Must-try Dishes
Chicharrón - Crispy Pork Belly - Juicy pieces of seasoned pork belly, deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Locals enjoy it as a breakfast staple, often paired with sweet potato and salsa criolla.
Anticuchos - Beef Heart Skewers - Tender marinated beef heart skewered and grilled to perfection, served with a side of crispy potatoes. Popular as a late-night snack or street food, you can find them sizzling at night markets.
Lomo Saltado - Stir-Fried Beef - A savory stir-fry of thinly sliced beef, onions, and tomatoes, seasoned with soy sauce and served over rice and fries. This dish is a dinner favorite, often accompanied by a chilled beer.
Causa Rellena - Layered Potato Dish - A unique cold dish made of yellow potatoes mixed with lime and ají amarillo, layered with chicken or tuna salad. It’s typically eaten as an appetizer, but many locals enjoy it for lunch.
Pachamanca - Earth Oven Cooked Feast - Hearty mix of chicken, pork, and potatoes, slow-cooked in an underground oven with herbs. This communal dish is a delight during family gatherings or festivals, enjoyed during special occasions.
Sanguito - Lamb and Corn Soup - Rich and flavorful soup made with lamb, corn, and a medley of herbs. Commonly served during the colder months, it’s comforting and is often eaten on Sunday afternoons.
Tacu Tacu - Beans and Rice Mash - A blend of rice and beans pan-fried to create a crispy outer layer with a soft inside, often served with fried eggs or steak. It's a popular choice for a filling lunch, often found in local diners.
Ají de Gallina - Spicy Chicken Stew - Shredded chicken cooked in a creamy, spicy sauce made with ají amarillo and walnuts, usually served with rice. Typically enjoyed during lunch, many locals eagerly order it for family gatherings or Sunday meals.
Desserts & Drinks
Chicha Morada - Chicha Morada (purple corn drink) - A refreshing beverage made from boiled purple corn, pineapple, spices, and sweetened with sugar. It’s often enjoyed at family gatherings, especially during summer, and is served chilled over ice. You might catch locals sipping it during lunch, but it's not uncommon to savor it with street food.
Café Peruano - Café Peruano (Peruvian coffee) - A rich, dark brew made from handpicked beans, often brewed in a traditional percolator. Locals usually enjoy it in the morning or during afternoon breaks, and it's often accompanied by a small piece of chocolate. By the way, don't be surprised if you find many prefer their coffee without milk, aiming for the pure flavor!
Pisco Sour - Pisco Sour (signature cocktail) - A zesty cocktail crafted from Pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, creating a frothy texture. Traditionally served as an aperitif during celebrations, it's a favorite in bars across the city, so make sure to try it during Happy Hour! Just be mindful of asking for it “without egg” – not as common here, but does exist.
Alfajores - Alfajores (sweet sandwich cookies) - Delicate cookies filled with sweet dulce de leche and rolled in coconut or powdered sugar. These treats are popular during festive occasions like birthdays, but you’ll also see them at cafés as a delightful afternoon snack. Look for ones made with cornstarch for that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Helado de Lucuma - Helado de Lucuma (lucuma ice cream) - Creamy ice cream made from the lucuma fruit, known for its unique sweet and earthy flavor. Often enjoyed in the hot season, it’s a common dessert at local ice cream parlors where families gather. Locals love it topped with a drizzle of caramel for that extra indulgence!
