Did you know that Peruvian cuisine is one of the most up-and-coming food heritages on the planet?
With a combination of popular classics like Ceviche and Aji de Gallina which are loved by locals and tourists alike, to ancient foods like Pachamanca which have thousands of years of history, Peru has a really unique and incredible cuisine worth trying. Thankfully it’s easy to try some of these very best dishes in various areas of Lima, which is the best starting point for a food journey around Peru.
In this guide we’ll explore the very best Peruvian cuisine, looking at some of the more loved dishes in this South American country. As well as looking at different food tour options for trying these in Lima, we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.
Table of Contents
6 Of The Very Best Peruvian Cuisine Dishes
Ceviche
Officially regarded as the national dish of Peru, Ceviche is one of the very best seafood classics that you must try when here. Extremely popular along the Pacific Coast, fresh fish are caught and served the same day, marinated in a zingy citric juice that gives this dish its iconic taste. It’s also possible to find varieties of Ceviche in the Amazon, where they use local river fish instead to create their own regional specialities.
Aji De Gallina
One of the most popular local dishes in the entire country, Aji de Gallina is a must-try for anyone travelling through Peru. Made using chicken, potatoes and the native Ají amarillo pepper, it’s a perfect filling main dish after a day out exploring. Aji de Gallina was actually invented by the Spanish during their reign, by combining their own foods along with exotic ingredients found throughout Peru.
Lomo Saltado
Did you know that Peruvian cuisine is heavily influenced by East Asia? Lomo Saltado is a perfect example, which is essentially a stir fry that was first created centuries ago by Chinese settlers. Very popular in cities like Arequipa and Lima, it’s a hearty dish which usually includes beef strips, onions, rice, french fries, soy sauce and the local ají pepper – and is a must-try for everyone heading to Peru!
Pachamanca
Most popular dishes that we can try throughout Peru have their roots in the past few centuries, combining both local knowledge along with foreign settlers. However Pachamanca is a true ancient Peruvian dish, dating back several thousands of years. Consisting of meats, Andean corn, potatoes, marinades and more, it’s cooked entirely underground – and is a very popular dish to try when in Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Suspiro A La Limeña
Now we move on to Peru’s sweet desserts, and first up we have arguably the most popular of all in the capital. Suspiro a la Limeña is a sugar-rich treat that almost everyone will want to try at least twice – made out of eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and ground cinnamon. Born in Lima, it’s a perfect dessert to try on a local food tour here in the Peruvian capital, and especially when exploring popular districts like Miraflores and the Historic Center.
Mazamorra
If you’re looking to try one of the most unique desserts of Peruvian Cuisine, then you simply must try Mazamorra. With an eye-catching, electric-purple colour, Mazamorra is a fruity dessert that combines Andean corn along with pineapple, apple, cinnamon, lime and sugar. Like Pachamanca, Mazamorra also has pre-Hispanic roots and was popular with civilisations like the Inca – before the Spanish introduced more fruits and sugar – and later turned it into a sweeter dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Peruvian Cuisine
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the best Peruvian cuisine, as well as anything else you need to know.
What Is The National Dish Of Peru?
The highly popular coastal dish of Ceviche is Peru’s national dish. Fresh fish are served alongside citrus fruits for a zingy and unique taste, and can be found in the majority of both local and upscale restaurants in Lima. For those who are travelling around Peru and want to try some of the best Ceviche in the country – consider heading to the coastal cities of Chiclayo and Trujillo further north.
Is Peruvian Food The Best Cuisine In The World?
Peruvian cuisine has really exploded onto the global food scene in the last few decades, owing to its rich variety of dishes and world-famous restaurants. Some of these restaurants – such as Central and Maido (which are both located in Lima) – each won the prestigious award for best restaurant on earth in recent years, further cementing Peru’s cuisine as one of the very best in the world.
What Is The Most Eaten Food In Peru?
Within Peru itself, this can really vary depending on the region, as well as preferences of locals and expats who live in different cities. However Aji de Gallina is a very popular dish and can be considered one of the most eaten foods in Peru, which is a creamy chicken-based dish. Other dishes that are popular include Ceviche, Papa Rellena and various soups such as Sopa a la Minuta.
Overview Of Peru Cuisine
And that’s all for this guide on Peru cuisine.
With dozens of exotic and mouthwatering dishes to try, Peru is now classed as a top food destination – and has become one of the most sought-after cuisines on the globe. This includes foods such as the popular Ceviche along the coast, the hearty Lomo Saltado in the Andes, and tasty desserts like Suspiro a la Limeña and Mazamorra in the capital of Lima.Looking for a complete food tour experience when in Lima?
Here at TravelBuddiesPeru we offer a memorable food tour in Miraflores, where our expert guide will lead you around trying classic Peruvian dishes such as Ceviche, Chicharrón, Churros and various exotic local fruits.
