Taste of Peru Must-Try Local Eats in Lima and Cusco
Taste of Peru Must-Try Local Eats in Lima and Cusco

🇵🇪 Taste of Peru: Must-Try Local Peruvian Food🍽️

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

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