Are you planning a trip to Peru and curious about the culinary delights that await you? Perhaps you’ve heard about the incredible reputation of Peruvian food and want to discover what makes it so unique and special.
Peruvian cuisine has gained immense international popularity, captivating the hearts of many who are fascinated by its rich flavors the first time they try it. In 2024, the prestigious World Travel Awards once again awarded Peru as the Best Culinary Destination in South America. This recognition reflects the diversity, quality, innovation, and culinary excellence of the country.
Given the wide variety of options offered by Peruvian cuisine, we present to you 10 Peruvian dishes you can't miss.
Classic Peruvian Ceviche
No one can resist the fresh taste of a delicious Peruvian ceviche. Considered the most emblematic and representative dish of Peru, ceviche is a true gem of gastronomy.
Traditionally, chefs prepare it with fresh fish, and in some versions, they add seafood to intensify its flavor. Lemon juice and chili marinate the fish, enhancing its freshness and adding a unique touch of acidity and spiciness. Red onion and fresh cilantro season the mix, while sweet potato and Peruvian corn add a perfect contrast of sweet, fresh, and slightly spicy flavors.
One aspect that true ceviche lovers cannot miss trying is the tiger's milk, a juicy and spicy broth that remains from marinating the ceviche. Tiger's milk is a mixture of fish juices, lemon, chili, and spices, and it is considered a natural revitalizer, often served as an appetizer or even as a remedy for hangovers. You can't leave Peru without trying it!
Causa Rellena
Whether it's chicken or tuna, the stuffed causa features Peruvian potatoes and yellow chili as the main ingredients, giving it that characteristic and delicious flavor without being spicy. You can enjoy it both as an appetizer or as a main course.
Yellow potato, an indigenous ingredient from Peru, cooks, presses, and kneads with aji amarillo sauce, lemon, and salt to create a smooth and flavorful base. Layers of avocado, shredded chicken mixed with mayonnaise or tuna, and hard-boiled eggs and olives decorate this dough. It is a true feast of colors and textures that reflects the rich Peruvian culinary tradition.
Lomo Saltado
One of the most representative dishes of Peruvian cuisine and an excellent example of the fusion between Peruvian and Chinese culinary traditions.
Sliced steak quickly sautés with onion, tomato, yellow chili, and other fresh ingredients to prepare the dish. Adding a touch of soy sauce often gives the dish a unique and slightly umami flavor. White rice and French fries complement the loin, resulting in a delightful blend of sautéed, spicy, and salty flavors. A true classic of Peruvian cuisine!
Aji de Gallina
Ají de Gallina is the result of the fusion of Spanish and Inca ingredients. This delicious recipe features a thick and creamy shredded chicken stew, bathed in a sauce made from bread, evaporated milk, walnuts, and the star ingredient: aji amarillo. The combination of these ingredients gives it a rich texture and a slightly spicy but mild flavor that wins over all palates. Hard-boiled eggs and olives added as a garnish to enhance the dish provide a perfect contrast of colors and flavors.
Anticuchos
Many people love this delicacy, which is why there are numerous restaurants where you can savor it. These are beef heart skewers marinated in garlic, chili, cumin, and vinegar dressing. Next, grill the skewers to achieve a golden and crispy exterior, while the interior stays juicy and tender. Accompanied by golden potatoes and chili sauce, this dish delights anyone's palate.
Their intense flavor makes them a must-try for anyone visiting Peru.
Pollo a la Brasa
It is a true icon of Peruvian cuisine, famous and dearly loved by Peruvians for its unique flavor and irresistible aroma. It's more than just a dish; it's a symbol of the culture and national culinary identity.
Pollo a la Brasa results in a crispy and golden skin on the outside, while the inside stays juicy and tender. Traditionally, people serve roasted chicken with French fries, fresh salad, and a delicious chili sauce, adding a spicy touch that makes it even more irresistible.
Papa a la Huancaina
This dish is simple but delicious. Traditionally, huancaína sauce is served over boiled potatoes and garnished with hard-boiled eggs, olives, and lettuce leaves, which add freshness and color to the dish. Its flavor is a perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and salty, making it one of the most beloved appetizers in Peruvian cuisine.
Huancaína sauce is considered one of the richest and most versatile sauces, as it pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, such as huancaína risotto with lomo saltado, noodles with huancaína, fettucine with huancaína, among others. A true gem of Peruvian cuisine!
Rocoto Relleno
One of the emblematic dishes of the White City, Arequipa, where you will find a wide variety of restaurants and picanterías to try this delicious dish.
Before baking, a layer of cheese covers the stuffed Rocoto (a Peruvian chili), which is filled with a tasty mixture of grounded beef, aji amarillo, hard-boiled egg, olives, onions, spices, and raisins. This layer of cheese melts, creating a creamy texture that balances the spicy touch of the rocoto.
Traditional servings include a delicious pastel de papa (potato pie), which enhances the richness and flavor of the rocoto.
Arroz con mariscos
For seafood lovers, this is one of Peru's best dishes. Its combination of seafood transforms it into a culinary experience reminiscent of paella, with each bite bursting with flavor and freshness.
This hearty rice dish combines a medley of fresh seafood, such as squid, shrimp, mussels, and scallops, infused with the rich flavors of Ají Amarillo chili pepper, tomato paste, and green peas. The rice absorbs the savory seafood broth, resulting in a colorful, fragrant meal. Often, people top it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a creamy richness that perfectly complements the dish. Ideal for seafood lovers, it captures the essence of Peruvian coastal flavors!
Cuy Chactado
Finally, but no less important, cuy chactado is one of the most representative dishes of Peruvian Andean cuisine. Chefs prepare it using marinated guinea pig, frying it until it becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Traditionally, chefs serve it with potatoes, fresh salad, and chili sauce, all of which perfectly complement its flavor.
We understand that many people, particularly those who own guinea pigs as pets, may find the idea of eating them uncomfortable. However, the guinea pig (Cuy) has a deep cultural value in Peru, being a key source of protein for Andean communities for centuries. Are you curious enough to taste it?
Famous Peruvian desserts and typical beverages, like the refreshing chicha morada, accompany many of these dishes. This unique combination of flavors and traditions has captivated both Peruvians and foreigners, creating a gastronomic experience that goes beyond food; it is a true cultural journey through each bite of Peruvian food. If you are planning to come to Peru or are already in the country, don't miss the opportunity to try these delicious dishes!