Peruvian Gastronomy

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Thanks to the contribution of the different races that coexist with the native and Spanish descendants in Peru, such as the Chinese and Japanese as well as the African, Peru's national cuisine has a truly admirable variety. This has made its gastronomy highly recognized worldwide. Peru has positioned itself as one of the favorite destinations to enjoy the immense culinary variety that exists in each of the towns of its three regions. From the famous ceviche, chinguirito, parihuela or chupe made with fish, to carapulcra, cau cau or tacu tacu of Afro-American origin, to aji de gallina, lomo saltado or arroz con pato (rice with duck) prepared ancestrally in the colony, Peruvian cuisine will impress you. One of the best reasons to come back.

Eat like a local

Eat like a local in Cusco

CEVICHE

It is the emblem of Peruvian cuisine, this blessed mixture of fish, onion, lemon, aji limo and salt drives Peruvians and foreigners crazy. Fish, mixed, black shells or octopus, cebiche never tires of giving joy to our palate.

LOMO SALTADO

Juicy by nature, this dish represents the Peruvian oriental fusion of Peruvian gastronomy. The tenderloin in the pan is mixed with onion, tomato, chili, dried oregano and a little vinegar. This is flambéed giving it that smoky flavor that we love so much.

PACHAMANCA

The origins of the pachamanca go back to the Inca empire where its preparation represented a tribute to mother earth. The best of the Andean ingredients: potato, sweet potato, corn, beans, as well as humitas and beef, chicken, lamb and pork come together to give life to this culinary celebration.

POLLO A LA BRASA

The most consumed dish in Peru is a family classic and an exceptional protagonist at the table. It comes in a combo so as not to leave its devotees hungry: french fries, salad, creams and, of course, chili.

JUANES

It is the star of the San Juan Festival and an icon of jungle food. Wrapped in a bijao leaf and made with rice, chicken meat, olives, boiled eggs and yucca, the 'juane' knows no borders and is a favorite in the United States.

AJI DE GALLINA

It is a dish of home and many assure that it is the tastiest they have ever eaten. The aji de gallina had in the blancmange its most important ancestor. Its sweet past contrasts today with its unparalleled Creole flavor that undoubtedly places it among the richest in the country.

ROCOTO RELLENO

There are two types: Rocoto Relleno de Arequipa, Relleno de colitas de camarones (stuffed with shrimp tails) or whatever you like best, this great chili bell pepper of rounded shape and slightly sweet flavor. The rocoto relleno Cusqueño, is another emblematic dish that, unlike the Arequipa one, has peanuts and green peas.

THIMPU O PUCHERO

This dish is prepared during Shrove Tuesday, and consists of boiling a cow's breast, lamb's head, bacon and legs, and then adding whole cabbage leaves, potatoes, moraya, chickpeas and rice. In a separate pot, sweet potatoes, peaches, pears and yuccas are boiled. Both foods are served in separate dishes, similar to the "sancochado", but covering the ingredients with a cabbage leaf.

CHIRI UCHU

It is the emblematic dish of Cusco, a tasty cold stew very typical of Cusco that is consumed in the festivities of Corpus Christi. Its main ingredient is the guinea pig, to which the technique of "Canca" (roasting) is applied, as well as other meats such as jerky, chicken and some sausages such as sausage or chorizo; it is served with a generous portion of roasted corn, tortilla, white cheese and marine products such as seaweed and fish roe.

Special mention for other delicacies, among dozens of other dishes, such as:

Seco de frejoles con cabrito
Tacacho con cecina
Arroz con pollo
Carapulca
Papa a la huancaína
Cuy chactado
Tacu tacu
Adobo
Kapchi
Lechon
Cuy al horno

RESTAURANTS TO CONSIDER:

In Cusco we can mention:

Pachapapa

The cooks of Pachapapa manage, with great success, to recreate the best of the regional cuisine using the clay pot and the wood oven. Also one of their specialties is the Pachamanca.
Address: Plazoleta San Blas 120 - San Blas, Cusco.
Schedule: Diariamente, de 11:00 a 23:00 horas.

Incanto

Fettuccine, lasagna and gnocchi are showcased in different recipes that include an unbeatable selection of ingredients such as Italian cheeses, fresh homemade pasta, fine olive oils and organic vegetables grown in our own garden. You will enjoy all this in view of the Inca wall that sets the architectural tone of the dining room, a vestige of the ancient palace of the Inca Capac Yupanqui.
Address: Santa Catalina Angosta 135, Cusco.
Schedule: Daily from 12:00 to 23:00 hours, limited selection between 16:00 and 18:00 hours.

Map Cafe

Experienced chef Coque Ossio reinterprets classics of Peruvian cuisine with a very personal touch, achieving memorable results such as the hot shrimp ceviche or the pork adobo. The desserts, created by Rebeca Delgado, exquisite and dazzling, are almost designer items.
Address: Museoof Pre-Columbian Art - Plazoleta Nazarenas 231, Cusco.
Schedule: Daily, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Chicha Por Gaston Acurio

Gastón Acurio's Cusquenian proposal is stupendous. Cusquenian food very well treated, within the format that the famous chef has accustomed us to. The chicha morada and desserts enhance a varied and detailed menu.
Address: Plaza Regocijo 261, 2do. nivel, Cusco.
Schedule: Lunes a Domingo de 12:00 - 23:00 horas.

Le Soleil

It is the first restaurant of French gourmet food in the city of Cusco. It proposes true flavors and wines of the French culture, being the only place where you can taste the classics of this cuisine, for example: rillettes, confit de canard, creme brulee.
Address: Calle San Agustin 275, Cusco.
Schedule: de 12:30 - 15:00 horas y de 17:00 - 22:30 horas.

Greens Organic

A gourmet organic food restaurant offering an experience that is as healthy as it is delicious. In a clear return to the basics, Greens Organic rescues local ingredients to give them a prominent place in the kitchen..
Address: Santa Catalina Angosta 135, Piso 2 Cusco.
Schedule: Daily, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Other restaurants in Cusco: Limo, Inka Grill, Marcelo Batata, La Pizza Carlo, Granja Heidi, Cicciolilna, The Lost City, Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse, Inkazuela, Roma Mia, Deva Restaurant Tipico and many others.
At the national level we can mentiona: Central, Rafael, Astrid & Gaston, La Gloria, Malabar, Fiesta Chiclayo Gourmet, El Mercado, Lima 27, Cala, Symposium, Maido, Perroquet (Country Club Lima), Panchita, Maras, Pescados Capitales, La Mar, Mayta, Valentino, El Hornero.