Peruvian Cuisine: 11 Mouthwatering Dishes That You Must Try On Your Vacation

Peruvian cuisine is often regarded as one of the world’s very finest, best-known and loved for its historical heritage and regional diversity.

Here we can truly step back in time with ancient dishes like Pachamanca and Cuy Al Horno which date back several thousands of years, while also enjoying tasty modern staples such as Lomo Saltado and Ají De Gallina. Tourists heading to Peru can enjoy a real food adventure while traveling around the country, where rich flavors and mouthwatering foods await in every new destination.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the very best Peruvian cuisine in this diverse South American country. As well as exploring where is best to try each particular dish and what to expect, we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.

11 Of The Very Best Peruvian Cuisine And Signature Dishes

Ceviche

One of the most famous meals of all, Ceviche is known as the national dish of Peru - and is even recognized by UNESCO as part of Peru’s national cultural heritage. Believed to date back as far as 2000 years to the era of the Moche civilization, Ceviche has become a daily staple all over the Pacific coast - and has its own regional variations within the inland Andes and Amazon areas.

Combining fresh fish along with a contrasting citrus tinge, Ceviche provides both a refreshing and slightly spicy food experience. It’s often seasoned with chiles and served alongside sweet potatoes and onions, and can be found in restaurants all over Lima. It’s common to follow up with a Suspiro a la Limeña, or another one of Peru’s fantastic desserts and sweet treats.

Best For: Those Who Love Seafood Or Want A Unique Food Experience 

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Lima & The Pacific Coast

Rocoto Relleno

A classic starter dish that hails from Southern Peru, Rocoto Relleno originates from the city of Arequipa, and is one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods. Well-known for its main ingredient of the rocoto pepper, which looks similar to a bell pepper, this dish naturally packs serious heat - and is therefore balanced using proper preparation and accompaniments.

Rocoto Relleno is made by hollowing out the pepper itself, which is then filled with a savoury mixture of minced meat, onions, herbs and regional spices. It’s then topped with cheese and baked, and has a surprisingly rich and warm flavor despite its fiery reputation.

Best For: Those Who Enjoy Bold Flavors  

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Arequipa

Cuy Al Horno

Cuy Al Horno (Roasted Guinea Pig) is one of the most traditional Andean dishes of Peru, dating back thousands of years to the pre-Inca civilizations that once roamed these lands. The Cuy was not only an important food source for them, it was also a sacred ceremonial animal that signified prosperity - and to this day still remains a popular dish throughout regions such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Huaraz.

The meat itself is roasted until the skin is crisp, and has a comparable taste to rabbit and other dark poultry. It’s commonly served with corn, potatoes and local Andean sauces, and can be found in most luxury and local restaurants.

Best For: Those Who Are Adventurous Eaters Or Want To Try Ancient Andean Cuisine

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Cusco And The Sacred Valley

Tacacho Con Cecina

Deep within the Amazon Jungle regions of Peru, certain foods and flavors have become widespread staples no matter which area you visit. One of these is Tacacho Con Cecina, which is a hearty dish that is rooted in traditional cooking methods - and uses abundant ingredients from the rainforest which makes it simple and quick to prepare anywhere.

Tacacho is made from mashed green plantains that are mixed with pork fat, and is then shaped into dense circular balls. Cecina is a smoked and salty pork - which when combined with Tacacho, creates a filling meal that really reflects daily life in the Amazon Jungle.

Best For: Those Who Are Curious About Authentic Amazonian Cuisine

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Iquitos And Puerto Maldonado

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Ají De Gallina

Ají De Gallina is a creamy dish that fuses together both indigenous Peruvian and European influences - and is one of the most popular foods for both locals and tourists alike. Originating from the colonial period, it’s commonly served in restaurants all throughout Lima, while also a common staple in touristic cities like Cusco and Arequipa.

Shredded chicken is served with the local regional Ají sauce, which is made out of Ají peppers, cheese, milk and walnuts. This creates a unique Peruvian flavor which is smooth - yet just a little spicy. It’s commonly served alongside rice, potatoes, an egg and olives.

Best For: Those Who Prefer A Mild Yet Rich Comfort Dish

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Lima

Chupe De Camarones

A rich shrimp soup, Chupe De Camarones is native to Arequipa and the southern regions of Peru. The roots of this dish are actually ancient pre-Inca and began with what was known as a Chuwa Misa, which was a meat-based potato stew. It was then when the Spanish Empire arrived that the Chupe De Camarones dish was born, by adding ingredients found only in Europe at the time.

The thick soup is made using corn, milk, cheese and the native Ají peppers of Peru. Freshly caught shrimp is then added in as well as potatoes, creating both a filling and cultural dish which is worth trying both in Arequipa and in towns or cities along the Pacific Coast.

Best For: Those Who Are Looking For A Comforting Seafood Dish

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Arequipa & The Pacific Coast

Patarashca

Patarashca is a very popular Amazonian dish that, along with Juane De Tacacho, really highlights the jungle region's deep connection with nature and life from the rivers. Using fresh fish caught from the Amazon River and surrounding tributaries, they are then wrapped in Bijao leaves and cooked over hot coals or flames - an ancestral practice that has been followed for centuries.

