While it may not seem like it, there are few places that will surprise you with their delicious cuisine as much as Peru. Peruvian cuisine has a rich fusion of flavors, ingredients, and traditions influenced by indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese culinary styles. Let’s take a deep dive into some of the vibrant and mouth-watering dishes that make Peru the culinary capital of the Western Hemisphere.

Ceviche:

A trip to Peru is incomplete without tasting ceviche, the country's National dish. Fresh, raw fish is marinated in lime juice, causing the fish to “cook” in the acidity. It’s then mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers for a tangy, spicy burst of flavor. Served with sweet potato, cancha (toasted corn), and choclo (large Peruvian corn), ceviche shows Peru’s connection to both the sea and the land.

Lomo Saltado:

Peruvian food is a true melting pot of influences, and lomo saltado is a prime example. This dish is a stir-fry that brings together Chinese cooking techniques with Peruvian local ingredients. Strips of beef are sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper) in soy sauce and vinegar, then served over french fries and rice. The result? A savory, comforting dish that feels like a flavor seraphim kissed your tongue.

Aji de Gallina:

Aji de gallina is a rich, creamy chicken dish. Shredded chicken is cooked in a sauce made from milk, cheese, and the delicious aji amarillo, which gives it a distinct yellow hue and spicy kick. It's served over boiled potatoes and often topped with olives and hard-boiled eggs. Aji de gallina is the ultimate Peruvian comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal.

Papas a la Huancaína:

Peru is home to over 4,000 varieties of potatoes, and papas a la huancaína showcases one of the country’s most beloved ingredients in a flavorful, unique way. Boiled potatoes are served with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce made from aji amarillo, queso fresco, and milk. Typically served cold, this dish is often a popular appetizer and perfectly captures their love for potatoes.

Pollo a la Brasa:

Few dishes are as universally loved in Peru as pollo a la brasa, or Peruvian roasted chicken. The chicken is marinated in a blend of garlic, cumin, and smoky paprika before being roasted on a spit, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin. Served with fries and a fresh salad, pollo a la brasa has become a staple, and its popularity has spread across the globe.

Desserts:

For dessert lovers, Peru offers an irresistible range of sweets. Alfajores are delicate, crumbly sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche (caramel) and dusted with powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are the perfect balance of sweet and rich, and they have a special place in Peruvian cuisine.

Another traditional dessert is tres leches cake, a spongy, moist cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed, and whole milk). It’s light, creamy, and typically topped with whipped cream, making it an indulgent yet refreshing finish to any meal.

Chicha Morada:

To wash down all that good food, nothing beats a glass of chicha morada. This dark purple drink is made from purple corn, cinnamon, cloves, pineapple, and sugar, creating a sweet and tangy beverage. Chicha morada is the perfect non-alcoholic option to have with all the other delicious cuisine.

Conclusion:

Peruvian cuisine isn’t just about food; its about the culture and the people. Every dish from ceviche to lomo saltado demonstrates the fusion of people and food. Every bite offers a window into the rich tapestry of Peru’s culture. So, grab a fork (or skewer), and dive into this culinary adventure with Kuska Trips 2025!

Reminder that early applications are due October 1st! You can sign up here!