Food & Drink

Peru is often called the culinary capital of South America, and after three months of tasting our way through the country, we completely agree. From Michelin-level tasting menus in Lima to street food stalls in Cusco, food in Peru is a reason enough to visit.

Food Safety Basics

• Water: Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water, even when brushing your teeth. And remember, no ice!

• Street Food: Stick to busy vendors with high turnover, since fresh food is the safest bet.

• Restaurants: In smaller towns, don’t be surprised if menus are limited or only available in Spanish. Often, the daily menu del día (set lunch) is both affordable and delicious.

👉 Our experience: Some of our favorite meals were from local recommendations. Try asking around to see what people recommend, and then always check reviews ahead of time.

Iconic Dishes to Try

• Ceviche: Fresh fish cured in lime juice, often served with sweet potato and corn. Best on the coast, especially in Lima or Paracas.

• Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and French fries. It's a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors. This was Danny's favorite!

• Ají de Gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce. It's as comforting as a chicken chowder, and easily my favorite dish!

• Anticuchos: Grilled skewers, traditionally beef heart, but you’ll also find chicken or beef.

• Cuy: Guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish. Not for everyone, but worth knowing about.

• Pachamanca: A traditional feast where meat and potatoes are cooked underground with hot stones. And fun fact: did you know Peru has over 4,000 different varieties of potatoes?! Wild!

Desserts & Fruits

• Lucuma: A sweet fruit with a maple-like flavor, often found in ice cream.

• Chirimoya: Known as “custard apple,” creamy and refreshing.

• Alfajores: Shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche. Warning: these are so addicting!

• Picarones: Donut-like fritters made with squash and sweet potato, served with syrup.

👉 Pro Tip: Try fruits regionally. Some, like lucuma or camu camu, are nearly impossible to find fresh outside Peru.

Regional Specialties

• Lima: The capital is a foodie paradise, with multiple restaurants on the World’s 50 Best list. Even if you don’t splurge, don’t miss local cevicherías.

• Arequipa: Famous for rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper) and queso helado (a type of spiced frozen dessert, tastes like the most delicious vanilla and cinnamon ice cream).

• Cusco & Sacred Valley: Quinoa soups, hearty stews, and alpaca steaks.

• Amazon: Exotic fruits, river fish, and unique dishes like juane (rice and chicken wrapped in banana leaves).

Drinks to Try

• Pisco Sour: Peru’s national cocktail, made with pisco, lime, simple syrup, and egg white.

• Chicha Morada: A sweet, purple corn drink flavored with cinnamon and cloves.

• Inca Kola: A bright yellow soda that tastes like bubblegum.

• Mate de Coca: Coca tea, commonly offered for altitude relief.

• Muña Tea: A minty Andean herbal tea that soothes the stomach.

✨ Bottom Line: Eating in Peru is more than refueling. It’s an essential part of the cultural experience! Try regional specialties, taste fruits you’ve never seen before, and balance world-class dining with street food. It’s all part of the adventure.