Verified Facts
When visiting Peru, be sure to try the country's unique and flavorful dishes, which blend indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, with must-try options including Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, and Aji de Gallina.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Peruvian cuisine is a rich and diverse blend of different cultures, including indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences. The country's unique geography, with its coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions, has also contributed to the development of distinct regional cuisines. In the coastal region, seafood is a staple, while in the Andean highlands, dishes are often based on potatoes, corn, and other native crops. The Amazonian region is known for its exotic fruits and spices, which are used to create unique and flavorful dishes.
Peruvian cuisine is also known for its bold flavors and spices, with aji amarillo peppers being a key ingredient in many dishes. The country's culinary scene has been influenced by its history, with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors introducing European ingredients and cooking techniques, while African slaves brought their own culinary traditions. The influx of Asian immigrants, particularly from China and Japan, has also had a significant impact on Peruvian cuisine, with the creation of fusion dishes such as Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes.
Peruvian cuisine has gained international recognition in recent years, with many of its dishes being featured in restaurants around the world. The country's culinary scene is also known for its creativity and innovation, with many chefs experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique and delicious dishes. From traditional dishes such as Ceviche and Aji de Gallina to modern fusion cuisine, Peru has something to offer every type of food lover.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceviche | Seafood | Raw fish marinated in citrus juices | Coastal restaurants, such as La Mar in Lima |
| Lomo Saltado | Stir-fry | Beef, onions, and tomatoes stir-fried with Asian influences | Chinese-Peruvian restaurants, such as Barrio Chino in Lima |
| Aji de Gallina | Chicken | Shredded chicken in a creamy aji amarillo pepper sauce | Traditional restaurants, such as La Lucha in Lima |
| Anticuchos | Street food | Grilled beef heart skewers | Street food stalls, such as those in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco |
| Cuy | Traditional | Roasted guinea pig, often served on special occasions | Andean restaurants, such as La Casona in Cusco |
| Papas a la Huancaina | Side dish | Boiled potatoes topped with a spicy cheese sauce | Traditional restaurants, such as La Bodega in Lima |
| Seco de Cordero | Stew | Braised lamb in a cilantro and garlic sauce | Traditional restaurants, such as El Fogoncito in Lima |
| Tiradito | Seafood | Raw fish sliced into thin pieces and marinated in citrus juices | Sushi restaurants, such as Sushi Pop in Lima |
| Arroz con Mariscos | Seafood | Saffron-infused rice with mixed seafood | Coastal restaurants, such as El Mercado in Lima |
| Picarones | Dessert | Sweet potato donuts | Street food stalls, such as those in the Plaza de Armas in Lima |
Street Food & Snacks
- Anticuchos: grilled beef heart skewers, typically 5-10 PEN (1.50-3 USD) per skewer
- Papa Rellena: stuffed potatoes filled with meat or cheese, typically 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD) each
- Churros: fried dough pastries coated in sugar, typically 5-10 PEN (1.50-3 USD) each
- Picarones: sweet potato donuts, typically 5-10 PEN (1.50-3 USD) each
- Empanadas: meat or cheese-filled pastries, typically 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD) each
- Corn on the cob: grilled or boiled corn on the cob, typically 5-10 PEN (1.50-3 USD) each
- Fresh fruit: fresh fruit such as mangoes, oranges, and bananas, typically 5-10 PEN (1.50-3 USD) per piece
- Humitas: steamed corn pudding, typically 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD) each
Drinks
- Pisco Sour: a cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, and egg white, typically 20-30 PEN (6-9 USD) per drink
- Cusqueña: a local beer, typically 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD) per bottle
- Chicha Morada: a purple corn drink, typically 5-10 PEN (1.50-3 USD) per cup
- Fresh juice: fresh fruit juice made with local fruits such as oranges, mangoes, and papayas, typically 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD) per cup
- Coffee: strong and rich coffee, typically 5-10 PEN (1.50-3 USD) per cup
- Lucuma milkshake: a creamy milkshake made with lucuma fruit, typically 15-20 PEN (4.50-6 USD) per cup
Dining Customs
- Table manners are formal, with an emphasis on using utensils and napkins
- Tipping is standard, with 10% being the norm
- Reservations are recommended for high-end restaurants, but not necessary for casual eateries
- Dress codes are generally casual, but nicer restaurants may require dressier attire
- Meal times are typically 7-10 am for breakfast, 12-3 pm for lunch, and 7-10 pm for dinner
- It is customary to greet the server with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, and to thank them with a smile and a "gracias"
Where to Eat
- Markets: such as the Mercado Central in Lima, where you can find fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods
- Food courts: such as the food court in the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, where you can find a variety of local dishes
- Traditional restaurants: such as La Lucha in Lima, where you can find classic Peruvian dishes
- High-end restaurants: such as Astrid y Gastón in Lima, where you can find modern and innovative Peruvian cuisine
- Street food stalls: such as those in the Plaza de Armas in Lima, where you can find quick and delicious snacks
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Mercado Central: a large market in Lima where you can find fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods
- Plaza de Armas: a historic square in Cusco where you can find street food stalls and local restaurants
- La Boqueria: a market in Lima where you can find a variety of local and international foods
- Food tour of Miraflores: a guided tour of the Miraflores neighborhood in Lima, where you can sample local dishes and drinks
- Cooking class in Cusco: a hands-on cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes