Exploring Peru is not just about visiting its famous landmarks; it’s also about indulging in its vibrant culinary scene. From the coastal delights of Lima to the highland flavors of Cusco, here are some must-try local eats that will tantalize your taste buds and give you a true taste of Peruvian culture. 🇵🇪
🍹 Drinks
- Inca Cola
- Pisco Sour – An alcoholic cocktail originated from Lima, Peru, made with Pisco brandy, simple syrup, lime juice, egg white, and a few dashes of bitters.
- Chicha Morada – Sweet, cool, purple fruit juice made from purple corn.
- Lucuma Juice
- Lemongrass Lemonade
- Amazon Coffee
🥝 Fruits
- Lucuma – A Peruvian fruit
- Granadilla – Native to the Andes Mountains, similar to passion fruit
- Camu Camu – Cherry-like fruit from the Amazon rainforest
- Aguaymanto – Peruvian groundcherry
- Aguaje – Native to the tropical Amazon region of Peru
- Pepino Mellon – Original of the Peruvian Andes
- Maracuya – Passion fruit
- Peruvian/Inca Corn
🥘 Dishes
- Ceviche / Canta Rana – National Peruvian dish.
- Cuy – Roasted or baked guinea pig. Available in Cusco.
- Alpaca – Available in Cusco only.
- Causa Rellena – Made with yellow potatoes and either tuna salad or chicken. Causa Vegetariana – Veggie option.
- Rocoto Relleno – Peruvian version of stuffed peppers.
- Lomo Saltado – Marinated strips of sirloin steak stir-fry with soy sauce, chopped red onion, tomatoes, crispy French fries and the unmissable ají amarillo, served with rice on the side.
- Pollo a la Brasa – Peruvian rotisserie chicken.
- Anticucho – Peruvian beef heart kebabs.
- Tiradito – A Peruvian raw fish salad, with a spicy citrus sauce. It’s a lighter version of ceviche.
- Papa Rellena – Peruvian stuffed potato.
- Pachamanca – Traditional Peruvian dish that’s cooked underground with the help of hot stones.
- Chupe de Camarones – Peruvian shrimp chowder that combines a spicy broth with chunky vegetables, poached eggs, and lots of tasty shrimp.
- Arroz Chaufa – Peruvian’s version of Chinese fried rice.
- Ají de Gallina – Peruvian chicken stew. The name translates to “chicken chilli” or “hen’s chilli” in English.
- Butifarra – Peruvian sandwich, a crusty white bun filled with ham, salsa criolla, lettuce, radishes, and chilli peppers.
🍨 Snacks & Desserts
- Canchita – A snack food made of roasted or deep-fried corn kernels.
- Picarones – A Peruvian dessert that originated in Lima. Made of squash and sweet potato, served in a doughnut form and covered with syrup.
- Alfajores – Two soft cookies with manjar blanco (dulce de leche) with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
- Turrón de Doña Pepa – Yummy cookie 🙂
- Suspiro de Limeña – A Peruvian dessert that originated in Lima, translates to “sigh of the lady from Lima” in English. It’s a creamy, caramel like pudding topped with a Port flavored meringue and sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon.
- Lucuma Ice Cream
- Mazamorra Morada – A Peruvian pudding made with purple corn.
- Arroz Zambito – Peruvian brown rice pudding.
📚 Related Posts
- 🇵🇪 Lima Travel Guide 2024: Complete 3-Day Itinerary
- 🇵🇪 Cusco Travel Guide 2024: The Ultimate 4-5 Day Itinerary
- 🇵🇪 How to Visit Machu Picchu in One Day from Cusco: My Complete Guide
- 🇵🇪 Taste of Peru: Must-Try Local Peruvian Food🍽️
- 🇵🇪 Peru Travel Guide 2024: Things to Know Before You Go
- 🇵🇪 9 Days Solo Travel in Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu (Part 2)
- 🇵🇪 9 Days Solo Travel in Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu (Part 1)
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