Peruvian food is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. It’s a cuisine that’s deeply rooted in its native ingredients but has also absorbed influences from Europe, Africa, and Asia over centuries. The result? Dishes you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
And the world is catching on. While it used to be tough to find a Peruvian restaurant outside of Peru, they’re popping up everywhere now, showcasing the country’s unique culinary heritage.
So, ready to dive in but not sure where to start? This guide will help you decipher a Peruvian food menu and point you toward some absolute must-try dishes. Get ready for a delicious adventure!
The Three Regions of Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is typically divided into three distinct regional styles, each influenced by its unique geography and cultural history.
Coastal Cuisine
Peru’s long coastline provides an abundance of fresh seafood, which is a key ingredient in many dishes. Expect to see dishes like ceviche (raw fish cured in citrus juices) and jalea (fried seafood) on the menu. Peruvian coastal cuisine has been heavily influenced by Spanish and other European cooking styles.
Andean Cuisine
High in the Andes mountains, you’ll find dishes centered around tubers, grains, and even guinea pig, which is known locally as cuy. Potatoes are a crucial ingredient, and Peru boasts over 3,800 varieties! Andean cuisine tends to be hearty and comforting, perfect for the high altitudes and chilly climate.
Amazonian Cuisine
The Amazon region offers a diverse range of flavors, featuring tropical fruits, river fish, and hunted animals. This region uses unique ingredients sourced directly from the rainforest. While less internationally known than the coastal and Andean styles, Amazonian cuisine is equally diverse and delicious.
Must-Try Appetizers (Entradas) and Soups (Sopas)
If you’re new to Peruvian cuisine, the appetizer and soup sections of the menu are a great place to start. Many of the most well-known Peruvian dishes are available as starters, offering a smaller portion size and lower price point.
Appetizers (Entradas)
- Causa Rellena: Mashed yellow potatoes layered with tuna or chicken salad. This is a great way to ease into Peruvian flavors.
- Anticuchos de Corazón: Grilled beef heart skewers marinated in spices. This popular street food is a must-try for adventurous eaters.
- Papas a la Huancaina: Boiled yellow potatoes covered in a creamy, slightly spicy cheese sauce made with queso fresco and aji amarillo peppers. This is a staple appetizer in many Peruvian restaurants.
Soups (Sopas)
- Aguadito de Pollo: Chicken and rice soup made with cilantro, vegetables, and sometimes a touch of aji amarillo for flavor.
- Parihuela: A rich and flavorful seafood soup, often featuring a variety of fish, shrimp, mussels, and other shellfish.
Classic Peruvian Main Courses (Rincon Criollo)
Here are some classic Peruvian entrées you’re likely to see on a menu:
Lomo Saltado
This is a stir-fry made with strips of tender beef, onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce. It’s usually served with both rice and french fries, making it a super-satisfying and filling dish. Lomo Saltado is a great example of Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine, showing the influence of Chinese immigrants on Peruvian food.
Pro tip: Don’t be shy about using the fries to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Aji de Gallina
Aji de Gallina is a creamy and flavorful chicken stew. It’s made with aji amarillo peppers (which add a mild fruity heat), walnuts, milk, and bread, resulting in a rich and comforting sauce. It’s typically served with rice and potatoes.
Arroz con Pato
This translates to “rice with duck.” The duck is often cooked with cilantro and beer, giving the rice a vibrant green color and a wonderful aroma. This dish varies regionally, with different areas using their own unique spices and techniques.
Rocoto Relleno
Rocoto Relleno are stuffed rocoto peppers. Rocotos are a type of pepper that’s known for its spiciness (handle with care!). The peppers are typically filled with seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and spices, then baked or fried. It’s a spicy, savory, and incredibly flavorful dish.
Del Mar a la Mesa: Seafood Delights
Peru boasts a long coastline and an abundance of fresh seafood, and Peruvian chefs make the most of it. These are a couple of must-try dishes:
Ceviche
Ceviche is probably the most famous Peruvian dish. It features raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and chili peppers. The acidity of the lime actually “cooks” the fish, denaturing the proteins and firming the flesh.
Ceviche is often served with slices of sweet potato and Peruvian corn (called choclo), which has large kernels.
If you don’t care for spicy food, ask for your ceviche poco picante or “low spice.” There are many versions of ceviche made with different types of seafood, so be sure to try a few.
Jalea
If you love fried food, you can’t miss jalea, a deep-fried seafood platter with fish, shrimp, squid, and other seafood. It’s usually served with tartar sauce and salsa criolla, an onion relish.
Chifa: Peruvian-Chinese Cuisine
One of the most interesting aspects of Peruvian food is “Chifa.” It’s what happened when Chinese immigrants brought their cooking styles to Peru. The result is a delicious combination of two very different culinary traditions.
You might find dishes like Arroz Chaufa on a Chifa menu. It’s a Peruvian-Chinese take on fried rice, loaded with meat, veggies, and soy sauce.
Chifa restaurants are all over Peru, and they offer a unique and flavorful dining experience that you really can’t find anywhere else.
Sweet Endings: Desserts (Postres) and Drinks
No Peruvian meal is complete without a sweet treat and a refreshing beverage. Here are a few favorites:
Desserts (Postres)
- Picarones: Think Peruvian doughnuts. These fritters are made from sweet potato and squash and drizzled with a rich miel de chancaca, a type of molasses.
- Suspiro Limeño: A layered dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s made with a base of creamy dulce de leche and topped with a cloud of light, airy meringue.
Drinks
- Chicha Morada: A vibrant, sweet drink made from purple corn.
- Maracuya Juice: The tangy-sweet taste of passion fruit in juice form.
- Pisco Sour: The quintessential Peruvian cocktail. It’s a blend of pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, egg white (for a frothy texture), and a dash of bitters.
To Conclude
From ceviche to lomo saltado, a Peruvian food menu is full of exciting flavors and dishes you might not have tried before.
So, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new! Ask your server questions about the dishes, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and combinations.
Whether you’re at a local Peruvian restaurant or traveling in Peru, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. Buen provecho!