PERU
Food has made Peru one of the most important culinary destinations in the world. Lima is the “Gastronomy Capital of South America” and Cusco is considered the second gastronomy city in Peru after Lima.
The cuisine dates back thousands of years with influences from the Incas, the Spanish conquistadors, African slaves, Italians, and the Chinese and Japanese.
Years of fusion have created subcategories of unique Peruvian-Japanese cuisine (Nikkei), Peruvian-Chinese (Chifa), Andean, Amazonian and more.
Discover the unique diversity in Peruvian cuisine in the articles below.
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Best Ceviche in Lima, Peru: 7 Must-Try Cevicherías Selected by Locals
Ceviche is considered as Lima’s dish of the city and finding the best ceviche in Lima can be somewhat challenging. While exploring the local food specialties in Lima, Peru, locals guided us to their favorite ceviche spots across the city. The best ceviche in Lima, we learned is not relegated only to upscale restaurants or…
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Simple Peruvian Lomo Saltado Recipe
This lomo saltado recipe is for a classic Peruvian dish that brings together incredible flavors, ingredients, and a fusion of cooking techniques. A Peruvian beef stir fry dish, it combines steak, onions, tomatoes and French fries, served with a side of rice. This traditional Peruvian dish will tantalize your taste bud What is Lomo Saltado?…
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7 Cooking Classes in Cusco for Authentic Peruvian Flavors
Taking Cusco cooking classes in Peru, a top culinary destination in the world, is an exquisite experience. While Cusco is most famous for Machu Picchu, the Cusco food is also a big attraction. While exploring the local food specialties in Cusco, we were in constant awe of the unique ingredients, surprising fruits, and amazing flavors. …
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The Easy Way to Make Mazamorra Morada
This mazamorra morada recipe is for a delicious and easy-to-make Peruvian purple corn pudding. A traditional dessert, the star ingredients are purple corn and dried fruits thickened with cornstarch. Cinnamon and cloves add spicy and tropical flavors to this easy one-pot dessert. What is Mazamorra Morada Mazamorra morada, which translates to purple corn pudding, is…
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Swift Peruvian Aji de Gallina Recipe
This delicious Aji de gallina recipe is one of the most beloved classic Peruvian dishes. It combines shredded chicken in a creamy walnut-based sauce with a mild kick of spice from Ají Amarillo chili. Easy to make, surprise guests with the fusion of flavors in this emblematic Peruvian dish. What is Ají De Gallina Aji…
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Easy and Healthy Traditional Peruvian Quinoa Soup Recipe
This recipe for Peruvian quinoa soup is incredibly delicious, healthy and easy to make in one pot. Combining quinoa, vibrant vegetables, and authentic Peruvian spices, relish the heartwarming flavors of this Andean classic dish. What is Peruvian Quinoa Soup? Quinoa soup also called Sopa de quinua in Spanish, is a soup made with quinoa, a…
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Peru Foods: 20 Must-Try Authentic Dishes
The exquisite flavors of Peru foods have led the cuisine to be rated among the best in the world. In fact, since 2012 and for 10 years, Peru has been named the “World’s Leading Culinary Destination” by the World Travel Awards. Peruvian cuisine has been described as the original fusion food. It is the result…
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Simple Tiradito Recipe: Peruvian-Style Salmon Sashimi With Quinoa
This easiest-ever homemade Tiradito salmon sashimi recipe is a Nikkei specialty from Peru. Zesty and bursting with flavors, it features sashimi-style slices of salmon, aji amarillo, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve it with quinoa as a light meal and savor this easy-to-make Peruvian delicacy at home. What Is Tiradito Peruvian-Style Salmon Sashimi? Traditio Peruvian-Style Salmon…
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7 Must-Try Cooking Classes in Lima To Discover Peru’s Flavor
Cooking classes in Lima offer a delicious way to discover the secrets behind one of the world’s top cuisines. While in Lima exploring local Peruvian foods and drinks, we relished visits to the markets with locals and learning how to make traditional recipes. The local food scene in Lima is rich in diversity and history,…
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Pollo A La Brasa: Most Popular Peruvian Fast Food To Crave For
Pollo a la Brasa is not just “chicken” in Peru. It is Peru’s favorite fast food. This Peruvian chicken is so beloved that there are dedicated “Pollerias” or Peruvian fast food chains that specialize in this dish. While in Peru exploring the local food specialties, we couldn’t miss this iconic grilled chicken dish. Find out…
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10 Best Food Tours in Lima For A Peruvian Feast
Taking food tours in Lima is a delicious way to discover why Peru’s capital is a top gastronomic destination in South America. Local food guides, who know the city intimately, will introduce you to the hidden gems, local restaurants and innovative chefs. We can attest to the deliciousness in Lima, having scouted the local food…
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Peruvian Quinoa: 7 Unusual Ways and Recipes To Enjoy It
Peruvian quinoa is an ancient grain also referred to as the “mother grain of the Incas.” While exploring the authentic food specialties in South America, quinoa was one of the most significant grains we came across. While already familiar with quinoa, what surprised us the most was its revered status in the Andes region where…
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Nikkei Cuisine: 5 Amazing Japanese Peruvian Foods That Will Make You Salivate
Japanese Peruvian food, known as Nikkei cuisine is a blend of Peruvian ingredients with Japanese cooking techniques. Discovering Peru Japanese food was a highlight of our quest to understand the authentic food specialties in Peru. Nikkei cuisine is now taking the world by storm, and Peruvians are increasingly celebrating the influence of the Japanese diaspora.…
