Peru
Peruvian Food Guide for Travelers
Peruvian cuisine is South America's most exciting: indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese (chifa), and Japanese (Nikkei) influences produce dishes found nowhere else. Ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa are just the beginning.
Lima: South America's Food Capital
Three of the world's 50 best restaurants (Central, Maido, Kjolle) and thousands of excellent cevicherias, chifas, picanterias. One of the world's great food cities.
Ceviche Culture
Fish 'cooked' in lime for minutes, not hours: almost raw. Sweet potato and cancha are traditional sides. Eaten at lunch when fish is freshest.
The Fusion Cuisines
Chifa blends wok techniques with Peruvian ingredients (lomo saltado). Nikkei combines sashimi with aji and lime. Both unique to Peru.
Potatoes: Peru's Gift
Over 3,000 varieties. Causa, papas a la huancaina, papa rellena. At altitude, try blue, purple, yellow potatoes you've never seen.
Must-Try Dishes
Ceviche
$$Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice with onion, chilli, sweet potato. Lunch only.
Contains fish; gluten-free
Lomo Saltado
$$Beef stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, chilli, served with fries and rice.
Contains meat, soy; gluten-free
Causa
$$Layered cold potato terrine with lime, chilli, avocado, chicken or tuna filling.
Contains fish/meat; gluten-free
Aji de Gallina
$$Shredded chicken in creamy aji amarillo sauce with walnuts and cheese over rice.
Contains dairy, nuts, meat; gluten-free
Anticuchos
$Grilled beef heart skewers. Street food tradition since Inca times.
Contains meat; gluten-free
Pisco Sour
$$Peru's national cocktail: pisco, lime, egg white, syrup, bitters.
Contains alcohol, eggs
Menu Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Cevicheria | Ceviche restaurant: lunch only | Dining |
| Chifa | Chinese-Peruvian fusion | Dining |
| Nikkei | Japanese-Peruvian fusion | Dining |
| Aji | Chilli pepper (many varieties) | Ingredients |
| Papa | Potato: 3,000+ varieties | Staples |
| La cuenta | The bill | Dining |
| Saltado | Stir-fried | Cooking Methods |
| A la parrilla | Grilled | Cooking Methods |
Dietary Restriction Guide
Vegetarian
Causa without meat, papa a la huancaina, quinoa dishes, soups, and chifa vegetables. Say 'sin carne'.
Vegan
Harder: dairy and eggs common. Quinoa salads, grilled vegetables, some chifa dishes. Lima has growing vegan scene.
Gluten-Free
Potatoes and corn extensively: naturally gluten-free. Ceviche, grilled meats, rice dishes safe. Avoid breaded items.
Common Allergies
Fish and shellfish in ceviche. Nuts in aji de gallina. Dairy in sauces. Aji peppers very hot. Say 'soy alergico/a a...'.
Ordering Tips
- •Ceviche is lunch: cevicherias close by 4pm.
- •Aji peppers: amarillo is mild-medium, rocoto is volcanic.
- •Chifa restaurants are everywhere and excellent.
- •Tipping 10% standard.