Fish that are usually used for this dish include local Paiche, Doncella or Paco, which are then marinated with spices, onions, garlic and tomatoes. Cilantro and Ají are also added, before being served alongside typical rainforest foods such as fried plantains and cassava.

Best For: Those Who Want Adventure Or To Try Traditional Rainforest Flavors

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Iquitos & Puerto Maldonado

Lomo Saltado

One of Peru’s all-time most popular dishes, Lomo Saltado is found all throughout the different regions of the country - and remains arguably the most popular meal for both locals and tourists alike. An iconic fusion dish found in luxury restaurants and local Chifas alike (which are Peruvian fusion restaurants), it combines cooking traditions and ingredients from Chinese settlers who arrived in Peru around 200 years ago, alongside native Peruvian ingredients.

Combining stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce and local spices, it’s usually cooked within a traditional wok for high-heat flames. Served alongside rice and French fries, it’s a hearty filling dish that almost everyone loves, and should be tried at least once during your trip through Peru.

Best For: Those Who Enjoy Familiar Flavors With A Peruvian Twist

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Lima

Alpaca Steak

Very lean and tender, Alpaca meat is one of the highest protein sources found in Peru. It has been consumed throughout the Andes since the ancient pre-Incan times, where it was once an important ceremonial animal for various pre-Inca civilizations. Today it’s increasingly found in both luxury restaurants and in local diners throughout Cusco and beyond, as both a nutritious and tasty alternative to beef.

Alpaca Steak is often grilled or pan-seared until tender, and has a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It’s often served alongside typical Andean sauces and native potatoes, for what is a surprisingly filling dish.

Best For: Those Who Are Health-Conscious Or Want To Try Native Peruvian Foods

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Cusco & The Sacred Valley

Chaufa

Another popular Asian-fusion dish, Chaufa is Peru’s special take on fried rice, and was also introduced by Chinese immigrants who arrived in the country in the 19th century. Chaufa is a very popular dish in Lima, and over the last 200 years many local and regional variations have been created - which can be sampled in both local Chifas as well as in famous award-winning restaurants such as Maido.

Chaufa is initially prepared with rice, eggs, vegetables and various meats or seafood. Soy sauce is then added before being cooked using the stir-fry technique in a traditional wok. Some of the best Chaufa varieties to try include Chaufa De Pollo (diced chicken breast) and Chaufa Taypa (various meats and quail eggs).

Best For: Those Who Enjoy Asian-Inspired Foods

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Lima

Pachamanca

Now we arrive at one of Peru’s most complete dishes that celebrate both great flavor and historic traditions. Pachamanca dates back several thousands of years to ancient Andean civilizations, with the name itself translating directly as “earth pot” - which reflects its unique cooking tradition underground using hot coals. More than a meal, it is one of Peru’s most prized traditions and communal rituals which celebrates both gratitude and sharing.

Pachamanca combines different types of meats (such as lamb, beef and pork), vegetables, potatoes and herbs into one feast-sized dish, which are all cooked together slowly. Depending on the event or restaurant, other special delicacies like Alpaca and Cuy may also be added for extra flavor and significance.

Best For: Those Who Want Ancient Traditions Or A Warm Cultural Experience

Where Is Best To Try This Dish? Cusco & The Sacred Valley

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Peruvian Cuisine

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about Peruvian cuisine, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The National Dish Of Peru?

Ceviche is the official national dish of Peru, which hails from the Pacific Coastal regions. Combining freshly-caught fish alongside a zingy citric sauce, Ceviche is popular in many of Lima’s finest restaurants in areas such as Miraflores and Barranco. Other popular places to eat Ceviche include Paracas, as well as Trujillo and Chiclayo further north along the coast.

Is Peruvian Food Healthy?

Peruvian food is generally considered to be one of the most healthy in all of Latin America, and especially dishes that combine natural ingredients. This includes nutrient-dense potatoes, beans and corn, as well as the rich fruits of Quinoa and Lucuma - while cooking techniques such as slow-cooking and steaming remain traditional and anti-fat focused.

What Makes Peruvian Food Unique?

One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Peru naturally has a whole range of exotic ingredients that grow naturally. This includes foods from the Pacific Coast, Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest - where both ancient and modern cooking has led to the invention of many tasty dishes, such as Ceviche, Lomo Saltado and Pachamanca. 

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Overview Of The Very Best Peruvian Cuisine And Dishes 

And that’s all for this guide on the best Peruvian cuisine that we can try around Peru.

Well-known for popular dishes like Ceviche and Lomo Saltado, the food scene in Peru has hit global heights in recent decades. This owes both to award-winning restaurants such as Maido and Central that really put Peru on the global food map, but also because of the rich variety of regional specialties and dishes that are found here - many of which are created using endemic ingredients from the Amazon and Andes regions.

Are you heading to Peru soon and want the most complete food experience during your travels? Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company, we fully craft your Peru vacation exactly how you want it to be. This can include eating at world-famous restaurants that serve many of the dishes found in this article, while also staying in luxury hotels that are renowned for their award-winning restaurants.