Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the best in the world. It not only has its own traditional and historical foods but also has incorporated a fusion of Peruvian, Cantonese, and Japanese cuisines to develop unique flavors and dishes that are truly part of Peruvian cuisine.
What to Look for at Different Peruvian Restaurants
There are many traditional dishes within Peru and many depend on the region that you are visiting. Lima, the capital of Peru, is a great place to try food from different regions. The list below is far from extensive but it is a good place to start when searching for traditional Peruvian dishes. The best way to get to know an area though is to ask the locals what their favorite restaurant and dish is.
Chifa
Chifa is a fusion between traditional Peruvian and Cantonese food, which has become a part of Peruvian cuisine since a large population from China has emigrated to Peru and influenced the cuisine. Chifa dishes can be found in traditional Peruvian restaurants but you can also eat at restaurants that are exclusive to Chifa cuisine. One of the dishes that you will often find in any Peruvian restaurant you visit is Lomo Saltado. This is a stir-fried beef dish, often with peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and is typically paired with rice, french fries, or noodles. Another dish to look out for on any Peruvian menu is Arroz de Chaufa, a fried rice dish with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and chicken, fish, or seafood.
Nikkei
Nikkei cuisine is a fusion between Peruvian and Japanese food. It combines food products from both cultures, such as fish, and infuses traditional Peruvian products with Japanese cooking and preparation techniques. Many Nikkei restaurants may be higher-end experiences but you can also find Japanese food, such as sushi, in a variety of restaurant types.
Ceviche
Peruvian ceviche is characterized by marinating fish in lime juice with other herbs. This marinade is called leche del tigre and is typically served with the fish. It often has sweet potatoes, chili, corn, and onions. Its simplicity is what sets it apart from other ceviches, such as one with coconut milk in Columbia or one with pico de gallo in Mexico.
Rocoto Relleno
Rocoto Relleno, or a spicy stuffed pepper, is the food for you if you are looking for spicy food. It is typically found in Arequipa but you can search for menu items with rocoto to find a spicy dish.
Causa
Causa is a mini casserole that layers a Peruvian mashed potato with meat, fish, or shellfish and has a light coating of mayo.
Papa a la Huancaina
This traditional appetizer includes boiled potatoes covered in a spicy, creamy queso fresco (sour cream) sauce. It is typically served cold.
Tacu Tacu
Tacu Tacu comes from Creole cuisine and includes a mixture of rice with beans and served with meat or fish.
Cuy
Cuy, or guineapig, is the stereotypical dish that is often thought of when discussing Peruvian food. And yes, it is widely eaten here, but mostly for special occasions like birthdays or major holidays. Many touristy restaurants serve a whole Cuy either fried or grilled (a la plancha). Some high-end restaurants have it on their menu but only serve a portion of the animal, such as the leg, in a more delicate presentation.
Pollo a la Brasa
Pollo a la Brasa is a rotisserie chicken style of cooking that originated in Peru. You can find restaurants dedicated to this style of cooking chicken, pairing it with a variety of sides and sauces, or you can find it in different Peruvian restaurants.
Chicha Morada
This popular beverage originates from the Andean mountain regions of Peru. It is made of juice from purple corn along with other fruit and spices, giving it a delicious and unique flavor. It is a great non-alcoholic drink to try with your meal.
Pisco Sour
Pisco Sour is the national drink of Peru and is a cocktail made of Pisco liquor, lime juice, simple syrup, ice, egg whites, and bitters. It is a must-try in Peru. You can also find this cocktail with added fruit juice to change the flavor, including maracuya (passion fruit), mango, etc.
The High-End Experiences of Eating in Lima
Maido
$$$$$ | Miraflores
Maido is one of Peru’s best (if not the best) Nikkei restaurants. This high-end restaurant sees each dish as a work of art and focuses on the food’s flavor and its presentation to make dining there a holistic experience. Eating here is truly a journey. While you can choose dishes a-la-carte, and the servers can help you create a meal that best suits you, we recommend purchasing the experience. This would be a tasting menu of 12 to 15 courses that will take you through a culinary journey. You can also add a drink pairing to the experience. We found that the tasting menu is truly where they shined as it felt like a complete and perfect adventure. You will want to get a reservation at this restaurant if possible. If you cannot get a reservation, you can try walking in by arriving 30 minutes before opening to get a chance at a table.
