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.
From ceviche by the coast to cuy in the Andes, Peru’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Lima or the historic squares of Cusco, be sure to indulge in the flavors of this gastronomic paradise. Buen provecho! 🍢
Check out my other blogs about the pre-travel tips & advice, full itinerary & expense breakdown, and Machu Picchu travel guide to make the most of your Peru adventure.
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