I spent 6 months in Lima, Peru last year, and exploring Peruvian food culture was one of the best parts of the trip.
I’ve been to five other countries in South America so far, but traditional Peruvian cuisine has really been the stand out.
I knew that it was pretty popular in other countries, but I had never gotten the chance to try it. So being able to actually go to the country itself and enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes had me pretty excited.
And while my husband and I were there, we started to make friends and talk to locals who shared so much about their food scene. Yes, there were popular Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, ceviche, ají de gallina, and causa. But there was also an incredible amount of Amazonian juices, Chifa (Chinese and Peruvian fusion), tacu tacu (wok fried beans and rice), and lúcuma desserts.
Peruvian cuisine really took me by surprise, and the people I met opened up a whole new world for me.
And whether you’re headed to Peru and you’re making a list of Peruvian foods to try, or you just want to make them at home, you’ll find exactly what you need here.
In This Article:
Popular Peruvian Dishes
1. Ceviche
I had made ceviche in a private cooking class (here’s the recipe for the authentic Peruvian ceviche I made), and I learned so much about this famous dish from the cooks.
First, ceviche originated in Peru. Sorry Mexico, they made a very compelling case and I’m siding with them.
Second, the dish had change because of the Japanese immigrants who started coming over in the 1800s. The Japanese taught the Peruvians their knife and cutting techniques which completely changed the appearance of ceviche.
And if you’ve never had it before, Peruvian ceviche is raw white fish that’s been marinated and cured with lime. It’s normally served with a tangy sauce called leche de tigre, and a side of choclo and sweet potato.
It makes for a very refreshing and tasty lunch or dinner!
2. Ají de Gallina
Ají de gallina is pure comfort food. With a super creamy sauce made up of ingredients like aji amarillo, garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese, this chicken and potato dish is definitely worth trying.
However, not all ají de gallina is created equal, so when you visit Peru, make sure to head to the right restaurants. The first time we ordered it, the sauce wasn’t so good. But when our friends took us to Tanta at Larcomar, we had a much better experience!
3. Lomo Saltado
You can’t visit Peru without trying one of the most popular Peruvian foods, lomo saltado.
I’ve had this dish prepared for me by a friend and at good restaurants, and I will never get tired of it.
It’s a beef stir fry dish that’s made with marinated sirloin, tomatoes, and onion, and served with rice. Also, it’s a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food, which is something you’ll see quite a bit of in Lima. But I’ll go into that fusion cuisine further down below!
Where I Tried This Famous Peruvian Food: Tanta Larcomar
4. Suspiro de Limeña
When it comes to popular Peruvian dishes, suspiro de Limeña is definitely up there.
You’ll see it at many restaurants, and for a good reason! It’s the Peruvian version of dulce de leche and the base (manjar blanco) is incredibly rich and topped with a creamy meringue.
I had it multiple times when I was there, and it was one of the recipes I requested when I set up a private cooking class.
Here’s the recipe for the authentic Peruvian suspiro de Limeña recipe I made if you want it!
5. Picaronoes
Picarones are Peruvian sweet potato doughnuts and they are so good!
They have a nice crunch on the outside, and the inside is hot, doughy, and soft. They also top it with a spiced sugary sauce which makes this dessert even better.
You’ll find them at different restaurants, but we enjoyed them at a really cute food cart at Parque 7 de Junio.
Also, if you like street food, then definitely head over that way. There are a few vendors selling Peruvian desserts and snacks in that park.
6. Papa a la Huancaína
Papa a la huancaína is the vegetarian version of aji de galliña. So you still have the potatoes topped with the creamy sauce and a boiled egg and olives, but no chicken.
This is one of the those typical Peruvian dishes you’ll see being served as a side or starter.
7. Alfajores
Alfajores are something you’ll see all across South America, and they are everywhere in Peru.
They’re two short bread cookies with manjar blanco (dulce de leche) in the middle, and they are so good.
The cookies are perfectly crumbly and the whole dessert melts in your mouth. Also, they pair well with a coffee like the one I got in the photo above at Artidoro Rodríguez Café (Tarata 285).
8. Pollo a la Brasa
I had pollo a la brasa so many times, so I’m a bit shocked that I have no photos!
But it really is a satisfying and traditional Peruvian meat dish.
The chicken is basted and roasted with ingredients like soy sauce, black beer, chili, and garlic and it’s ridiculously savory and delicious.
Also, I think it’s best served with some thick cut fries (which is something you’ll normally see) and some Inca Kola.
9. Anticuchos de Corazon (Beef Hearts)
This was one of my favorite Peruvian dishes, and I highly recommend it.
