Eating in Peru is a delight you can’t miss. One of the most fascinating things about the Inca country is its culinary diversity, which lets you explore different foods in every region. Arequipa’s cuisine is a unique representation of that. Its variety ranges from hearty main dishes to one-of-a-kind desserts typical of this area.
If you're planning your next trip to the White City and want to discover the charm of Peruvian gastronomy you have to check out this post we've prepared for you. Up next, we’ll take you on a delicious journey through the top 20 traditional dishes from Arequipa that you absolutely must try. Let’s dive in!
Typical Dishes of Arequipa's Cuisine
If you're checking out your tour options in Arequipa, you probably landed on this blog wondering: What makes Arequipa's cuisine so special?
To begin with, the city offers both visitors and locals the chance to marvel at dishes that blend indigenous, African, and Spanish cultural roots.
It's worth noting that all traditional dishes from Arequipa are made with fresh ingredients—many of them native to the region. Undoubtedly, this makes the culinary experience a perfect opportunity to awaken your senses, from taste to smell and sight.
So… How Many Traditional Dishes from Arequipa Are Known Today?
To date, over 200 traditional dishes from Arequipa have been identified, which is quite an impressive and diverse number. One particularly noteworthy trait of these dishes is that each one has its own unique flavor and is tied to ancient traditions that are still alive today.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the main options you can explore if you're in the White City and want to enjoy delicious and varied food:
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Chupe de camarones
This is one of Arequipa’s most iconic traditional dishes—and for good reason. It’s made with fresh shrimp, Peruvian yellow chili (ají amarillo), eggs, and milk. What makes it especially unique is the combination of ingredients that aren’t typically paired together, like milk and shrimp. The result is a one-of-a-kind explosion of flavor.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s traditional picanterías and most local restaurants.
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Rocoto relleno
You can’t leave Arequipa without trying this delicious dish made with a unique spicy pepper native to Peru—the rocoto. This pepper is stuffed with vegetables, finely chopped meat, and spices, then baked with a layer of melted cheese on top. Eating this dish offers a perfect balance between spiciness and more subtle flavors.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s picanterías and most local restaurants.
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Cuy chactado
If you're looking for truly traditional Arequipeño dishes, you have to try cuy. As the name suggests, the main ingredient is cuy (a guinea pig commonly eaten in the Andes). The animal is flattened and fried until it becomes crispy. Presentation may vary, but it’s usually served with boiled potatoes and sauces.
Where to eat it? In Andean cuisine restaurants.
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Ocopa arequipeña
Ocopa isn’t just one of Arequipa’s traditional dishes—it’s also popular across all of Peru. This appetizer is made using huacatay (a herb native to the Andean region of Peru), peanuts, crackers, and its main ingredient: ají mirasol (dried yellow chili). The flavor combination in this creamy sauce is exquisite, and it’s typically served with olives, boiled potatoes, and hard-boiled egg.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s picanterías and most local restaurants.
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Adobo arequipeño
Among the most beloved traditional dishes of Arequipa, adobo is a must. It’s made with pork marinated in chicha de jora (a fermented corn beverage) to create a thick, flavorful broth. Spices and traditional ají panca chili give this dish its distinctive taste. In Arequipa, it’s commonly eaten for breakfast on Sunday mornings.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s picanterías and local markets.
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Caldo blanco
Chuño (freeze-dried potato) and beef come together in a rich, hearty soup that’s perfect for recharging after a walk around the city. If you’re traveling during the winter season, this comforting broth is ideal for warming up against the cold weather.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s picanterías and local restaurants.
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Chaque arequipeño
When it comes to soups, this is one of the most nutritious traditional dishes from Arequipa. It’s made with potatoes, beef, herbs, broad beans, and corn. In addition to its health benefits, it’s especially ideal during the winter season.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s picanterías and local markets.
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Arequipeño Potato Casserole (Pastel de Papa)
One of the most traditional side dishes in Arequipa’s cuisine. This dish is made with layers of boiled potatoes combined with fresh cheese, milk, egg, and ground ají panca, which gives it its distinct color and flavor. It’s baked until the top is golden and slightly crispy. It’s commonly served as a side for dishes like rocoto relleno.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s picanterías, restaurants, and local markets.
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Puchero
This dish is a symbol of regional tradition and consists of a stew made with various types of meat cooked together with vegetables, corn, sweet potato, broad beans, and cassava. It’s the perfect option for a comforting lunch served piping hot.
Where to eat it? In restaurants, Arequipa’s picanterías, and local markets.
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Chicharrón de chancho
This traditional dish is enjoyed throughout the Andean region, and Arequipa is no exception. It’s made with chunks of pork that are fried until they become crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Where to eat it? In Arequipa’s picanterías and local markets.
Traditional Desserts: Queso Helado and Other Sweet Delights
We’ve already covered the best traditional dishes from Arequipa, but what about dessert? In this section, we’ll share the most delicious sweet options you shouldn’t miss when visiting the White City.
