Peruvian foods and flavors are diverse, vibrant, and delicious, with incredible dishes. Peru has become the gastronomic epicenter of South America, thanks to an abundance of fresh produce and a fusion of cultural influences.
Markets, street stalls, and tiny family-run restaurants known as huariques sell traditional Peruvian food and drink. If you are going to be there, here is a rundown of some food and drinks you should try at a Peruano restaurant.
Entradas
At a Peruano restaurant, this will be served as your starter. A typical meal consists of a starter or entrada and a main course, usually accompanied by maracuja juice or chicha, a popular Peruvian drink made from purple corn and various spices.Gallina Caldo
This is essentially a chicken soup, but you will usually find a couple of feet in your chicken, which is not aesthetically pleasing. This option is available everywhere, even in hot climates where warm food would not be expected to be served so liberally. Other soups range from sopas de Pescado to Carne, also available at a Peruvian restaurant.
Huanchaina’s papa
Papa a la Huancana is a Peruvian appetizer consisting of boiled potatoes in a spicy, creamy sauce. It is served cold, which may seem strange initially, but the dish is a national favorite, and the idea of eating a cold potato grows on you as time passes.
Tequeños
Tequeos are fried wanton dough with cheese in the middle served with guacamole sauce if you are lucky.
Ceviche
At a Peruano restaurant, ceviche is served as a starter rather than a main course. These ceviche plates are much smaller than those at cevicherias or other seafood restaurants.
Segundos
These are typically served with beans, rice, and a salad. It will be your main course, and you will most likely feel quite full due to how much food you eat.
Frito fish and chicharron de pescado
An abundance of fried and grilled fish can be found all along the vast coastline of Peru. Chicharron de Pescado is a fried fish nugget popular among Peruvians everywhere.
Saltado lomo
This dish is extremely popular in Peru and is frequently listed as a meal option without an entrada. It is a Peruvian-Chinese stir-fry with marinated meat, onions, tomatoes, and french fries.
Final Thoughts
Peruvian dishes reflect the cultures that have influenced the cuisine of the country. The Incas, as well as immigrants from Spain, Italy, Germany, and further afield from China, Japan, and West Africa, have all left their indelible mark on cuisines found at a Peruano restaurant. Therefore, these dishes will keep you full and satisfied, and you will eat them most of the time as you travel across the country.