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Chifa Peru: 5 Authentic Chinese Peruvian Foods To Crave For
Chifa Peru food is a wonderful fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines. This regional food celebrates Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions and unites them in Chifa cuisine. The dominant influence of Chinese Peruvians surprised us the most when we first got to Lima on our authentic food quest. Chifa restaurants in Lima are plentiful and…
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10 Must-Try Arequipa Food And Drinks in Peru
Arequipa food is a gastronomic gem within Peru. Even though the city is only about one-tenth of Lima, its cuisine, historical significance, and pride is coveted. Arequipa cuisine is varied and can be traced back to more than 3500 years ago. The region is famous for succulent soups and hearty dishes made with unique tubers…
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Maca Drink from Peru: A Guide to The Incas Superfood (With Recipe)
We first heard about Maca drink when we arrived in Peru and were staying with a local family. Over breakfast one morning, our host Doris mentioned Maca. She explained that many Peruvians add Maca powder to hot drinks for breakfast. As we are on a quest to discover the local specialties, our ears immediately perked…
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7 Surprising Amazonian Foods to Try From the Peru Rainforest
Amazonian food in Peru was one of the most surprising cuisines we discovered while exploring the local food specialties. Peruvian jungle food is a rich culinary tradition that has evolved from the unique biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest in Peru. Traditional Amazonian food once relegated to the Amazon region, can now be found in restaurants…
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Peruvian Criollo Food Guide: Top 7 Dishes to Devour
Peruvian Criollo food is a melting pot of various cultural influences. The resulting mix of flavors are vibrant, colorful, and tasty dishes. While exploring the local food specialties in Peru, we were surprised by the popular everyday dishes known as Criollo food. After eating our way through the country, we highlight some of the most…
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10 Authentic South American Dishes You’ll Want To Try (With Recipes)
Authentic South American dishes will delight you as you travel to see sights like Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, or the beautiful Andes Mountain range. We spent almost six months traveling around and exploring the authentic dishes and local specialties of Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru. The South American kitchen is vast and consists of…
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Cusco Food Guide: 10 Foods To Have And Where To Eat Them
Cusco food is some of the best cuisine in the Peruvian Andes. The former capital of the Inca Empire and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Cusco holds many titles, including Peru’s second gastronomy capital. While exploring the local and authentic dishes in Peru, we spent more than one month in Cusco diving into the local…
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A Guide To Cusco San Pedro Market: How To Best Visit Cusco Main Market
San Pedro Market in Cusco is the biggest market in Peru’s second gastronomy city after Lima. This impressive market is a must-visit for anyone looking to get a sense of the city’s sights, sounds, smells, and culinary offerings. While exploring the local food specialties in Cusco, we ate our way through San Pedro Market. Here’s…
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7 Authentic Peruvian Street Food You Want To Have
Peru street food is very popular. Of the South American countries we visited, we were most surprised by the popularity and diversity of the Peruvian street food. We observed a strong Peruvian street food culture with different types of vendors showing up at different times of the day. In the mornings you find street carts…
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10 of The Most Authentic Peruvian Desserts You Want To Know
Peruvian desserts are a representation of Peru’s rich culinary culture. A fusion of flavors, the food has Inca roots, as well as Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Many traditional desserts from Peru are a combination of new world and indigenous ingredients. Some desserts were created in convents. Others use endemic ingredients elevated by the…
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10 Authentic Peruvian Drinks You Will Absolutely Love
Peru’s food culture is undoubtedly what most know about the country. Peruvian drinks, while not as well known, also deserve the culinary spotlight. Beyond the Pisco Sour, there is a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic Peruvian beverages that are delightfully fascinating. The drinks in Peru reflect local customs, history and unique ingredients. From beverages…
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How to Visit A Pisco Winery: A Day Trip From Lima To Lunahuana
Pisco, Peru’s famous brandy, is made from distilled fermented grape juice in five protected winemaking regions. Most of the Pisco wineries are in the coastal valley regions south of the country. To learn about Peru’s national drink, visiting a Pisco winery is an enriching immersive experience. Rivadeneyra, one of the oldest Pisco wineries is located…
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How To Make An Authentic Peruvian Pisco Sour
Peruvian Pisco Sour is an elegant and delicious cocktail that combines 5 simple ingredients. Known as the national drink of Peru, this iconic and beloved drink even has its own national holiday; the first Saturday in February. What is Peruvian Pisco Sour? As the name suggests, Pisco, a clear grape brandy is the main ingredient…
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10 Strange Amazonian Fruits From Peru That Will Surprise You
Ready to be surprised by unusual Amazonian fruits? Think all exotic fruits are sweet and juicy? Think again! One of the joys of traveling is experiencing new and unusual local foods. As culinary explorers in search of authentic foods, one of the best places to start is often at the farmers markets. While in South…