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7 typical Peruvian dishes that you must know

The 7 Best Dishes You Must Try When Visiting Peru

Peru is known for its rich culinary heritage, with a wide variety of traditional dishes and ingredients. The country boasts 491 typical dishes, 2,500 soups, and 250 traditional desserts.

If you visit Peru, you can savor the delicious Peruvian cuisine from the coast, highlands, and jungle, reflecting our rich cultural and traditional diversity. Peruvian cuisine stands out for its combination of native ingredients such as corn, potatoes, and chili peppers, creating unique flavors that reflect our roots.

The dishes we recommend you try if you’re planning to visit Peru are:

Ceviche

Ceviche is one of the most representative and beloved dishes of Peruvian cuisine. It is known not only in Peru but also internationally for its freshness, flavor, and harmonious blend of ingredients.

This dish contains fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onion and limo chili, and is accompanied by choclo, toasted corn, and sweet potato.

El ceviche peruano es un plato reconocido como Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de la Humanidad
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Peruvian ceviche is a dish recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Peruvian ceviche is a dish recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Lomo saltado

Lomo Saltado is one of the iconic dishes of Peruvian cuisine. This dish features strips of beef, stir-fried at high heat along with red onion, tomato, yellow chili pepper, and soy sauce, giving it a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor.

It is served with French fries and white rice, a combination that represents the cultural diversity and creativity of Peruvian cooking. Additionally, the smoky touch from the stir-frying process gives it a unique and irresistible flavor, making it a favorite across the country.

El lomo saltado es un plato criollo emblemático de Perú, que fusiona ingredientes andinos con técnicas culinarias asiáticas.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Lomo Saltado is an iconic Creole dish from Peru that fuses Andean ingredients with Asian culinary techniques.
El lomo saltado es un plato criollo emblemático de Perú, que fusiona ingredientes andinos con técnicas culinarias asiáticas.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Lomo Saltado is an iconic Creole dish from Peru that fuses Andean ingredients with Asian culinary techniques.

Baked Guinea Pig

This is one of the most unique dishes you'll find in the Andean region. You can enjoy it baked, fried, or on a spit. Its meat is juicy and has a distinct flavor, with a golden and crispy skin that makes it irresistible for those who try it.

It is usually served with baked noodles, rocoto soufflé, Andean potatoes, and occasionally corn. This dish is perfect for those looking to experience the authentic cuisine of Peru.

El cuy al horno es un plato tradicional de la región andina de Perú.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Baked guinea pig is a traditional dish from the Andean region of Peru.
El cuy al horno es un plato tradicional de la región andina de Perú.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Baked guinea pig is a traditional dish from the Andean region of Peru.

Anticuchos

The famous anticuchos are a popular delicacy you find on the streets of Peru at night. These skewers are marinated and grilled, known for their smoky and unique flavor that everyone loves.

The anticuchos recipe combines ají panca, garlic, cumin, vinegar, and a mix of seasonings that infuse each bite with intense and deep flavor. Once marinated, the skewers are grilled, acquiring their characteristic smoky touch.

They are traditionally served with golden potatoes and choclo, often accompanied by chili.

Los anticuchos tienen un sabor ahumado único, gracias a su marinada y cocción a la parrilla.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Anticuchos have a unique smoky flavor, thanks to their marinade and grilling.
Los anticuchos tienen un sabor ahumado único, gracias a su marinada y cocción a la parrilla.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Anticuchos have a unique smoky flavor, thanks to their marinade and grilling.

Ají de gallina

Ají de Gallina is a creamy shredded chicken stew, bathed in a sauce made from yellow chili peppers, nuts, and milk, served with white rice and potatoes.

The dish is typically served with white rice and boiled potatoes, which absorb the delicious sauce. For a finishing touch, it is usually garnished with black olives and slices of hard-boiled egg, adding not only color to the dish but also an additional flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

El ají de gallina combina sabores peruanos, creando una mezcla única de suavidad y picante.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Ají de Gallina combines Peruvian flavors, creating a unique blend of creaminess and spiciness.
El ají de gallina combina sabores peruanos, creando una mezcla única de suavidad y picante.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Ají de Gallina combines Peruvian flavors, creating a unique blend of creaminess and spiciness.

Pachamanca

Pachamanca is a traditional Peruvian dish that is cooked underground, using hot stones to roast meat, potatoes, beans, corn, and other ingredients.

The cooking process is slow and natural, which creates a unique smoky and earthy flavor. Pachamanca is more than just a meal; it is a community and family celebration, often prepared on special occasions.

Su nombre proviene del quechua "pacha" tierra y "manca" olla, que significa olla en la tierra.  
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Its name comes from Quechua "pacha" (earth) and "manca" (pot), meaning "pot in the earth".
Su nombre proviene del quechua "pacha" tierra y "manca" olla, que significa olla en la tierra.  
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
Its name comes from Quechua "pacha" (earth) and "manca" (pot), meaning "pot in the earth".

Rotisserie Chicken  

Rotisserie Chicken is one of the most popular dishes in Peruvian cuisine.

The preparation process includes a blend of spices such as garlic, cumin, pepper, salt, and sometimes beer or vinegar, which infuses the meat with an unparalleled flavor. Then, the chicken is roasted over wood or charcoal, giving it that characteristic smoky aroma and a golden, crispy skin.

It is traditionally served with French fries, salad, and accompanied by sauces like mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and chili. This meal brings families and friends together around the table and is perfect for sharing on any occasion.

El secreto del pollo a la brasa está en su marinada, que incluye una mezcla especial de hierbas y especias peruanas.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
The secret to rotisserie chicken lies in its marinade, which includes a special blend of Peruvian spices.
El secreto del pollo a la brasa está en su marinada, que incluye una mezcla especial de hierbas y especias peruanas.
Fuente:CuscoPeru.com
The secret to rotisserie chicken lies in its marinade, which includes a special blend of Peruvian spices.

Gastronomic Experience

If you're looking for a unique gastronomic experience in Cusco, a food tour is just what you need. These tours include visits to the most popular markets and restaurants in the city, allowing you to discover the rich culinary culture and history of the region.

Happy passengers