Welcome to the culinary universe of Peru, a land rich in flavors and traditions. Discover the 10 typical dishes that make Peruvian cuisine famous. Each of these dishes is an invitation to travel, a fusion of cultures and tastes that will delight your taste buds.
Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its diversity and originality. It reflects a millenary history, influenced by pre-Columbian, Spanish, African, and Asian civilizations. Peruvian dishes are the result of this cultural mosaic, where local ingredients harmoniously blend with ancestral cooking techniques.
A unique blend of local ingredients (quinoa, aji peppers, Pacific fish) and multicultural culinary influences.
Pollo a la brasa, although popular, is not a traditional dish but a staple of everyday Peruvian life.
Ceviche is Peru's national pride. Prepared with fresh fish marinated in "tiger's milk" (lime juice, chili pepper and salt), served with red onions, cilantro and sweet potato.
An ancestral Andean dish, cuy is enjoyed whole-roasted, with crispy skin and flavorful meat similar to rabbit.
This stir-fried marinated beef, mixed with onions, tomatoes and fries, perfectly illustrates the Chinese-Peruvian fusion.
This creamy chicken stew, prepared with yellow chili pepper and nut sauce, is a family meal classic. Served with rice, potatoes and black olives.
Beef heart skewers marinated in vinegar and spices, charcoal-grilled. A Peruvian street food staple at sunset.
Iconic Andean dish featuring potatoes covered in a creamy fresh cheese and huancaína chili sauce, garnished with eggs and olives.
Refined starter made from seasoned yellow potato puree with lemon and chili, layered with various fillings (tuna, chicken, avocado or seafood), served cold.
Fiery specialty from Arequipa: hollowed and softened rocoto peppers, stuffed with minced meat, onions, olives and cheese, oven-baked with milk and eggs.
Organizing a tailor-made trip to Peru is an excellent way to experience an authentic and personalized adventure. By working with a local agency specialized in Peruvian tours, you can discover the wonders of the land of the Incas according to your preferences and interests.
However, to make your adventure unforgettable, it's essential to consider some tips and tricks while avoiding common pitfalls.
Here's a practical guide to successfully plan your tailor-made trip to Peru
Read the complete guide →This iconic dish transforms leftover rice and beans into a delicious crispy mixture, typically served with a fried egg, plantain and meat (often lomo saltado).
Ancient culinary ceremony: meats (pork, lamb, chicken), tubers and vegetables cooked in an underground oven with aromatic herbs (huacatay) and heated volcanic stones.
Pachamanca is much more than a dish - it's an offering to Mother Earth (Pacha Mama), prepared during Inti Raymi (sun festivals) and agricultural celebrations.
Sophisticated version of traditional causa, with layers of yellow potato puree flavored with lemon, alternating with creamy fillings of tuna, chicken or seafood, often presented in cake form.
Slow-cooked lamb stew in a fresh cilantro green sauce, served with white beans and rice. Specialty from northern Peru where the meat is particularly tender.
One of Peru's oldest dishes, made with rehydrated dried potatoes (chuño), cooked with pork, panca chili and roasted peanuts, creating a unique texture between stew and puree.
Variation of papa a la huancaína where the creamy cheese and yellow chili sauce covers tender chicken fillets, served with potatoes and black olives.
Icon of chifa cuisine (Chinese-Peruvian fusion), this fragrant fried rice with ginger and soy sauce comes with crunchy vegetables, shredded omelette and choice of meat.
Amazonian specialty wrapped in bijao leaves: fragrant mixture of rice, chicken, olives and hard-boiled egg steamed, traditionally prepared for the Fiesta de San Juan (June 24).
Marinade inherited from colonial times where pork is slowly braised in a thick sauce made with chicha de jora (corn beer), aji panca and spices, served with country bread.
Ultimate comfort food: chicken stewed with carrots, peas and potatoes in a spicy broth, thickened with bread for a velvety sauce.
Cousin of ceviche but with Japanese influence: fish cut into thin slices (like sashimi) with a creamy chili sauce, lime and cilantro, without onions.
Fish steamed in a spicy tomato, onion and cilantro broth, served with yuca and white rice. Perfect for cool coastal days.
By exploring these typical Peruvian dishes, you have discovered the incredible richness of Peruvian gastronomy, a true fusion of ancient traditions and multicultural influences. From the Andean highlands to the vibrant Pacific coast, through the lush Amazon, each region offers its unique flavors.
To complete this culinary experience, don't forget to discover the typical drinks of Peru that perfectly accompany these delicious dishes: from the famous Pisco Sour to traditional coca infusions and exotic Amazonian fruit juices.
May this guide inspire you to taste, travel, and share these gastronomic treasures. ¡Buen provecho y hasta pronto en el Perú! (Bon appétit and see you soon in Peru!)