3 PERUVIAN DISHES YOU MUST TRY

 

While many people see Peru as a land of cloud-topped mountains and ruins of ancient civilizations, Peru’s true treasure is its rich culinary heritage. So let’s take a look at some typical things to eat in Peru. These are the top 3 Peruvian food dishes you absolutely must try.

CEVICHE

The national dish and one of the most popular foods in Peru, ceviche can cause instant obsession. Other nations (Mexico, Ecuador) have their own variations on the dish, but this cooked fish served cold traditionally includes sea bass (corvina) marinated for a few minutes in lime juice, onion, salt, and hot chilies (aji) is Peruvian to the core.

Ceviche

To balance the spicy protein, ceviche often includes a side of starchy boiled corn (choclo) and sweet potatoes (camote). For additional texture, dry roasted corn kernels (cancha) are scattered around to add a delicious crunchiness.

LOMO SALTADO (STIR-FRY BEEF)

Coming in second only to ceviche in popularity, lomo saltado is a mix of Chinese stir-fry and classic Peruvian cuisine. Tender strips of beef (occasionally you will find it made with alpaca meat) are marinated in soy sauce and add to onions, tomatoes, aji chillies, and other spices.

Lomo Saltado

The ingredients are stir-fried together until the beef is the right level of cooked and the tomatoes and onions start to turn into a gravy-like consistency. An East-meets-West combo of starches: french fries (potatoes are a staple of the Peruvian diet) and a mound of steaming white rice.

AJI DE GALLINA (CREAMY CHICKEN)

Imagine a shredded chicken prepared curry-style in a thick sauce made with cream, ground walnuts, cheese, and aji amarillo. This mild but flavorful sauce, with just a hint of aji heat is tempered by the cream and cheese. The chicken, vegetables, and sauce are often served on a bed of rice, boiled potatoes, and black olives, giving it a rich, chowder-like consistency when everything is plated.

Aji de gallina

Eat Peru (2022). Retrevied from: https://www.eatperu.com/