Peru is one of the most recognized countries in the world for its excellent gastronomy and gastronomic routes. The country has won awards around the world and for this reason, many food enthusiasts choose this destination as their main point of the visit. One of the main characteristics of the gastronomic routes of this country is that each region has a unique flavour and taste due to the ingredients, climate, and culture. Do you want to know a little more about the gastronomic routes of the country? Let’s talk about the different regions you can visit.
In Lima, the capital of the country, the local cuisine inherited the pre-Hispanic and colonial culinary secrets and fused them with Eastern and European flavours. One of these great fusions is known as “Chifa”. These restaurants are very popular, offering rich dishes, products of the fusion of Peruvian and Chinese food, the signature dish is chaufa rice. The fusion of Peruvian food began in 1921 with the Chinese migration to Peru. The Chinese population was concentrated in some popular neighbourhoods in Lima, such as Calle Capon, where the first chifas were born.
Another destination known worldwide for having one of the 7 wonders of the world is Cusco. This region is not only known for its incredible tourist attractions but also for the exquisite and varied food made of typical Andean ingredients of the region. You must visit the local markets and restaurants in the area. There you can try dishes such as Chiri uchu, guinea pig, wood-fired pizza, and many more. When you come to this city you not only visit the cultural destinations but also enjoy the local food. Don’t forget to visit the San Pedro market, a market full of flavorful experiences in every corner.
The white city of Arequipa is another recommended destination in Peru. We especially recommend the picanterias of the White City, as they are a modern expression of the ancestral gastronomic traditions of the region. In this region, traditional restaurants cook with firewood, a natural heat source that intensifies the aroma of the spices in the food. Some signature dishes of Arequipa are rocoto relleno (stuffed red pepper), cuy (guinea pig), and adobo de cerdo (pork marinade), among others. Don’t forget to accompany these dishes with solterito de queso, which combines beans, corn, olives, rocoto and chopped cheese in a marinade of lemon and herbs.
If you want a more refreshing and summery destination, we recommend visiting Piura, the city of beaches and a good ceviche. Piura’s dishes have flavor, seasoning, and essential ingredients, like plantains, beans, cassava, a variety of fish, and lemons. It is a mixture of products from the sea and land, Andean and Spanish. Do not hesitate to order a ceviche with banana chifles on the beach and enjoy your day. Many Peruvians usually accompany this drink with the national soft drink “Inka Kola” or a traditional beer.
Another unique route in the country is the gastronomic route of the jungle in Iquitos. Given its location in the middle of the jungle, food here is elaborated with local products. Here, it is common to consume meats considered exotic for westerners such as wild pig, Suri worm, tapir, small rodents like the majaz, añuje, punchada, and sachacuy, land turtle and some small primates. Among the typical dishes of the region are the Inchicapi, Timbuche, Cecina, and Patarashca. The jungle contains impressive mysteries that many still do not know in full. But what you can be sure of is that you will find unique and incredible dishes in every local restaurant.
To enter the country one must have the proper papers,such as a valid passport, a visa (if necessary), and in the case of Peru, a health certificate along with a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate. If you do not know how to get this certificate, we recommend you to visit our friends at iVisa.com. They specialize in advising and processing the necessary travel documents to have a smooth trip through Peru.
