart and let you surprise by the unique flavours of Peruvian cuisine.