If there is one attractive topic to discuss when it comes to Peru, it is its gastronomy. Peruvian cuisine, since its inception, has been characterized by blending the best of cultural diversity with both international and local influences.
Thanks to this, today, Peru ranks among the top spots in terms of the best cuisines. Peruvian gastronomy stands out among many others due to the multiple options it has to offer.
From Creole dishes to more elaborate preparations, this South American country has something for everyone. If you are planning to visit the south and have no idea what to eat, you should read this blog because we will tell you about the best typical dishes of Peru that you absolutely must try. Let's take a look!
What Are the Most Iconic Typical Dishes of Peru?
As we mentioned before, typical dishes of Peru are known for their variety, so you have nothing to worry about—you will always find something ideal for you. Peruvian gastronomy has evolved significantly over time, leading to unique preparations from this country.
Next, we will take a gastronomic tour through the must-try dishes that you cannot miss if you travel to Peru. Let's discover the best options by category.
Breakfasts
Having breakfast in Peru is one of the greatest pleasures for visitors and locals alike. Peruvians know how to combine multiple ingredients to ensure a complete breakfast. Some of the typical dishes of Peru for breakfast are:
1. Chicharrón
There is nothing more Creole than trying a delicious chicharrón for breakfast in Peru. It consists of pork meat that is boiled and then fried in its own fat to achieve a crispy texture.
Generally, this typical dish of Peru is accompanied by the classic French bread; however, some prefer it as a side dish. If we go to the Peruvian Andes region, it is eaten with boiled sweet potato.
2. Pan con Pejerrey
Pan con pejerrey is another typical dish of Peru that you should not overlook. This breakfast consists of bread filled with whole silversides (small fish) that are previously coated in an egg and flour mixture before being fried.
This dish is a must-have in Callao, whose origin comes from the combination of Japanese and Italian cultures that spread throughout El Callao, one of the most important districts in Lima.
3. Huachano-Style Breakfast
Peru is known for its ability to mix multiple flavors into a single dish to offer an unparalleled gastronomic experience, and the Huachano-style breakfast is a clear demonstration of this. This original preparation from Huacho features Huachana sausage made with pork as the main ingredient.
This breakfast also includes other accompaniments such as fried sweet potato, tamale, and chicharrón. It is worth mentioning that this typical dish is commonly eaten in Peruvian households on Sundays.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is Peru’s signature breakfast and originates from the Andean region; however, in Lima, you can find thousands of vendors selling this delicious preparation. It is served hot and is made by boiling quinoa with pineapple peels and cinnamon sticks.
This is a superfood that everyone in Peru consumes due to the number of nutrients it offers. Among other benefits, quinoa provides iron, phosphorus, and vitamins such as E, B1, and B2.
5. Tamales
It is impossible to talk about typical dishes of Peru without mentioning the delicious tamales. The traditional tamale is made from yellow corn and wrapped in a banana leaf. Inside, you can find fillings of chicken and olives.
In other regions of the country, tamales are made with white corn, and there are also green tamales, which are prepared with cilantro.
Starters
In any restaurant in Peru, you will find unique starter options; however, some have won the hearts of both Peruvians and tourists. Let’s look at some alternatives you can enjoy:
6. Peruvian Ceviche
Among all the typical dishes of Peru, ceviche is one of the kings. It is a preparation of fresh fish cut into cubes and marinated in lime juice. It also includes limo chili and salt.
The importance of this dish lies in the freshness of each ingredient. It is served in various styles, accompanied by boiled sweet potato, thinly sliced red onion, and the essential cancha serrana (toasted corn).
7. Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce (papas a la huancaína)
You cannot leave Peru without trying the wonderful Papa a la Huancaína. It is one of the most beloved typical dishes of Peru. It consists of boiled potatoes served with a sauce made from yellow chili, fresh cheese, and milk.
The versatility of this starter makes it the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of main dishes in Peru.
8. Causa Limeña
It is no coincidence that potatoes are one of Peru's strong points, as evidenced by the variety of dishes that can be prepared, such as causa limeña. This dish consists of mashed yellow potatoes mixed with lime juice to form a solid base.
On top of the potato base, a combination of mayonnaise with shredded chicken and avocado is placed. It is often garnished with slices of boiled egg and olives.
9. Peruvian Anticuchos (Grilled Beef Heart Skewers)
Peruvian anticuchos are a key part of the typical dishes of Peru that you cannot miss. They consist of beef heart skewers cut into small portions and marinated in a blend of panca chili and spices.
This starter is served with boiled potatoes or corn (white maize). Today, this dish is one of the most common when it comes to Peruvian street food.
10. Ocopa Arequipeña
Ocopa Arequipeña is a traditional dish from the city of Arequipa. It consists of boiled potatoes combined with a creamy sauce made from rocoto, huacatay, fresh cheese, and milk.
The main characteristic of this Peruvian appetizer is its spicy flavor, which blends with the aromatic huacatay.
Main Courses
Once you’ve tasted Peru’s appetizers, you’ll surely want to try a main course. Here are the best main dishes you can’t miss:
11. Lomo saltado
Lomo Saltado is one of the most popular traditional Peruvian dishes. The most notable characteristic of this dish is its Asian influence, as it is stir-fried in a wok.
It consists of strips of beef sautéed in a wok with onions and tomatoes. Additionally, it is seasoned with a sweet and sour sauce, creating a unique explosion of flavors.
- You can discover the charms of this dish in Lima with our Gastronomic Tour of Barranco.
12. Ají de Gallina
Ají de Gallina (or chicken) is a creamy dish made from boiled and shredded chicken. The recipe includes yellow chili, bread, milk, fresh cheese, and a touch of nutmeg.