Our friends took us out to the restaurant, Tanta, and we asked them to order Peruvian foods that they thought we should try.
The hearts are sliced, skewered, and then grilled, and they make for a really tasty side. It’s definitely a dish you don’t want to skip when visiting.
Where I Tried This Popular Peruvian Dish: Tanta Larcomar
10. Causa
Causa is a layered cold mashed potato casserole that you’ll often see being served as an appetizer.
It’s topped with that tasty aji amarillo sauce and has layers of mashed Peruvian potatoes, tuna and chicken fillings, and layers of eggs and avocados.
We had gotten this traditional food in Peru as a starter ourself, and while the presentation is a bit different, it was still pretty tasty!
Traditional Peruvian Food
11. Tacu Tacu
This was our first introduction to traditional Peruvian food and it was love at first bite.
I’ve always been a big fan of rice and beans, but I think the Peruvians do it the best. They mash up the beans and mix them and different ingredients into the rice. And then they fry it up in a wok and it takes the shape of an omurice.
The one above is paired with plantain and chicharrón, but there are also so many other ways to enjoy it.
12. Peruvian Empanadas
While Colombian empanadas have a deep friend corn-based outer shell, Peru has baked pastry dough empanadas, and they’re great for on-the-go comfort food.
There are plenty of fillings, but one of the most common ones you’ll find is a filling of olives, hard boiled eggs, beef, onion, and spices.
13. Arroz con Pato
My husband and I love duck, so when we were researching the food in Peru and saw arroz con pato (rice with duck), we knew we had to try it.
The duck is marinated in beer for some good flavor, and the rice has a cilantro-based sauce. It’s definitely a hearty dinner!
14. Peruvian Papa Rellena
I love papa rellena, or stuffed potato. There’s something so satisfying about having deep fried mashed potatoes that are stuffed with meat, eggs, spices, and so many other tasty ingredients.
15. Peruvian Tamales
While a lot of Americans know about the tamales from Mexico, you’ll also find them in Peru!
It’s a typical food in Peru, and it’s pretty tasty. Some will have no filling (like tamalitos verdes), but others are cooked with fillings like pork.
16. Aguadito
When we were with our friends, they decided to order aguadito for us. It’s a Peruvian chicken soup made with ingredients like cilantro, beer, potatoes, and corn
It’s one of those popular foods in Peru that’s great for cold nights, and when you’re cravings something nice and comforting.
Where I Tried This Soup: Tanta Larcomar
17. Pan Con Chicharrón
Pan con chicharrón (bread with fried pork belly) is a traditional and popular food in Peru. You’ll see it being made with sweet potato and served with salsa criolla (and onion based sauce).
The bread can be a bit dry, but that’s easily fixable and it’s definitely a filling meal!
18. Peruvian Cancha
Cancha are fried corn nuts and I had way to much of it when I was living in Peru.
And when I took my private cooking lessons, they taught me a quick way to level up cancha.
You fry them up in a bit of oil on the stove, and then pair it with some tasty sauces and chips. They took this very simple snack and found such an easy way to make it even better.
19. Tacacho With Amazonian Pork
When it comes to Peruvian cooking, it is extremely diverse. From dishes from the Andes to Amazonian recipes, there is so much to try.
And this Amazonian dish was recommended and ordered by some different Peruvian friends we had made.
Tacacho is a Peruvian breakfast made with boiled or grilled mashed plantains that are mixed with bits of pork rind. You’ll see it being served with chorizo, but for us, we also had it paired with Amazonian pork which had a unique and tasty flavor!
Where We Tried This Dish: La Choza de La Anaconda
20. Peruvian Chicharrón
In different countries, chicharrón is fried pork belly. But in Peru, chicharrón could be many things. It could be fried chicken or even octopus!
In the photo above, I had opted to make fried pork chicharrón in my cooking class. The pork is first boiled in seasoned water, and then fried in oil. It’s super crispy, but also melts in your mouth.
And if you want to make it yourself, then here’s the recipe for Peruvian chicharrón.
21. Peruvian Choclo
Choclo is one of the local varieties of corn, and I loved having it when I was in Peru!
The kernals are big and super satisfying to bite into. So when you’re there, definitely try it as a side or appetizer!
22. Chifa
Chifa is Chinese-Peruvian fusion food, and there’s something you should know about their fusion food scene in general.
The Peruvians pride themselves on their fusion cuisines like Afro-Peruvian or makis (Japanese-Peruvian).
And while authenticity is loved in the states, people get a bit offended if they go to a chifa restaurant (as an example) and there’s not enough fusion. I’m not joking, that’s something I saw in Google reviews!
