In 2016, Peru was designated as the best country in the world for gastronomy. This honor was bestowed by The World Travel Awards (WTA) or the “Oscars” of tourism for the 5th year in a row. This means that Peru edged out other world renowned cuisines such as French, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Spanish, Thai, among others.
On your travels in Peru, be prepared to enjoy some of the most unique and diverse cuisines in the world. The rich biodiversity, the Inca heritage and the mix of immigrant cultures have all influenced the food. Peru certainly deserves its title as a top gastronomic destination. Here are 5 local dishes you don’t want to miss.
#1 – Ceviche
A trip to Peru would not be complete without trying ceviche. It is considered Lima’s dish of the city or Peru’s favorite dish. It even has its own holiday which was created by the Peruvian government. National Ceviche Day is celebrated every June 28th.
Ceviche is essentially a raw dish that consists of fish soaked in citrus juices like lime and spiced with chili peppers. There are just 5 ingredients in the national dish of Peru: raw fish, salt red onions and ají, Peru’s unique line of chili peppers, all doused in lime juice. The acidity of the lime ‘cooks’ the fish and makes it firm and opaque. The marinade is called leche de tigre (tiger’s milk). The ceviche is accompanied with camote (sweet potatoes) and choclo (large, white Andean corn), which are both native to Peru.
Choose between Ceviche Pescado (thinly cut slices of fish) or Ceviche Mixto (mix of fish, squid, octopus and scallops). Be sure to have it at lunch time or early in the day when the fish is the most fresh.
#2 – Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado, is considered a traditional Peruvian dish, though it is actually a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food. When the Chinese came to Peru in the 1800s, they introduced new ingredients like ginger, soy sauce and scallion.They incorporated local ingredients like potatoes from the Andes, bananas and pineapples from the Amazon, and created a new cuisine called “Chifa.” Lomo Saltado is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food.
There are many places to have Lomo Saltado. For the most authentic experience, eat at the local markets for under 5 soles (approx $1.54 USD).
The main ingredients in this dish are; beef cut into pieces with sauteed onions, tomato pepper which are then flavored with a little soy sauce, garlic and cilantro. Served with a side of rice and Peruvian potatoes, this meal will please any taste buds.
#3 – Pollo a la Brasa
Pollo a la Brasa, also known as Peruvian rotisserie chicken is so beloved in Peru that it even has its own National Holiday. It has been declared a “National Culinary Speciality” and is celebrated on the third Sunday of July.
This popular dish originated in Lima. The chicken is made with unique Peruvian herbs and cooked in a special roasting system. For budget conscious travelers, you can’t get better quality fast food than this. Try out various pollerias (poultry shop/restaurant), as each place tweaks their recipe slightly. Eat with your hands like a local and dip the chicken into the different traditional sauces. Discover for yourself why Pollo a la Brasa is not just “chicken” in Peru.
#4 – Anticuchos
The story of anticuchos is very much part of the national story of Peru. Anticuchos come from the African slaves who were brought to Peru by the Spanish in the16th century. The Spanish would slaughter cows and would give the innards which they considered garbage to their slaves. The African slaves learned how to cook them using different seasonings from the Andes and the Spanish, transforming them into delicious morsels of meat.
The most traditional is Anticuchos de Corazon, which are pieces of grilled beef heart. If heart makes you queasy you can get chicken, regular beef or hot dog anticuchos instead.
At sundown, on street corners around Peru, look for the crowds and long lines in front of street vendors. Stand in line and get your generous portion of anticuchos. Served on a stick with a boiled potato on the top, this street food will surprise and delight you.
#5 – Picarones
One of the most unique and local desserts not to miss is the Picarones. Picarones are a kind of doughnut that is unique to Peru. The principal ingredients are sweet potato and squash. Typically sold in sets of four, they are deep fried and served with cane syrup called chancaca.
At markets around town and at local festivals and events, Picarones will be one of the popular desserts available. Although these sweet treats are deep fried, they are made with squash and sweet potato, allowing you to eat all four pieces, guilt free.