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Queso helado (Cheese ice cream)
The dessert that best represents local culture is queso helado. Despite its unusual name (“cheese ice cream”), it doesn’t actually contain any cheese. It’s made with whole milk, cinnamon, coconut, and other ingredients. The result is a creamy, delicious ice cream that’s truly unique.
Where to eat it? In picanterías, restaurants, and street carts all around the city. If you’re taking the Ruta del Sillar tour you’ll have the chance to try delicious queso helado offered by local women at roadside stands along the way.
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Arequipeño Buñuelos
Among all the traditional dishes of Arequipa, buñuelos are some of the most popular with both locals and visitors. They’re made from a very light flour dough that’s deep-fried to achieve a fluffy texture. Those who enjoy buñuelos often top them with a generous drizzle of syrup or honey.
Where to eat them? At street carts throughout the city and in local markets.
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Manzana de airampo (Airampo’s apple)
This dessert is also part of Arequipa’s traditional culinary offerings. It consists of apples cooked directly in airampo water, which gives the dish its name. Airampo is a native plant of the region known for its vibrant pink hue.
¿Dónde comerlo? Mercados y carretillas por toda la ciudad.
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Alfajor de la curva
This type of alfajor isn’t the traditional kind you might be familiar with. Unlike a classic alfajor, the alfajor de la curva consists of two soft cookies joined together with manjar blanco (a sweet milk spread) and is much softer in texture.
Where to eat it? At street carts, bakeries, and pastry shops.
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Alfajor de la curva
This type of alfajor isn’t the traditional one we usually know. Unlike a classic alfajor, the alfajor de la curva consists of two soft cookies joined together with manjar blanco (a sweet milk spread) and has a much softer texture.
Where to eat it? At street carts, bakeries, and pastry shops.
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Turrón de Chancay
The turrón de Chancay couldn’t be missing from this list of traditional Arequipa dishes. This sweet treat is made from a caramel of honey and sugar, with a final texture that melts in your mouth while also being crunchy.
Where to eat it? From local artisans, bakeries, and street carts.
Traditional Drinks: Kola Escocesa and Chicha de Guiñapo
No traditional dish from Arequipa would be complete without a delicious traditional drink, but which one is the best? Check out this section and pick the one you like the most!
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Chicha de Guiñapo
This ancient drink is a true symbol of Arequipa, known for its distinctive crimson color. It’s made from the fermentation of guiñapo, which is black or purple germinated corn. After several days of fermentation and a long cooking process, the result is a chicha with a smooth, sweet flavor.
Where to drink it? At traditional picanterías and specialized chicherías in Arequipa.
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Kola escocesa
More than just a soda, Kola Escocesa is an Arequipeño icon with over 70 years of history. This refreshing drink, produced by the company Yura using mineral water, is distinguished by its reddish color and sweet, fruity flavor.
Where to drink it? At grocery stores, restaurants, and supermarkets in Arequipa.
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Pisco Acholado
Although pisco is Peru’s national drink, in Arequipa the Pisco Acholado is especially appreciated. This type of pisco stands out as a blend of different varieties of pisco grapes.
Where to drink it? In bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in Arequipa.
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Anís Nájar
A true symbol of Arequipa, Anís Nájar is a digestive liquor with over a century of tradition, produced by the century-old Nájar Distillery and Liquor Store. This anise-flavored spirit, known for its distinctive aromatic and sweet taste, is traditionally consumed after meals to aid digestion.
Where to drink it? In restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and supermarkets.
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Ponche de Leche
Ponche de Leche is a warm, nutritious, and comforting drink, very popular in Arequipa, especially on cold mornings or when you need a boost. Its basic preparation includes fresh milk, beaten eggs, and sugar, cooked until it reaches a frothy and creamy consistency.
Where to drink it? In picanterías, local markets, and street carts.
Where to Enjoy the Best Arequipeño Dishes
As you’ve seen, the list of traditional Arequipa dishes is quite extensive, offering you the chance to enjoy hearty meals, soups, desserts, and drinks. Naturally, you might wonder where to try the best gastronomic options in the White City.
If you’re taking any of the tours available in Arequipa with Guru Explorers, you can make the most of your stay by tasting traditional regional dishes at the famous local restaurants known as picanterías arequipeñas, markets, and of course, the beloved street carts.
Conclusion: A Journey of Flavors in Every Dish
Eating each of Arequipa’s traditional dishes should be a goal for you on your trip. We’ve shared 20 classic preparations that you absolutely must try when you start your visit to this city. Elevate your experience by tasting the best of Arequipeño cuisine!
And if you’re thinking about exploring other regions of Peru like Cusco, Lima, or the Peruvian jungle, you can also check out the tour packages that Guru Explorers offers you. We want to be part of the best experience of your life!