It is one of the most beloved main dishes among locals and tourists visiting the country. The combination of flavors is truly wonderful.
13. Peruvian Red Noodles
For pasta lovers, Peru offers a variety of preparations. Tallarines Rojos (Red Noodles) are cooked in a sauce made of fresh tomatoes, bay leaves, mushrooms, and other ingredients that give it its characteristic red color.
What makes this traditional Peruvian dish special is that the noodles are cooked entirely in the same sauce where the chicken has been previously prepared.
14. Pachamanca
Pachamanca is one of the most emblematic dishes of Peru. The original preparation comes from the Andean region of Peru and is cooked underground with hot stones.
This dish combines various ingredients such as beef, pork, and guinea pig, along with a variety of tubers.
15. Peruvian chicken rice
Peruvian chicken rice (arroz con Pollo) is unlike any other chicken and rice dish in the world. This version consists of green rice, made with cilantro and spinach, accompanied by chicken.
This traditional dish is often served with the classic Papa a la Huancaína, although some prefer it with Sarsa Criolla.
Soups
You can’t leave Peru without trying some of its traditional soups—there are many delicious options to choose from. Here are some of the most recommended ones:
16. Aguadito
This light chicken broth is a perfect option if you need to recover from a night of partying. The most important feature of this dish is that it includes rice.
Depending on the region where you try it, you might find variations such as the inclusion of pallares (lima beans).
17. Menestrón
Menestrón is a hearty and nutritious soup that combines vegetables, legumes, meat, and offal in a flavorful broth. The vegetables used in Menestrón include potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, squash, corn, and cabbage.
This dish originated in Italy and arrived in Peru during the period of mass immigration. Over time, it has been adapted to local culinary customs.
18. Parihuela
If you love seafood, Parihuela is one of the must-try traditional Peruvian dishes. It is a concentrated seafood soup made with shrimp, fresh shellfish, fish, and other marine ingredients.
Interestingly, the name of this dish comes from the net used to catch fish at sea during fishing.
Desserts
Everyone loves something sweet to brighten their day, and in Peru, you’ll find thousands of options to choose from. Here are the traditional Peruvian desserts that will make your day sweeter:
19. Picarones
The country’s most delicious, fluffy, and sweet fritters. Their preparation is simple, consisting of sweet potato, squash, and wheat flour. One of the highlights of this delicious dessert is its crispy texture.
This traditional dish dates back to colonial times when the first street vendors started selling it in the streets.
20. Mazamorra Morada
Mazamorra Morada is a traditional Peruvian dessert made with purple corn, a variety native to the Peruvian Andes that gives the dessert its intense purple color.
The purple corn is cooked with water, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves until it softens and the liquid thickens. Fruits like pineapple, peach, prunes, and quince are added, giving it a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
21. Rice Pudding
The classic rice pudding (arroz con leche) is one of the most beloved traditional Peruvian desserts. This creamy dessert is made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. In Peru, it is usually consumed warm, although in other places it is served cold.
In Lima, this dish becomes especially popular during the winter season.
22. Crema Volteada
Crema Volteada is a classic and delicious dessert consisting of a caramel-flavored egg flan. The flan is made with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, and is cooked in a water bath until set.
The caramel is made with sugar and water, used to coat the mold before pouring in the flan mixture.
Unmissable Traditional Peruvian Dishes
In addition to the traditional Peruvian dishes we have mentioned, here are three more that you can’t miss during your visit:
23. Chaufa Amazónico
Chaufa Amazónico is a traditional dish from the Peruvian jungle that combines Asian-style fried rice with cecina (smoked pork). It is served with the popular tacacho (fried mashed plantain) and ají de cocona (a spicy Amazonian chili sauce).
Chaufa Amazónico is a relatively new dish in Peruvian gastronomy, but its popularity has grown rapidly due to its original flavor and use of local ingredients.
24. Peruvian-Style Roast Chicken (pollo a la Brasa)
Peru is world-famous for its Pollo a la Brasa. This dish consists of a whole chicken marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, then roasted over a flame until golden and juicy.
The marinade varies according to individual tastes but generally includes ají panca, garlic, cumin, pepper, oregano, and soy sauce. It is typically served with French fries.
25. Locro de Zapallo
Locro de Zapallo is a creamy and comforting stew made with squash, potatoes, corn, fresh cheese, and other ingredients.
The squash is cooked with onions, garlic, and yellow chili until soft, then blended into a smooth and homogeneous cream. Potatoes and corn are added in cubes, and everything is cooked together until tender.
Bonus: Traditional Peruvian Drinks
If you’re looking for something refreshing in Peru, don’t forget its delicious drinks. Here’s a selection of the most important ones:
- Pisco Sour
Pisco Sour is Peru’s traditional cocktail, made with pisco, egg whites, ice, lime, and sugar syrup. This drink has a high alcohol content but remains a great companion to meals.
You can try the delicious Pisco Sour with our Gastronomic Tour of Lima.
- Chicha Morada
This traditional Peruvian drink is made by boiling purple corn with pineapple peels. It is one of the most refreshing beverages you can find, especially during the summer.
- Chilcano
Chilcano is a delicious alcoholic beverage made with pisco, ginger ale, lime, and ice, making it an ideal choice for cooling down.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, Peru’s traditional dishes offer an incredible variety. From sweet combinations to appetizers and seafood dishes, this country has everything you need to eat like royalty.
Do you want to visit Peru and fully enjoy its rich gastronomy? Trust Guru Explorers for the best tours and guided visits!