peruvian food
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Best restaurants in Peru for the ultimate foodie experience

First we eat, then we do everything else. – M.F.K. Fisher

Where and what to eat in Peru for the best foodie experience

There are many reasons why you should visit Peru, like greatly desired Machu Picchu, amongst many, but if you are a hopeless foodie, this only reason might be convincing enough: food.

When you think of food while traveling and the best cuisine, countries like Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, India or Lebanon probably cross your mind. I might disappoint you, folks! Nothing compares to Peruvian food…well, in my modest opinion. But the number of world-class restaurants and long waiting lists to get a table in Lima might double prove my statement.


Favourite travel resources:

  • Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
  • Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
  • Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
  • World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
  • Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
  • Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
  • Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
  • Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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Honestly, I enjoyed the food there greatly. I had this crazy thought today, that it would be awesome to just fly to Lima for lunch and enjoy the best ceviche ever. It is a raw fish dish. If someone told me that I would become a ceviche lover (or any other raw fish dishes) I would probably say that he fell from a Christmas tree and hit his head. And here you go! Never say never- a famous saying shouts. I am officially transformed.


See also:

Getting high? 8 tips how to survive high altitude sickness

Copacabana, Lake Titicaca and mixed feelings.

A quick guide to Potosi, Bolivia: all you need to know

Chilean bucket list. What to see and do in Chile.


Best restaurants in Peru

Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant combination of flavors. After traveling to so many countries around the world, Peruvian food remains my favourite. What is so special about Peruvian food is that it is rich and diverse. Peruvian cuisine not only celebrates traditional ingredients but also showcases a delightful blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian culinary techniques. It’s a gastronomic journey that immerses diners in a symphony of spices, colors, and aromas, offering an unforgettable and exquisite dining experience. So I am presenting you a few of my favourite restaurants in Peru to try amazing Peruvian food.

what to eat in peru

Where to eat in Lima

IK

When you decide to eat in IK you may experience many emotions. The food and the interior design seem to be a kind of laboratory experiment. Not very intimate space creates somehow an intriguing atmosphere. The dishes are provocative and you are being served starters and deserts as part of the dining experience and the curiosity builds up with every dish the waiters bring.

food Peru

food Peru

Cebichería La Mar

This was probably my favourite place friendly, welcoming and serving great food (seems to be always crowded). And they have an amazing chocolate mousse on their menu.

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Restaurante Huaca Pucllana

This restaurant not only serves really good food, but also is located next to famous ruins, at which you can look while having your meal. And the King of Spain and many other personalities dined there.

food Peru

Best places to eat in Arequipa

Arequipa is a lovely, volcano city in the south of Peru. It’s worth mentioning because I had the best food in the whole Peru here.

La Nueva Palomino

A typical Peruvian restaurant with attractive although homey decor serving traditional dishes. The portions are really big, so surely you won´t leave hungry.  Chupe de camarones was excellent there


Dishes to eat in Peru

For a real Peruvian experience for foodies- these dishes should be on your list:

Cebiche

This might be the most popular Peruvian dish. It is made of raw fish pieces marinated in citrus sauce called leche del tigre with an addition of sliced onion and peppers. It might also be served with choclo (corn) and sweet potatoes. The acid of the juice somehow ‘cooks’ the fish, giving it a specific texture.

Cuy

It is baked or grilled as a whole animal. I had never heard of it as a traditional Peruvian dish before going to Peru and I must say, it was a novelty to me. Cuy is a guinea pig.

Chupe de camarones

This is my second favourite dish from Peru after cebiche. It is a shrimp stew with an exquisite taste.

Chupe de camarones

Rocoto relleno

It is a stuffed pepper dish (with beef and hard-boiled egg), then baked and covered with cheese. This dish is mainly associated with Arequipa, but if you fancy it, it is available everywhere in the country.

Causa

In the photo, you can see causa with a modern twist. The traditional form, however, is made of two layers: potatoes and another ingredient such as tuna, chicken, meat or hard-boiled egg. It is served cold.

Causa

Aji de gallina

Aji de Gallina is a traditional Peruvian dish featuring shredded chicken cooked in a creamy sauce made from yellow aji peppers, walnuts, bread, and condensed milk. It’s served with boiled potatoes, rice, and hard-boiled eggs.

Anticuchos

Anticuchos are skewers of marinated meat, often beef hearts, that are grilled to perfection. The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, aji panca (Peruvian red pepper), cumin, and other spices.

Lomo saltado

Lomo Saltado is a flavorful stir-fry dish that combines marinated strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, sautéed with soy sauce and vinegar. It’s often served with rice and French fries.

Papa a la Huancaína

Papa a la Huancaína consists of boiled potatoes served with a rich, creamy sauce made from aji amarillo peppers, cheese, evaporated milk, and crackers. It’s typically garnished with hard-boiled eggs and olives. Originating from the Huancayo region, it’s a classic Peruvian appetizer or side dish known for its vibrant flavors and creamy texture.

Pollo a la brasa

Pollo a la Brasa is a popular Peruvian roast chicken dish, marinated with a blend of spices like soy sauce, cumin, and aji panca. It’s traditionally cooked over an open flame or charcoal. It is usually served with fried yuka, or with fries.

Drinks to try in Peru

Chicha

Chicha is a traditional Peruvian fermented corn drink. There are two types: Chicha Morada, made from purple corn, and Chicha de Jora, made from yellow corn. It’s mildly sweet and can be enjoyed with meals. The corn is boiled with pineapple, cinnamon, cloves and sugar to create this tasty beverage.

Chicha

Pisco sour

Well, this is a treat- a typical Peruvian cocktail based on liquor pisco, lime or lemon juice, egg white, syrup and a bitter component. A very popular place to try pisco sour is Hotel Bolivar in Lima. It was really good I must admit, although a bit overpriced I would say.

Pisco sourInka Kola

Ok, this is something you just need to try – bubblegum-flavoured fizzy drink.

Inka kola

What about you guys? Are you a foodie type? What are your favourite dishes you’ve tried while travelling? I would love to know.


Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.


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