Every time we visit Peru, we find ourselves indulging in the finest flavors and mouth-watering dishes. From local restaurants to street food vendors, Lima offers a diverse culinary experience that keeps us coming back for more. If you’re a foodie just like us or simply love exploring new cuisines, this blog post is perfect for you. We can’t wait to share with you some of our favourite dishes from Peru’s capital.
About Ají Amarillo – Peruvian Yellow Pepper
Aji Amarillo is an essential ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. This mild chili pepper has a slightly fruity flavor with just the right amount of heat, making it a popular addition to many dishes. It’s often found as an accompaniment to stews and soups or used to make sauces. this beloved chili pepper can be found all across Peru and plays an important role in the country’s culinary culture.
Ceviche De Pescado – A National Treasure
Ceviche, a Peruvian national dish, is a must-try when you visit Lima. Fresh raw fish is marinated in zesty lime juice, mixed with red onions, cilantro, and spicy aji peppers. The dish is also accompanied by sweet potato and choclo corn, balancing out the strong citrus flavors. Don’t miss your chance to savor this Peruvian favorite.
Lomo Saltado – A Stir-Fried Dish
Lomo Saltado is a mouth-watering stir-fry dish that showcases the Chinese culinary influence in Peru. Juicy beef strips are sautéed with onions, tomatoes, yellow pepper and cilantro, then seasoned with soy sauce and spices. Served with a side of crispy fries and fluffy white rice, this delicious fusion of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Causa Rellena -Layered Potato Dish
Causa Rellena is a popular Peruvian dish made of mashed potatoes and a variety of fillings. The traditional recipe for Causa Rellena includes a layer of mashed potato, then mayonnaise, tuna, chicken or vegetables, hard boiled eggs, avocado and olives. It is usually served cold as an appetizer or snack.
Papa a la Huancaina
The name comes from the city of Huancayo, where it originates. This delicious dish consists of boiled potatoes that are covered in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from queso fresco (fresh white cheese), evaporated milk, cream cheese, onions and garlic. Additionally, it includes aji amarillo (chili peppers) for added spice and olives which give the dish an extra pop of color. All this is topped with hard boiled eggs for protein!
Arroz con Pollo -Peruvian Rice With Chicken
Arroz con Pollo Peruano is a traditional Peruvian dish made with chicken, rice, cilantro, aji amarillo (yellow pepper) and vegetables. It’s a flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or side dish.
Aji de Gallina – A Peruvian Classic
Aji de Gallina is a traditional Peruvian dish that consists of shredded chicken cooked in a creamy, aji amarillo (Peruvian yellow pepper) sauce. The dish is typically served over rice, with hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and a side of boiled potatoes. Rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, Aji de Gallina is the ultimate comfort food you need to try during your visit to Lima.
Anticuchos – The Ultimate Street Food
One of Lima’s favorite street foods, anticuchos are skewers of marinated beef hearts, grilled to perfection over an open flame. The marinade is typically made with a mix of garlic, aji panca (Peruvian red pepper), and vinegar. Served with boiled potatoes and white corn, anticuchos can be found in street food stalls or specialized restaurants
Picarones – A Sweet Ending
No culinary journey is complete without dessert, and Lima is home to Picarones, a delightful treat that will satisfy your taste buds. Made from a mix of sweet potatoes and squash, these tender, doughnut-like rings are deep-fried and served hot, drizzled with a generous amount of chancaca syrup (a sweet sauce made from molasses, sugar, and water). Find these addictive treats in street food stalls, parks, and markets, and let your sweet tooth indulge in the goodness of picarones.
Peruvian cuisine also boasts a variety of unique ingredients such as corn, quinoa, potatoes, and aji peppers, as well as exotic fruits like lucuma and chirimoya. Additionally, has gained international recognition for its use of indigenous ingredients like maca, a superfood rich in vitamins and minerals, and sacha inchi, high in omega-3s. Overall, Peruvian cuisine is a must-try for any food lover seeking bold flavors and a rich culinary history.