ASTRID Y GASTON
$$$$ | San Isidro
Astrid y Gaston is a high-end contemporary Peruvian restaurant. They serve regional dishes with a refined twist, using local and traditional ingredients. This restaurant has a tasting menu and an a-la-carte menu. We found that we were able to try a number of their dishes a-la-carte and enjoyed the experience. The decor within the restaurant is colorful and displays the essence of Peruvian culture and cuisine. If you do not have a reservation, you may be able to walk in and get a spot at the bar (which has the same a-la-carte menu as other tables). You will need a reservation for their tasting menu.
Matsui
$$$$ | Miraflores
This Nikkei restaurant is more approachable than Maido. They have a strong focus on maki sushi rolls with unique flavor combinations that merge Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques. Combining these rolls with some of their other dishes provides for a delicious and unique dining experience. And a fun fact: the chef and founder of Nobu in the United States came from this restaurant.
Unique Bars to Try when Eating in Lima
Carnaval Bar
$$$$ | San Isidro
This bar merges fine dining and cocktails in a truly unique way. While they do have an a-la-carte menu, you can also elect one of their experiences allowing you to sample some of their most famous/popular cocktails at half the size of the regular cocktail. The great thing about this is that they have proportionally created glassware for these smaller cocktails, ensuring the appropriate experience for every drink you try. Their drink menu has grown and developed over time, changing as the life of the cocktail master changes. They take a scientific and artistic approach to their cocktails and there is not one miss on their menu.
Santeria Bar
$$$ | Miraflores
This bar specializes in incredibly unique cocktails that use ingredients and stories from the different regions of Peru. Many of their drinks are interactive and contain a story that ties together the ingredients, flavor, and look of the drink.
Juanito de Barranco
$ | Barranco
This gem of a bar has been in Barranco for a while and is now run by the third generation of owners. It is a cash-only casual spot with a ton of character and a great spot to grab a simple cocktail and a bite to eat. It is perfectly decorated in an eclectic way!
Lady Bee
$$$ | Miraflores
Listed as one of the top bars in Lima, this spot in Miraflores serves unique twists on cocktails, using local Peruvian products to enhance and distinguish their flavors.
Bar Hotel Bolivar
$$ | Historical Center
Looking for the place where Pisco Sours were invented? This is the hotel bar where the first one was ever made. Walk through the lobby, which has unique historical artifacts from the old hotel, and make your way to the bar, which has some quaint seating on its covered veranda patio.
More Casual Restaurants to Consider when Eating in Lima
La Lucha Sangucheria Criolla
$ | Throughout Lima
If you are looking for a quick sandwich, this is the casual restaurant to try. They have different sandwiches, but the one we recommend is their Pollo a la Brassa sandwich with some french fries (Papas Fritas Huayro). They also have some fresh fruit juices, including chicha morada. If you are looking for somewhere to eat at the Lima airport, you can find this restaurant land-side before going through security or after leaving the arrivals. (The airport in Lima is small and most of the food can be found before entering security.)
Punto Azul
$$ | Miraflores
This cevicheria has more than just ceviche. Its rich menu contains many classic Peruvian dishes, although often focused on fish. The portions are large and the food is delicious. In addition, they have some nice cocktails and delicious desserts.
Chifa Wa Lok
$$ | Barrio Chino
This classic Chifa restaurant is located in the Chinese neighborhood of Lima. While you can order a-la-carte, it may be best to go with a small group of people and choose from one of their pre-made menus with 5-7 dishes to enjoy a family-style experience. You know that it is good because of all the locals who line up outside, waiting to eat. There may be a short wait when you arrive at the restaurant, but even if the line is long, the tables turn over quickly.
Siete Sopas
$ | Throughout Lima
This casual chain can be found around Lima, Peru. They focus on soup, with a unique soup each day of the week. While these soups change, they have two staples that are available daily. Beyond the soups, the menu has a strong focus on Peruvian comfort food. We had the sopa criolla and found it to be delicious and perfect for the grey and misty weather in Lima.
D’Sala Caffe Tostaduria & Bistro
$$ | Miraflores
If you are a coffee aficionado, then make sure to visit this cafe. They take the coffee-making process seriously and roast their beans in-house. Their pastries are also made on-site.
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We are Kevin and Melina, two avid travelers who have decided to take our hobby of traveling into our new lifestyle.
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