Peru is a food lover’s paradise, known for its incredible diversity of flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring Lima’s top restaurants or tasting street food in Cusco, Peruvian cuisine is an essential part of the travel experience. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes in Peru!
Ceviche – Peru’s National Dish
No trip to Peru is complete without trying ceviche, the country’s most famous dish. Made with fresh raw fish, lime juice, red onion, chili peppers, and cilantro, this refreshing dish is served with sweet potato and corn.
Where to try it:
• Lima – La Mar, Pescados Capitales
• Cusco – Ceviche bars near Plaza de Armas
Pro tip: Always order ceviche for lunch! Fresh fish is best enjoyed early in the day.
Lomo Saltado – A Delicious Fusion Dish
This dish is a perfect blend of Peruvian and Chinese flavors. Lomo Saltado consists of stir-fried beef, onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce, served with rice and fries. This hearty meal is one of Peru’s most beloved comfort foods.
Learn more about its origins here.
Where to try it:
• Lima – Tanta, Panchita
• Cusco – Morena Peruvian Kitchen
Pollo a la Brasa – Peru’s Favorite Roast Chicken
If you love rotisserie chicken, Pollo a la Brasa will amaze you. This dish features a marinated, slow-roasted chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat, served with fries and a creamy aji sauce.
Where to try it:
• Lima – Pardo’s Chicken, Don Belisario
• Arequipa – Local pollerías
Pro tip: Ask for extra ají amarillo sauce—it’s addictive!
Aji de Gallina – A Creamy Chicken Stew
This comforting dish is made with shredded chicken in a creamy yellow chili sauce, served with rice, potatoes, and olives. The aji amarillo gives it a mild but flavorful heat.
Where to try it:
• Cusco – Cicciolina
• Arequipa – Traditional picanterías
Anticuchos – Peruvian Street Food at Its Best
These grilled beef heart skewers are a must-try street food in Peru. Marinated in spices and grilled over an open flame, anticuchos are packed with smoky, bold flavors.
Where to try it:
• Lima – Street vendors in Miraflores
• Cusco – San Pedro Market
Pro tip: If you’re not into organ meat, try anticuchos de pollo (chicken skewers).
Papa a la Huancaína – A Creamy Potato Delight
Peru has over 4,000 varieties of potatoes, and Papa a la Huancaína is one of the best ways to enjoy them. This appetizer features boiled potatoes topped with a rich, cheesy yellow chili sauce.
Where to try it:
• Lima – Isolina
• Cusco – Green Point
Pisco Sour – Peru’s Signature Cocktail
No meal in Peru is complete without a Pisco Sour. Made with Pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters, this cocktail is strong, tangy, and refreshing.
Where to try it:
• Lima – Museo del Pisco
• Cusco – Limbus Restobar
Pro tip: Try a Maracuyá Sour, a passion fruit variation of the classic Pisco Sour!
Bonus: Peruvian Desserts to Try
Peruvian cuisine isn’t just about savory dishes. Try these sweet treats during your trip:
• Picarones – Peruvian doughnuts made from sweet potato & squash
• Tres Leches Cake – A moist, creamy sponge cake
• Mazamorra Morada – A purple corn pudding
Final Thoughts: Peru is a Foodie’s Paradise
Whether you’re a fan of seafood, hearty stews, or grilled meats, Peru’s gastronomy offers something for everyone. From the streets of Lima to the highlands of Cusco, every dish tells a story of tradition, fusion, and flavor.
✨ Which Peruvian dish are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments!
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