And honestly, I get it. You’ll get incredibly tasty dishes like huge pork meatballs stuffed with shrimp and cashews, and the portions are huge.
Personal Recommendation: Our friends took us to a 100-year-old spot called Gran Chifa Chung Yion in Barranco (a beautiful neighborhood in Lima). I definitely recommend it!
23. Makis (Or Nikkei)
As mentioned above, makis is Japanese-Peruvian fusion and it is really good!
You’ll get so many fun and unique dishes like makis-style ceviche, tuna saltado, and tasty dumplings.
Also, I’ve heard of it be called Nikkei online, but I’ve only ever heard locals call it makis, so I’m a bit confused. 🤷♀️
Personal Recommendation: We had an incredible experience at Tokuyo Lima. All of the dishes we tried were amazing, and the owner was so nice!
24. Caldo de Gallina
Peruvian soups are pure comfort food and perfect for the colder days.
And one traditional, hearty soup you need to try is caldo de gallina. With potatoes, chicken, noodles, and egg, it’s very filling.
Also, it’s said to be enjoyed early in the morning before work since it’ll recharge your energy and get you going for the day.
If you want to try this Peruvian soup, or Peruvian soups in general, then I’d recommend heading to Siete Sopas in Miraflores. They have a great selection!
25. Tallarin Saltado
If you want to try more of chifa cuisine, then tallarin saltado is a great Peruvian dish to order.
It’s a tasty stir-fry dish that’s cooked up with different proteins like beef or chicken, and plenty of tasty veggies and spices.
Where I Tried This Dish: El Parquecito
26. Tallarin Verde con Bistec de Res
As you might have guessed from the sauce and noodles, this is fusion cuisine again.
Italo-Peruvian was created when Italian immigrants came over in the late 19th century and early 20th century. They brought over certain cooking techniques and recipes (like panetón which I saw everywhere during Christmas time), and of course, it melded nicely into Peruvian cuisine.
I really liked this dish. The noodles and pesto-like sauce were satisfying, and the beef was savory and tender.
Where I Tried This Dish: El Parquecito
27. Huallpa Chupe
With cheese, egg, criollo seasonings, rice, chicken, muña oil (mint of the Incas), and other Peruvian ingredients, it’s another great dish to try.
And if I remember correctly, our friends recommended it and my husband liked it very much!
Where I Had This Peruvian Soup: Siete Sopas Miraflores
28. Arroz Tapado
I saw arroz tapado on the menu, looked up images of the dish, and knew I had to get it.
Literally translating out to “covered rice,” you get a delicious dish of well seasoned beef topped with rice that’s been lightly fried.
It can have other fillings as well like chicken or tuna, but I definitely recommend trying the beef.
Where I Tried This Peruvian Food: Siete Sopas Miraflores
29. Seco de Carne
This is a typical Peruvian dish, and it might actually have some influence from Arab cuisine.
Also, you can see it being made with different types of meat like lamb, goat, or chicken. This was a dish my husband had and he and I both liked it a lot. It was savory and had some really good flavors!
Where I Had This Peruvian Dish: Siete Sopas Miraflores
30. Sopa Criolla
I think sopa criolla was probably my favorite Peruvian soup. It’s super flavorful, hearty, and great for the colder months.
Originally coming from Italy, it has angel hair pasta, beef, bread, eggs, garlic, cream, and a lot of other delicious ingredients. So if you ever try out Siete Sopas or another restaurant, definitely get it as a starter or the main!
Peruvian Desserts
31. Picarones
Picarones were definitely one of my top favorite Peruvian desserts! We got ours fresh from a food cart at Parque 7 de Junio (or 7th of June Park). The sweet potato doughnuts were fried to perfection, making them slightly crunchy on the outside and perfectly hot and doughy on the inside. And then they were drizzled in a sweet spiced syrup.
They’re such a satisfying dessert, so don’t skip them when you’re visiting Peru!
32. Mazamorra Morada
Another one of my favorites! I got this one from a food cart at Parque Kennedy, and it was so warm, comforting, and not too sweet which I liked.
Also, the warm flavors of the cinnamon worked so well with the purple corn, plums, pineapple, and other sweet ingredients in this dessert.
33. Turrón de Doña Pepa
There are two stories behind this dessert, but I’ll just tell one of them.
Josefa Marmanillo, who was an Afro-Peruvian slave who was known for being a very good cook. But at some point, she ended up getting a disease which effected her arms. And of course, this effected her ability to cook.
Being freed because of her disease, she traveled all the way to Lima to look on the image of Christ of Pachacamilla. And when she did, she was healed and made this dessert in honor of Jesus who had healed her.
