This article has been written by Exquisito Peru, a platform that offers food tours in the main destinations of Peru.
Just two decades ago, only about 40 Peruvian restaurants delighted palates around the world. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over 4,000, with seemingly no limit in sight. What has sparked this culinary revolution? Welcome to Peruvian gastronomy, a journey spanning over 4,000 years of history.
Delving into Peruvian gastronomy, we embark on a rich journey encompassing more than fifty pre-Hispanic cultures that thrived in the Andes. These ancient civilizations displayed astonishing skill in adapting the rugged Andean mountains to cultivate unique ingredients at different altitudes. The result is a treasure trove of over 3,500 varieties of potatoes, 300 types of chili peppers, and approximately 50 varieties of corn, all the fruits of centuries of selection and adaptation. These ingredients have transcended borders and enriched global cuisine.
We cannot overlook the influence of various foreign communities that found their home in Peru. They shared their own flavors and culinary techniques, giving rise to Pisco and a rich amalgamation of typical dishes incorporating influences from different parts of the world.
These are the four most popular routes enjoyed by travelers in Peru:
The Gastronomic Hub of South America: Lima
With its dazzling sea view, Barranco is an essential stop on the culinary itinerary. In this corner, where fine dining meets local markets and family-owned businesses, ceviche reaches its pinnacle. Here, the options are as varied as they are tempting, from romantic dinners overlooking the ocean to relaxed family experiences culminating in tasting Peruvian picarones.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, downtown Lima serves as a living testament to the endurance of flavors through street food and historic taverns. Delights can be found in anticuchos (skewered marinated meat in chili sauce), tamales, and picarones from street vendors. Moreover, in this part of the city, you will discover Lima’s largest market, a true treasure trove for gastronomy enthusiasts, brimming with fresh, local products that tell culinary stories of their own.
An Essential Stop for Authentic Traditional Tastes: Arequipa
Known as the “White City” due to its impressive colonial architecture, Arequipa is a culinary destination celebrating Peru’s traditional flavors. In this city, authentic cuisine thrives in the streets and restaurants, where you’ll find delights like rocoto relleno, a stuffed chili pepper with minced meat seasoned with local spices, or ocopa, a yellow chili sauce served over potatoes.
The San Camilo Market is also famous, being one of the largest and oldest in the region. Nearby restaurants take advantage of these fresh ingredients to prepare traditional regional dishes such as “chupe de camarones” (shrimp chowder) and “solterito arequipeño” (Arequipa-style salad).
The Origin of Pisco, the Spirit of Peru
In the south of Peru, the land of Pisco, three regions await you with open arms for a unique culinary experience. Ica is known, among other things, for the major port of Pisco, the place that gave birth to the flavorful grape distillate. Its origins trace back to the Spanish colonial era. Today, the valley in this region is home to numerous Pisco producers. If you venture along the Pisco Route in Ica, you’ll have the opportunity to visit various wineries nestled in picturesque countryside.
Moquegua, with its ideal sun, soil, and water conditions, produces high-quality Pisco. Wineries like Biondi are internationally recognized for their awards.
In Tacna, you can enjoy an authentic Tacna sour, a local drink made with Pisco quadrant, apricot liqueur, lemon juice, egg white, and gum syrup. Tacna is also known for its Pisco accolade, a blend of black criolla and Italia grapes, which has gained popularity in recent years and is used in cocktails like the Chicano. Pack your bags and embark on this flavorful and traditional route! Cheers!
Exploring Peru’s Coffee Regions
Peru, a country renowned for its rich culinary culture, also stands out as one of the world’s leading producers of specialty coffee. The coffee regions par excellence are Huanuco, Junin and Pasco, Chachapoyas, and Cusco. Here, visitors can enjoy unique experiences, including exceptional coffee tastings and the exploration of natural and cultural wonders in each region.
You can savor high-quality coffee in Tingo Maria in Huanuco and visit places like Tingo Maria National Park, Owl Cave, and Santa Carmen Waterfall. In Villa Rica, Pasco, homage is paid to coffee culture, and you can visit Santa Rosa Farm and native communities. Chanchamayo, Junín, offers tasting tours at different locations and the opportunity to learn about coffee production. In Chachapoyas, Amazonas, the Coffee Route takes you to establishments where you can taste exceptional coffee and learn about the bean selection process. Finally, in Cusco, the Convencion province is known for organic coffee production and offers community-based rural tourism, where you can learn about coffee cultivation and processing while enjoying tastings. These routes offer a comprehensive experience that combines the taste of coffee with Peru’s natural and cultural beauty.
Prepare your palate for a feast of unique culinary experiences. Your adventure is about to begin. Bon appétit!
Learn more about gastronomic routes and other culinary experiences in Peru at: www.exquisitoperu.com