Must-Try Peruvian Dishes for First-Timers

Peru. The very name conjures images of ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. But beyond the historical wonders, lies a culinary scene as rich and diverse as the country itself. (Fun fact, Peru is home to over 5,000 different types of potatoes!) We recently had the incredible opportunity to explore Peru, and let me tell you, our taste buds were on a constant adventure! For those planning their first trip to Peru or those just looking to learn more about their food, navigating the incredible array of dishes can feel a little daunting. Fear not, fellow food lovers! We've compiled a list of must-try dishes that will give you a fantastic introduction to the captivating flavors of Peru.

Ceviche: The Iconic Start

No culinary journey through Peru is complete without experiencing ceviche. This national dish features fresh, raw fish (typically corvina or sea bass) marinated in leche de tigre – a tangy and spicy citrus marinade made with lime juice, onions, chili peppers (ají limo is common), and coriander. The acidity "cooks" the fish, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Often served with sweet potato (camote), toasted corn (cancha), and large-kernel corn (choclo), ceviche is a refreshing and invigorating introduction to Peruvian cuisine. We encountered many variations during our trip, each with its own regional twist.

Lomo Saltado: A Fusion of Flavors

A testament to Peru's multicultural history, lomo saltado is a delicious stir-fry that beautifully blends Peruvian and Chinese culinary traditions. Tender strips of beef are sautéed with onions, tomatoes, ají amarillo peppers, and soy sauce, then served with white rice and French fries. Yes, you read that right – fries in the stir-fry! This seemingly unusual combination works incredibly well, creating a savory and satisfying dish with a delightful mix of textures. This was David’s favorite thing he ate on the trip!

Aji de Gallina: Creamy Comfort

For those seeking a richer and creamier experience, ají de gallina is a must. This popular dish features shredded chicken simmered in a luscious sauce made from ají amarillo peppers, walnuts, cheese, milk, and bread. The result is a slightly spicy, nutty, and incredibly flavorful stew, typically served with boiled potatoes, rice, and a hard-boiled egg. True Peruvian comfort food!

Guinea Pig & Alpaca

For the more adventurous palate, Peru offers opportunities to sample meats less commonly found in Western cuisine. Cuy (guinea pig), often roasted whole, is a traditional delicacy in the Andes, prized for its crispy skin and flavorful, albeit somewhat limited, meat. Similarly, alpaca provides a lean and tender red meat, often served grilled or in stews, offering a unique taste of the high Andean plains. We weren’t huge fans of the cuy, but found the alpaca quite delicious…very tender and flavorful.

Anticuchos de Corazón: A Taste of the Grill

Another dish for the adventurous eater, anticuchos de corazón (beef heart skewers) are a quintessential Peruvian street food delight not to be missed. Marinated in a flavorful blend of vinegar, garlic, cumin, and ají panca (a mild, smoky pepper), the thinly sliced hearts are grilled to perfection, achieving a slightly chewy texture and a deeply savory, subtly smoky taste. Beyond their deliciousness, enjoying the whole animal, including nutrient-rich organ meats like the heart, is not only a more sustainable approach to eating but incredibly delicious as well.

Causa Rellena: Layered Delight

Causa rellena is a visually appealing and delicious mashed potato terrine (stick with me, it tastes better than it sounds!). Layers of fluffy yellow potatoes (often seasoned with lime and ají amarillo) are mashed and then layered with various fillings such as shredded chicken or tuna salad, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs. Served chilled, causa is a refreshing and light dish that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Pollo a la Brasa: Peruvian Roasted Chicken

While roasted chicken might seem familiar, pollo a la brasa in Peru is in a league of its own. Marinated in a secret blend of herbs and spices, and then roasted over charcoal or wood, the chicken boasts incredibly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. It's typically served with crispy French fries and a variety of cremas (sauces), such as ají amarillo sauce, huancaína sauce, and chimichurri. Simple yet incredibly satisfying, this is a staple you'll find everywhere.

Quinoa: Oh So Many Forms

Peru's "superfood," quinoa, holds a place of honor in its cuisine, far beyond a simple side dish. As we at Jetsettery discovered, this ancient grain is incredibly versatile, appearing on menus in a variety of forms – even as convenient and surprisingly tasty quinoa bars served on some of our flights! From hearty soups like sopa de quinua to creamy quinotto (a Peruvian take on risotto), quinoa lends its nutty flavor and nutritional power to both savory and sweet preparations. We sampled it incorporated into refreshing salads with local vegetables and cheese, and even found it as a key ingredient in breakfast porridges and desserts like quinoa con leche (a milk-based pudding).

The Pisco Sour: Peru's National Cocktail

No exploration of Peruvian gastronomy is complete without encountering the iconic Pisco Sour. This vibrant and refreshing cocktail, made with Peruvian pisco (a type of brandy), fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a dash of Angostura bitters, is more than just a drink; it's a symbol of national pride. Its perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and slightly bitter notes, coupled with its frothy texture and aromatic bitters, make it a must-try cocktail.

Our recent journey through Peru opened our eyes (and our stomachs!) to an incredibly diverse and flavorful culinary landscape. These must-try dishes are just the tip of the iceberg, but they offer a fantastic starting point for anyone eager to explore the tastes of this captivating country. So, when you plan your own Peruvian adventure, be sure to venture beyond the familiar and embrace the deliciousness that awaits! You won't be disappointed, as we at Jetsettery wholeheartedly believe that food is a hugely important part of travel, offering a vital and delicious connection to a destination's culture and history.