Gastronomy

Peru is a country with an extraordinary up-and-coming cuisine. The best expression of this gastronomy is without a doubt ceviche, a truly national dish. Ceviche is raw fish (and/or seafood) marinated in lime juice and served cold. The best ceviche is meant to be in Lima, but it can be eaten almost anywhere in the country. In Cusco and Puno, which are far from the sea, you can often find ceviche made from trout, a fish which can be found in nearby rivers. Fish is also often served under the form of “tiradito”, a sort of carpaccio, and usually made with less lime than ceviche. Another classic from the coast is causa, a potato purée served with avocado and fish or seafood. Apart from fish, the following are also typical Peruvian dishes: lomo saltado, made with finely chopped beef fried with onions, tomatoes and French fries, and served with rice. Rocoto relleno (a specialty from Arequipa) is a spicy, fried red pepper stuffed with ground meat and raisins, usually served with a potato gratin. Pork chicharrón is an incredibly flavorful piece of fried pork, usually served with salad and French fries.

A gigantic dish, the “doble” consists of a rocoto relleno and chicharrón, and the “triple” also adds to that a “zarza de patitas” (pieces of pork feet, tomato and onion). The “aji de gallina”, small pieces of poultry served in a sauce made from peppers, milk, garlic and onion. For a deliciously pink and healthy meat, try alpaca meat. And let’s not forget camarones (crawfish). These are prepared in many different ways, namely in a chupe (a delicious soup), and in ceviche of course.

There are also many affordable on-the-go snacks, such as tamales (corn flour cooked in banana tree leaves and stuffed with meat and olives), anticuchos (beef heart which is marinated, skewered, and cooked on the grill) papa rellena (potato stuffed with ground meat)… apart from these delicious dishes, you will quickly realize that chicken is the most popular meat in Peru. In every single city you will see many “pollerias”, restaurants which serve roast chicken with French fries and salad. Pizza and fast food are also extremely popular, as with most other countries. Finally, let’s mention the national alcohol, Pisco, a white alcohol made from grapes, which Peru claims as its own (as well as Chile). It is usually served under the form of “Pisco sour”, a very refreshing traditional cocktail, with a delicious lime flavor and light mousse on the top.