When traveling in Peru, experiencing the local culture through its food is a must. Peruvian cuisine is a delightful fusion of traditional ingredients and global influences, making it truly unique. Peru has been recognized as the world’s leading culinary destination, offering a wide array of dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. But What Is The Most Popular Food In Peru? Let’s explore some must-try options.
Trying local dishes provides insight into Peruvian culture and traditions. It’s a chance to savor new flavors and enrich your travel experience. Here’s a list of the top 10 foods you must try when visiting Peru.
- Ceviche
- Lomo Saltado (beef stir fry)
- Pollo a la Brasa
- Aji de Gallina
- Causa
- Anticuchos (beef heart skewers)
- Picarones
- Papa a la Huancaina
- Cuy
- Pisco Sour
Ceviche: Peru’s National Dish
Ceviche tops any list of must-try foods in Peru. Originating in Peru, it is considered the country’s national dish. This cold-cooked fish dish is marinated in lime juice and typically served with red onions, boiled corn, and sweet potato. Unlike Mexican ceviche, Peruvian ceviche doesn’t include tomatoes or avocado.
Many Peruvians believe ceviche is both an aphrodisiac and a hangover cure. Due to its popularity, it is available throughout the country.
In fact, Ceviche is celebrated annually on National Ceviche Day, June 28th. On this day, restaurants and hotels offer special menus and creative interpretations of the dish.
Lomo Saltado: A Beef Stir-Fry Sensation
Lomo Saltado is another very famous Peruvian dish that you should try. Originating in Lima, this dish consists of marinated sirloin steak stir-fried with red onions, tomatoes, and ají amarillo, a hot pepper. It’s usually served with rice and french fries on the side.
Lomo Saltado originated in Lima’s Chinco neighborhood in the early 19th century when Chinese chefs began sautéing beef in a wok. While Lima’s Calle La Concepcion is considered the birthplace of Lomo Saltado, the dish is now found nationwide.
Pollo a la Brasa: The Famous Peruvian Roasted Chicken
Pollo a la Brasa is the Peruvian style of roasting a whole chicken on a rotisserie. Served with French fries and salad, the most important element is the ají verde sauce. This delicious sauce is made with cashews, sour cream, mayo, and jalapeños for a bit of spice.
This dish is relatively new in Peru, usually eaten for dinner around 8-10 pm. It was first established in the Chaclacayo neighborhood in 1950 by Roger Schuler, a Swiss immigrant.
Ají de Gallina: Creamy Chicken Delight
Another great chicken recipe in Peruvian cuisine is Ají de Gallina. It’s shredded chicken in a thick sauce made from cheese, walnut, and ají amarillo sauce, giving it a fruity and spicy taste.
Peruvians have enjoyed this dish since the 16th century. It is believed to have been introduced by slaves from Africa brought to Peru by the Spanish, who sought to use discarded potatoes and poultry.
Causa: A Peruvian Potato Casserole
This Peruvian appetizer, resembling a burger, is served cold. The ‘buns’ are made of mashed potatoes and ají amarillo, while the filling typically consists of avocado and chicken or tuna.
Many believe the Incas created causa, deriving from the Quechua word kausaq, which means “sustenance for life.”
Anticuchos: Skewered Beef Heart
If you are feeling adventurous, Peruvian anticuchos is the perfect dish for you. This beef heart is seasoned with garlic and vinegar, and often flash-fried to make it more tender. For those not keen on beef heart, marinated chicken versions are also available.
Anticuchos are typically eaten on the go, especially in Lima.
Peru even celebrates “Dia Nacional del Anticucho” every October 3rd, honoring one of the country’s most beloved traditional foods.
Picarones: Sweet and Spicy Doughnuts
For a quick and sweet snack on the go, Picarones are a great choice. Similar to doughnuts, they have a sweet and slightly spicy taste. The main ingredients are sweet potatoes and different types of pumpkins.
Picarones are a favorite dessert among Peruvians and can easily be found in any street market.
Papa a la Huancaina: Spicy Potato Salad
Another must-try food in Peru is Papa a la Huancaina, an appetizer made of boiled potatoes with a creamy, spicy sauce, served with cold boiled eggs on top. The yellow salad dressing is made from garlic, cheese, crumbled crackers, and milk.
Papa a la Huancaina has a spicy flavor, setting it apart from typical sweet or acidic salads.
Cuy: A Peruvian Delicacy
This Peruvian delicacy consists of the rich and fatty meat of a guinea pig. Many who try it say it tastes similar to chicken. The meat is either cooked in a traditional oven (Pachamanca) or fried. Often served whole, cuy is usually accompanied by fried potatoes, corn, and ají huacatay sauce. Cuy is traditionally eaten with your hands.
Cuy has been a staple food in Peru’s Andean region for around 5,000 years. Traditional healers also used cuy, moving it over a patient’s body to find the source of illness.
Cusco and its surroundings are the best place to try this dish. Look for a Cuyeria, a restaurant specializing in the preparation of cuy.
Pisco Sour: Peru’s National Drink
While not a food, the Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru and deserves a spot on this list. This cocktail is made from Peruvian pisco, a distilled wine, mixed with brandy, syrup, lime juice, and egg white. The cocktail is refreshing and can be found in any bar across the country.
The Pisco Sour is so beloved that it has its own National Day, celebrated annually on the first Saturday in February.
Experience the Flavors of Peru
Peruvian cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and dishes, each telling a story of the country’s history and culture. From the refreshing Ceviche to the hearty Lomo Saltado and the unique Cuy, there’s something for every palate. Exploring what is the most popular food in Peru is a journey in itself, offering a deep connection to the local people and their traditions. So, embark on your culinary adventure and savor the delicious flavors of Peru.
