What to eat in Lima: the peruvian gastronomy
The local cuisine is one of the most diverse of the country, which present a variety of dishes with the influence of Chinese Cantonese, Japanese and Italian gastronomy. Some of the most representative dishes are:
Ceviche
May be the Peru’s most world-famous dish, and one of the most delicious dishes to order when you visit the capital city. The Ceviche, is made with fresh fish caught every morning that’s then marinated in limes and rocoto peppers, served with onions, corn, and sweet potatoes. Just remember to eat ceviche like a local: always spicy and never after lunch.
Aji de Gallina
Another classic and typical dish, made from potatoes and eggs in a thick creamy sauce and has been featured on the appetizer menu in several restaurants across Lima. It’s always consumed as a snack or a starter, though you’ll probably end up wanting a little bit more.
Papas a la Huancaína
A wonderful creamy dish that is always served as a starter in any restaurant in Lima. A spicy cheese sauce is drizzled over sliced potatoes and the dish itself can be very diverse, whether it’s sold as street food or served in Lima’s finest restaurants. Excellent!
Chaufa
This peruvian dish take on fried rice is usually available at every restaurant in Lima. In Peru, chaufa is not eaten as a side dish but served as an entrée, usually with chicken, seafood, or meat mixed in.
Lomo Salteado
As a result of a large wave of Asian immigration throughout the 19th century, Chinese-Peruvian fusion proliferates throughout the city today. One of the most popular Chinese dishes available in restaurants includes lomo saltado, a stirfry of beef and vegetables served with a side of chips and fried rice.
Anticucho
Anticucho, or garlicky grilled beef heart on skewers, makes up a large part of Peru’s casual snack menu. Said to date back to the time of Spanish conquerors, many believe slaves created the dish as a result of only having access to the parts of the animal their owners didn’t want. Other foods similar to anticucho feature chicken sweetbreads and tripe.
Picarones
Doughnut-shaped sweet treats made from mashed sweet potato and squash topped with cinnamon and sticky syrup. A flavourful, cheap street snack likely to satisfy any sidewalk patron.
Pisco Sour
Pisco is the Peru’s national brandy, originates from the Ica region and tastes different depending on distilling and grape harvesting techniques. A pisco sour involves a mix of pisco, egg white, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, and a touch of simple syrup
The Inca Cola
To commemorate Lima’s 400th birthday in 1935, José and Martha Lindley created a unique, bubble gum flavoured soft drink. Today, Inca Kola is the most popular soda in Peru. This bright yellow beverage is the perfect compliment to any meal.
