Top 18 Foods to Eat in Peru

Explore the best of Peruvian cuisine through these 18 iconic dishes that highlight the country’s rich culture, fresh ingredients, and diverse culinary heritage—from ceviche to alpaca steak, there’s something for every food lover to savor.

Introduction

Peru is not only known for its stunning landscapes and ancient ruins but also for its vibrant, flavorful cuisine. Influenced by indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial flavors, and international ingredients brought by immigrants, Peruvian food is a fusion of cultures and regions. Whether you're a foodie planning your trip or a curious cook, this list of the top 18 foods to eat in Peru will introduce you to some of the most iconic and delicious dishes the country has to offer.

1. Ceviche

Peru’s national dish, ceviche is made from fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with red onions, cilantro, and aji peppers. Typically served with sweet potatoes and corn, it’s tangy, refreshing, and a must-try along the coast.

2. Lomo Saltado

A delicious fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine, lomo saltado is a stir-fry made with marinated beef strips, tomatoes, onions, soy sauce, and served with rice and fries. It’s one of Peru’s most popular comfort foods.

3. Aji de Gallina

This creamy chicken stew is made with shredded chicken, bread, milk, cheese, and aji amarillo peppers. Served over rice and often accompanied by boiled potatoes and olives, aji de gallina is both spicy and comforting.

4. Rocoto Relleno

Rocoto relleno is a spicy dish from Arequipa featuring red rocoto peppers stuffed with minced beef, vegetables, and cheese, then baked and often served with a slice of potato or creamy sauce.

5. Causa Rellena

A beautifully layered dish, causa rellena combines mashed yellow potatoes seasoned with lime and aji amarillo, filled with tuna, chicken, or avocado. It’s served cold and makes a perfect appetizer or light lunch.

6. Anticuchos

These grilled meat skewers, typically made from beef heart, are marinated in vinegar, garlic, and spices, then grilled over an open flame. Found at street food stalls, anticuchos are packed with bold flavors.

7. Papa a la Huancaína

A beloved starter, papa a la Huancaína consists of boiled yellow potatoes topped with a spicy cheese sauce made from aji amarillo, queso fresco, and evaporated milk. It’s often served with olives and hard-boiled eggs.

8. Pollo a la Brasa

Pollo a la brasa, or Peruvian rotisserie chicken, is marinated in spices, garlic, and vinegar before being roasted to perfection. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it’s typically served with fries and salad.

9. Tacu Tacu

Born from Afro-Peruvian traditions, tacu tacu is a hearty mix of rice and beans fried into a crispy cake, often served with a fried egg, steak, or seafood.

10. Alpaca Steak

Lean and tender, alpaca meat is a healthier alternative to beef and widely available in Andean regions. It's typically grilled and served with native potatoes or a quinoa salad.

11. Leche de Tigre

Often served in a shot glass, leche de tigre is the citrusy marinade used in ceviche. It’s believed to be an aphrodisiac and a hangover cure. The mix of lime, onion, chili, and fish juice packs a bold punch.

12. Chupe de Camarones

This rich shrimp chowder from Arequipa includes river prawns, potatoes, corn, cheese, and eggs. Chupe de camarones is a filling and flavorful dish perfect for colder days in the highlands.

13. Arroz con Pato

Duck with cilantro rice, or arroz con pato, is a traditional dish from northern Peru. The rice is cooked in a rich blend of herbs and beer, giving it a vibrant green color and delicious taste.

14. Seco de Cabrito

This slow-cooked goat stew, often prepared with chicha de jora (corn beer), is deeply flavorful and typically served with rice, beans, and yuca. It’s a must-try from northern Peru.

15. Lucuma Ice Cream

Made from the native lucuma fruit, this dessert has a sweet, maple-like flavor and creamy texture. Lucuma ice cream is a Peruvian favorite and a delicious way to end any meal.

16. Chicha Morada

A traditional Peruvian drink made from purple corn, chicha morada is flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, pineapple, and lime. It’s refreshing, non-alcoholic, and packed with antioxidants.

17. Picarones

A sweet street food snack, picarones are doughnut-like treats made from squash and sweet potato, deep-fried and drizzled with chancaca syrup (molasses-like). They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh.

18. Cuy Chactado

For the adventurous, cuy chactado—fried guinea pig—is a traditional Andean delicacy. Served whole and crispy, it’s often paired with potatoes and salad. Though unusual to many visitors, it holds cultural and culinary significance in Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Peruvian food spicy?

Not always. While Peruvian cuisine uses many types of chili peppers like aji amarillo and rocoto, the spice level is generally moderate and can be adjusted to taste.

2. Is it safe to eat street food in Peru?

Yes, but it’s best to stick to busy, popular vendors where food turnover is high. Always check for cleanliness and avoid uncooked foods like salads at street stalls.

3. What is the national dish of Peru?

Ceviche is widely considered the national dish of Peru, especially along the coast where fresh seafood is abundant.

4. Can vegetarians find good options in Peru?

Absolutely. Dishes like causa rellena, tacu tacu, and papa a la huancaína can be made vegetarian, and quinoa-based dishes are common and filling.

5. Where’s the best place to try authentic Peruvian food?

Cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are culinary hotspots, offering everything from street food to fine dining that showcases Peru’s diverse regional cuisines.

Final Thoughts

Peru’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering something for every palate. From traditional Andean staples to coastal delights and Amazonian specialties, Peruvian food is rich in flavor, history, and culture. So whether you're visiting a street stall in Lima or dining at a mountain lodge in Cusco, make sure to try as many of these dishes as possible. Your taste buds will thank you.