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The food in Peru is famous for its rich flavours, local ingredients, and cultural diversity. For tourists exploring the coast, mountains, or jungles, the best food in Peru will leave them wanting more. Peruvian cuisine offers tourists a unique mix of indigenous traditions and international influences, making it one of the top food destinations in the world. Tourists exploring Peru can enjoy cuisines which range from fresh seafood to spicy street snacks. The top food in Peru is ideal for every traveller as they offer the perfect opportunity for a unique and unforgettable food experience.
Top 10 Foods In Peru
There are several foods in Peru that tourists can sample to taste the country’s local way of life. Here is a list of 10 famous foods in Peru:
1. Ceviche
Photo: MINISTERIO DE LA PRODUCCION / Wikimedia Commons
Ceviche is one of the most iconic dishes in Peru, made with raw fish marinated in fresh lime juice, thinly sliced onions, and chilli peppers. This vibrant, zesty dish is known for its bold, tangy flavour and is a favourite among locals and visitors. Often served with sweet potato and corn, ceviche offers a balanced combination of spicy, citrusy, and subtly sweet notes. It is especially popular along the Peruvian coast, where the seafood is freshest. Ceviche is traditionally enjoyed at lunchtime and remains a staple of Peruvian cuisine and a must-try for anyone exploring the country’s diverse culinary offerings.
Best Places To Try: Lima, Barranco
Regional Variations: Coastal regions use seafood; Amazon areas use river fish
2. Lomo Saltado
Photo: PapiPijuan / Wikimedia Commons
Lomo Saltado is a top food in Peru that blends Chinese stir-fry with Peruvian ingredients. It is a beef dish cooked with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and vinegar, served with rice and chips. This famous food in Peru offers tourists an immersive experience of the country’s fusion cooking style. Tourists can explore some of the best places in Peru for a lomo saltado, which uses tender beef served hot for a filling and tasty meal.
Best Places To Try: Panchita, La Lucha Sanguchería
Regional Variations: Chicken or seafood
3. Aji de Gallina
Photo: Dtarazona / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ají de Gallina is a famous food in Peru, which is a creamy chicken stew that tourists can enjoy while visiting the country. It is made with shredded chicken cooked in a thick sauce of yellow chilli peppers, milk, bread, and cheese. This famous food in Peru has a mild spicy taste and is served with rice, potatoes, and sometimes olives. Tourists can try out Ají de Gallina, which is a popular homemade dish that is also served in many local restaurants.
Best Places To Try: Barranco, Lima
Regional Variations: Some versions include walnuts or hard-boiled eggs
4. Pollo A La Brasa
Photo: Ymirazudis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pollo a la Brasa is a famous Peruvian food that tourists and locals prefer. It is a rotisserie chicken marinated with spices like garlic, cumin, and soy sauce, then roasted until juicy with crispy skin. Tourists can sample Pollo a la Brasa as a quick and tasty meal, as it is usually served with fries, salad, and spicy sauces. Tourists can enjoy affordable Pollo a la Brasa, which can be found everywhere in Peru, from family restaurants to street food stalls.
Best Places To Try: Lima, Santa Clara
Regional Variations: Marinades vary with local spices and herbs
5. Causa
Photo: Manuel González Olaechea / Wikimedia Commons
Causa is a colourful potato dish made with mashed yellow potatoes layered with fillings like tuna, chicken, or avocado. Tourists visiting Peru can sample this famous dish, which is usually served cold, making it light and refreshing. The bright yellow potatoes get their colour from local ají amarillo chillies. Causa is a perfect starter or snack for tourists who are exploring the best food in Peru.
Best Places To Try: La Mar, Amaz
Regional Variations: Seafood or vegetarian versions in coastal areas
6. Anticuchos de Corazon
Photo: nicehee0610 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Anticuchos de Corazón is a top food in Peru and is found on most street corners at night. These skewers of marinated beef grilled over charcoal give them a smoky and tender taste. The Anticuchos de Corazón has historical significance that dates back to Inca times, which is ideal for history enthusiasts. It’s usually served with boiled potatoes, corn, and spicy sauces. Tourists visiting Peru can enjoy Anticuchos de Corazón and immerse themselves in the local way of life.
Best Places To Try: Grimanesa Vargas Anticuchos (Lima), Street stalls in Cusco
Regional Variations: Chicken or seafood versions
7. Rocoto Relleno
Photo: franzconde / Wikimedia Commons
Rocoto Relleno is a bold and spicy Peruvian dish with red rocoto peppers stuffed with minced meat, onions, herbs, and melted cheese. The stuffed peppers are baked until tender and usually served with a slice of potato cake. Rocoto peppers may look like bell peppers but have a strong heat that gives the dish its kick. The flavours are rich and balanced, mixing spicy, savoury, and creamy elements in each bite. It’s a hearty and flavourful meal that’s perfect for those who enjoy something a bit spicy.
Best Places To Try: La Nueva Palomino (Arequipa), Tradición Arequipeña (Arequipa)
Regional Variations: Milder versions are available in Lima or coastal areas
8. Arroz con Pato
Photo: Dtarazona / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Arroz con Pato is a traditional rice and duck dish and one of the best foods in Peru. It’s made with coriander-flavoured rice, beer, and tender duck meat. Tourists visiting Peru can enjoy this dish, which is cooked slowly to give it a rich flavour. Moreover, the rice in the Arroz con Pato dish gets its green colour from fresh herbs, making it a visually appealing and tasty meal. It’s a hearty and satisfying option for those who enjoy rich, savoury meals with a touch of spice.
Best Places To Try: ]Chiclayo, Lima
Regional Variations: Chicken is used in place of duck in coastal areas
9. Papas A la Huancaína
Photo: AgainErick / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Papas a la Huancaína is a simple but famous food in Peru that is a popular tourist and local starter or side dish. It features boiled potatoes topped with a creamy sauce made from yellow chillies, cheese, milk, and oil. Tourists visiting Peru can sample Papas a la Huancaína, as it offers a rich and spicy flavour and a taste of the Peruvian way of life. Additionally, the Papas a la Huancaína yellow colour sauce comes from the local ají amarillo peppers, enhancing its appeal to tourists.
Best Places To Try: Lima, Central Peru
Regional Variations: Served with olives and eggs in some regions.
10. Tacu-Tacu
Photo: Suedehead / Wikimedia Commons
Tacu-Tacu is one of the top foods in Peru, and it is known for its simplicity and flavour. It is a fried mix of leftover rice and beans, which is formed into a golden crispy patty. Tourists can sample Tacu-Tacu, which is served with a fried egg, steak, or seafood on the side. It originated as a poor man’s dish but is now a local favourite across the country, making it ideal for tourists seeking a blend of history and flavour.
Best Places To Try: Lima, Cusco
Regional Variations: Seafood toppings in coastal areas
The food in Peru combines bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and deep-rooted traditions. Popular dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, anticuchos, and causa showcase the country’s rich food culture. Each recipe reflects Peru’s diverse regions and offers something unique for every taste. Tourists can enjoy a wide range of meals that are both satisfying and full of character. Plan your journey with TripXL and discover the best of Peruvian food.
Cover Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
