“Peruvian cuisine is definitely my favourite” is probably not a sentence you hear very often. Despite the wide variety of restaurants now available (Chinese, Indian, Italian, Vietnamese… the list goes on) it is very rare that you will come across a Peruvian restaurant in England. Sadly, that means we Brits are missing out. Before moving to Lima, Peru I was told by a handful of people who had visited the country how well I was going to eat. They shared stories of Ceviche, Pisco and Lomo Saltado with me, and started to drool at the mouth as they did so. However it wasn’t until my first day in Lima, when I was taken to eat a two course menú del día for just s/ 11 ($3), that I realised just how right those people were. On that first day I jumped right in and tried the Peruvian roar fish special, Ceviche- a bold choice considering how much advice I was also given about giving your stomach time to adjust to the change in cuisine. However, I didn’t suffer from any stomach issues and haven’t looked back since! It’s now three months later and I feel sufficiently well versed in the food of Peru to create a list of my top 10 Peruvian dishes that must be tried at the first opportunity.
1. Ceviche- It’s the most obvious one to mention first as it is probably the most famous. Traditionally served with a sweet potato and corn nuts, ceviche is a citrusy sauce usually poured over raw fish for a refreshing and tasty flavouring. However, you can also get vegetable ceviche dishes that are not to be knocked. Among others I have tried mushroom and asparagus ceviche. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just bored, both serve as a delicious alternative to the fish.
2. Lomo Saltado- Another very traditional Peruvian dish this is essentially a beef stir fry served with chips. One thing you will learn about Peruvian food is that if they can get chips and rice onto the same plate, they will. Here, the chips and rice and accompanied by steak, red onion, a variety of vegetables and soy sauce. The dish varies slightly in ingredients from restaurant to restaurant but is always delicious. You may even sometimes see Pollo Saltado about, an almost identical dish only with chicken instead of beef.
3. Tequeños- This is a delicacy across South America. However, each country seems to vary the recipe ever so slightly. The Peruvian recipe is what has been described to me both as a ‘wonton stuffed with cheese’ and a ‘fried mozzarella stick’. Let me assure you, it is so much more. Tequeños are almost always served with Guacamole (and if they’re not, is there really any point having them?!) and make a great light lunch, starter or midday snack…
4. Ají de Gallina- We’re back to the main courses and this is another winner. Essentially chicken, potatoes and rice covered with an indescribably delicious sauce and served with a few black olives on top. The ají sauce has a very slight kick to it and is made with cheese, cream and onions along with the ají pepper that gives it its flavour. Do be careful of this one if you have a nut allergy though as the sauce sometimes contains pecans or peanuts.
5. Torta Tradicional- This is the one for you if you have a sweet tooth. Moist chocolate sponge sandwiched with dulce de leche and chocolate sauce then topped with a thick chocolate icing. If you’re hoping not to gain wait in Peru then this is the one to stay away from as once you’ve had one piece there is no going back.
6. Empanadas- Again, this could be seen as a cheat as empanadas are not necessarily native to Peru. However, they are widely sold here so I’m going to say they count. This is essentially a cornish pasty with a latino twist. Instead of your traditional steak, vegetable and gravy filling, these have either chicken or beef in a spicy sauce and occasionally a quails egg.
7. Palta Rellena- It is important to know that Peruvians love avocado. They will honestly use it at any opportunity they get. This recipe literally just translates to stuffed avocado. It is an avocado, sliced in half and stuffed with chicken, potato, carrot and peas in mayonnaise. As Peruvian food goes, it is certainly a healthier option.
8. Rocoto Relleno- Another stuffed vegetable dish but do not be deceived, these two dishes could not be more different. While this looks like an innocent stuffed bell pepper, it is actually a fiery Capiscum. The pepper is boiled to take away some of the heat and stuffed with ground beef, vegetables and baked white cheese. I would recommend a large glass of water with this dish!
9. Chaufa Rice- Part of Peru’s chifa cuisine, this is very similar to chinese egg fried rice. On the whole, the dish is cooked up with vegetables and chicken along with the egg. Chaufa rice is both a dish in it’s own right and also used to accompany burgers, steaks and chicken breasts.
10. Pisco Sours- Whoever said alcohol wasn’t a dish?! Admittedly, having a load of Pisco for dinner is probably not the best idea. However, this is a drink that must be tried and so it is being included. Pisco is Peru’s national drink and Pisco sours sees the spirit mixed up with lemon juice and egg white… more delicious that it sounds.
This is just a small sampling of some of the créme de la créme of Peruvian cuisine. The likelihood is, after sampling one of two of these tasty treats, you will be hooked on Peruvian cuisine for life.
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