Traditional Peruvian Dishes You Should Try on Your Trip

Traditional Peruvian Dishes

Peru is one of those countries where food holds deep cultural importance. From the Andes to the coast, every meal tells a story of its people and land. Traditional Peruvian Dishes is full of color, comfort, and surprise. It’s the simplest kind of cooking that makes the most of what nature provides. Such meals are a heritage of the past and an acknowledgment of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌flavour. The recipes have survived for centuries and offer the taste of tradition and culture in the most delicious way possible. 

In this blog, we will talk about ten of the most famous and delicious dishes of Peru. These are the ones that you absolutely cannot miss during your Cusco Peru tours.

Best Peru Traditional Food

We have made a list of top ten dishes that you absolutely cannot miss. When in Peru, try to have at least some of them. They will be worth your time. Here are the ten best dishes: 

1. Ceviche

The country’s national dish is a coastal favourite. Fresh white fish is cut into cubes and soaked in lime juice. The lime “cooks” the fish, creating a sharp, bright flavor. If you eat it by the beach, you might just have the perfect Peruvian food​ experience.

2. Lomo Saltado

This stir-fried beef incorporates local flavors along with Chinese methods. It uses short strips of beef, tomato, and onion, which are mixed with soy sauce and a little pisco. It is served with rice and fries.

3. Ají de Gallina

This is pure comfort food in Peru​ through and through. This sauce consists of ají peppers, bread soaked in milk, and cheese. It is a very mild and creamy preparation that is served with rice, a hard-boiled egg, and an olive. The local families make this dish on weekends. They enjoy it in the sunshine.

4. Papa a la Huancaína

Simple and satisfying. Boiled potatoes are sliced and topped with a thick sauce of fresh cheese, yellow chili, oil, and milk. The sauce is rich yet fresh. It reminds us that potatoes originated in these mountains. You’ll find it at local markets and as a starter on most menus.

5. Causa a la limeña

It​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is a potato dish that is served cold. Firstly, potatoes are mashed with lime, chili, and oil. Then they are layered with the filling. The end result is a bright and fresh dish. This is just one way that shows how inventive Peruvians can be with basic ​‍​‌‍​‍‌ingredients.

6. Anticuchos

This is the best street food that Peru has to offer. Skewers of beef heart marinated in vinegar, garlic, and chili, then grilled over open flames and served with potato and corn on the cob. The flavor is smoky and bold. Many who try it once end up ordering seconds. It’s the kind of food you eat while chatting with locals at night markets.

7. Rocoto Relleno

This is the spiciest food in Arequipa, made with peppers. Mince meat, onions, eggs, and peanuts are used to stuff it. It is baked with cheese. The combination of these flavours is just right. Peru travel tips say that you can skip it, as it can be very spicy. 

8. Carapulcra

The dish is a stew that has dried potatoes, pork, peanuts, and red peppers. The dried potatoes add a certain chewiness to the stew. They also contribute to its deep and earthy flavor. This one is slow-cooked and hearty.

9. Pachamanca

The whole meal is a true Peru traditional food that is cooked underground. To roast meat, potatoes, beans, and corn inside a pit, chefs use hot stones. By the time the ingredients are ready, they have taken not only the smell of the earth but also of the herbs. It’s a dish for the people that is made for the gathering, mostly on weekends or at festivals. Eating Pachamanca is similar to becoming a part of the local ​‍​‌‍​‍‌festival.

10. Arroz con Pato

This​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is a great meal from the north that combines rice with duck. The rice gets its green color from the herbs. The duck meat is made tender during the cooking process. The taste is intense, a little bit sweet, and loaded with spices. This is one of those dishes that tastes like they were made at home.

5 Dishes Every Visitor Should Try First

  1. Ceviche: because it defines Peru’s coast.
  2. Lomo Saltado: for Lima Peru food and a mix of influences.
  3. Ají de Gallina: for creamy comfort.
  4. Papa a la Huancaína: for the power of simple ingredients.
  5. Anticuchos: for the smoky street charm.

5 Regional Plates Worth the Trip

When asking what the food is in Peru, these are the ones you should definitely try: 

Conclusion

Peruvian​‍​‌‍​‍‌ cuisine feels very honest and close to your heart. It doesn’t have any artificial flavorings or any bad intentions. The recipes are made from the ingredients that are not only fresh but also locally available. Every Peru traditional food is a medium that communicates the origin and the maker of it. Local food is the best way to know the culture. Try to eat local food instead of tourist food. Share plates, inquire, and be slow. Each and every meal is a journey to the core of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌country.

Goxplore Peru is a tourism operator company. With over 7 years of experience in the Peruvian market, we are committed to providing exceptional services. We offer personalized and professional attention at competitive prices.