Welcomed onto the list of the world’s top gastronomic capitals, Lima’s culinary offerings can be found in venues from premium hotels to pop-up food fairs. With fresh seafood as the star attractions, visitors to the largest city in Peru can wander into a ceviche shop, or feast on Peruvian chicken and rice in a local family joint. Travellers can find a kaleidoscope of culinary influences, from African, Chinese and indigenous specialities. Take your taste buds on a tour of new gastronomical frontiers in an old world.
Instant Breakfast
If you’re up and about early in Lima, note the mugs of hot porridge-like concoction being served for breakfast. Quinoa is a morning superfood on Peruvian breakfast tables for its complete protein and compatibility with fruit, cinnamon, sugar or cream.
Catch of the Day
Take sushi-fresh, citrus juice, chilli and fresh herbs for classic ceviche. Chefs here throw in personal spins to this Peruvian signature dish with the addition of vegetables and secret sauces. The unwritten rule of ceviche is to serve it early after the morning’s catch.
No pets allowed
To truly experience Peru’s palatable preferences, your travelling companions may decide to appoint you the guinea pig of the group to sample Cuy – both a delicacy and staple of Peru’s Andean diet for 5000 years. Actually, Cuy (pronounced kwee) is guinea pig, which is roasted and typically served whole, seasoned with herbs. Tastes like chicken? No, actually more like rabbit or fowl.
The Toast of the Town
Peruvian bartenders’ pride and joy is the perfect Pisco Sour. An intense grape brandy varies in nuance by label, but it’s the foundation for the country’s national cocktail. Add fresh lime juice, sugar, egg white, and Angostura bitters for an authentic Lima version.
Food Fusion
Two culinary cultures collide to create Lomo Saltado. This tasty beef stir fry dish is influenced by Peruvian and Asian cooking techniques, combining sirloin, onions, capsicum, spices, Peruvian chillies, soy sauce, coriander and rice.
Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey of Peru? Check out our South American coach tours here!