I personally liked the texture and sweetness of this dessert, but I wasn’t as crazy about the star anise flavor. However, if you’re fine with this spice, then definitely try it!
Where I Got This Dessert: Pasteleria La Nuez San Borja
34. Crema Volteada
I am in love with all the different kinds of flan in Latin America, and crema volteada is no exception.
The name means “upside down cream” and the Peruvians make so many different versions of it. So you’ll find lúcuma, cream cheese, cinnamon, and even coconut. But vanilla is definitely the most common flavor you’ll see at restaurants.
I really liked how smooth and creamy crema volteada was. It wasn’t too sweet, and the caramel sauce really elevated the dessert.
Where I Got This Peruvian Dessert: Tokuyo Lima
35. Lúcuma Desserts
Peru had so many different kinds of fruits which made it so fun to explore their produce.
But I think lúcuma was by far my favorite, and you’ll find it in so many desserts in Peru.
Lúcuma has this almost sweet potato cinnamon flavor to it. So think autumn in a fruit.
I enjoyed it in cakes, ice cream, suspiro de Limeña, and other sweets. So if you’re headed down to Lima, then definitely give it a try!
Where I Enjoyed These Desserts: In picture one, I made this in a cooking class. For picture two, I had it at Tanta Larcomar.
36. Maracumango
Maracumango is a combination of the words “mango” and “maracujá” (or passion fruit).
It’s a common dessert flavor you’ll see in Peru. I really enjoyed getting it as an ice cream, and it was so refreshing on a hot day!
Where I Had This Dessert: Kukurucho Helados
37. Peruvian Churros
Peru was the first place I had dulce de leche stuffed churros, and it was kind of love at first bite.
The warm dulce de leche paired so well with the crunchy, cinnamony fried dough. So if you’re in Lima, then head over to Manolo in Miraflores. They always have great churros and you can take them and walk over to Parque Kennedy or Parque 7 de Junio and enjoy them.
38. Peruvian Arroz con Leche
Another delicious Latin American classic. I really liked this arroz con leche (rice with milk); it was perfectly sweet, creamy, and warm from the cinnamon.
Also, you’ll see it being served with mazamorra morada. And while I didn’t have this combination, I just know the flavors would pair so well together!
Where I Had This Dessert: A dessert cart at Parque Kennedy.
39. Peruvian Chocolate
I fell in love with the chocolate in Peru!
We had gone to a really nice coffee shop that a friend had recommended called El Cacaotal. But we didn’t realize they had a chocolate shop attached to it.
And when we found out, one of the workers took us up to the second floor, and we got to look over a few different walls of chocolate. Also, we got to ask questions and she explained how some of the brands made their chocolate in unique way.
So for example, one of the chocolate makers used the white part of the cacao bean in the chocolate making process.
We could definitely tell the difference between the chocolate bars and enjoyed all of the amazing flavors.
40. Conitos Hojaldre con Manjar
We had actually ordered a completely different Peruvian dessert, but because they didn’t have it, we ended up getting this one instead (and we weren’t complaining).
These little cones were perfectly soft yet crunchy, and filled with a creamy manjar blanco. Definitely perfect for pairing with a coffee.
Where I Got This Dessert: Pasteleria La Nuez San Borja
Peruvian Drinks
41. Chicha Morada
Chicha morada is probably the most famous drink from Peru.
It’s a purple corn drink that’s sweetened with fruits like apples, pineapple, or quince, and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
It could honestly be enjoyed hot, but I always had it cold which was really great for those warmer days.
And down below are a couple of the brands we tried and liked. So if you’re on the go and you want something refreshing, then you’ll know what to grab.
But if you ever want to make it yourself, then I’d say find a cooking class that’ll show you how to do it. The photo above was one I made in a cooking class, and it was so much fun (and super tasty)!
42. Peruvian Juices
I cannot recommend Peruvian juices enough!
They seem to be a regular part of their meals, and for a very good reason! They’re always fresh and super tasty. Also, there are going to be Amazonian fruits or juice combinations you’ve never had, so it’s a fun way to explore new things.
Here are a few of my recommendations:
- Limonada de hierba luisa: This one tasted like a lemon drop candy and it’s made with lemons and lemon beebrush (or lúcia-lima).
- Camu camu: We really liked this one. It’s made with the Amazonian fruit, camu camu, which is a fruit with the highest levels of vitamin C.
- Aguaje: Another fruit from the Amazon which has an apple, butter, cinnamon kind of flavor.
- Passion fruit: I’m in love with passion fruit, so it’s nice that you can easily get it as a juice in Peru.
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.