Once you arrive in Peru you will love everything and if we talk about the food, even more so if we talk about the food.
Peruvian gastronomy is the set of dishes and culinary techniques of Peru that are part of the traditions and common life of its inhabitants, the result of the fusion of the culinary tradition of ancient Peru with European and Asian gastronomy, among others. In 2011, Peruvian gastronomy was recognized as “Cultural Heritage of the Americas for the World” by the Organization of American States1 and in 2023 Unesco recognized Ceviche as an expression of traditional Peruvian cuisine and intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Peruvian cuisine is one of the most important cuisines in the world and an example of fusion cuisine, due to its long multicultural history,4 which is based on the mixture of the culinary knowledge of ancient Peru with its own techniques and dishes – with the Hispanic cuisine in its variant strongly influenced by 762 years of Arab presence in the Iberian Peninsula, and with an important contribution of the culinary customs brought from the Atlantic coast of sub-Saharan Africa by the slaves.
About the Peruvian Cuisine
This topic is so important that it should have a lot of time to explain all its richness. Peruvian cuisine has experienced a boom in recent years, being recognized as one of the most varied and richest in the world. Its fusion of pre-Hispanic, European, African and Asian flavors has been the result of a culinary crossbreeding that has been developed over centuries.
This cuisine has won mentions and awards worldwide as the best culinary destination and many international awards to different restaurants in the area. The last one to be mentioned has been Central named The World’s Best Restaurant 2023, the number one spot in the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023
Explore the delights of Peruvian cuisine on your customized South America tours. With 7000 years of history and several influences, Peruvian cuisine, the pride and joy of South America, has the largest number of dishes in the world
The richness and diversity of Peruvian cuisine faces no threat from French, Creole or Chinese cuisine. While pisco sour cocktails, ceviche and quinoa have migrated to become favorites around the world, the most authentic Peruvian specialties are to be found back home. The natural variety of ingredients found in Peru has inspired Peruvian cuisine with over 2,400 varieties of potato, 650 varieties of native fruit and 2,000 species of fish. Peruvians have a real talent for conserving their traditional culture and yet adapting to modern culinary styles. Peruvian food is characterized by variety, and often accompanied by rice and aji to make spicy and colorful dishes, as stated by Enchanting Travel
And, how is it in Lima?
Lima’s cuisine has undoubtedly earned it an excellent and well-deserved position as one of the top food capitals in the world. In addition to hosting the most important food fair in Latin America, its culinary variety delights locals and visitors alike. With its iconic dishes, ceviche and tiradito, Lima is a prime destination for those who love good cuisine.
Many critics claim that Peru is the next Scandinavia in the making, while molecular gastronomy is making its way onto every Lima menu.
Something about the Peruvian flagship beverage
“Pisco Sour”. Pisco is a grape distilled brandy, and the pisco sour cocktail was invented by American bartender, Victor Morris or ‘Gringo Morris’ in the 1920’s. Pisco sours are extremely strong, and range from 60 to 100 proof. The classic pisco sour is shaken over ice and strained. “People who love to eat are always the best people” – Julia Child.
So, if you love to eat and are a connoisseur of new and exotic foods, then Peru is just the place.
Get ready to live a gastronomic adventure
While it is true that all over Peru you can eat wonderfully, let’s focus on the best restaurants in the country.
Lima
- Central
- Maido
- Astrid & Gaston
- Mayta
- Kjolle
- Rafael
- Isolina and much more
Cusco
- Pachapapa
- Cicciolina
- Map Cafe
- Huacatay (Urubamba)
- Morena
- Chicha
- And so on
Arequipa
- Zig Zag
- Tradicion Arequipeña
- Sol de Mayo
- And so…