For American travelers Peru has become an exceptional destination to taste one of the best gastronomies in the world! Peru food has been voted for several consecutive years as one of the most delicious foods in the world and the best restaurant in the World, Maido, is located in Lima.
Travelers around the world, especially from America, see Peru as an iconic destination to taste one of the best gastronomy in the world and, at the same time, to enjoy nature wonders such as Paracas National Reserve, Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, Colca canyon and visit the stunning world wonder of Machu Picchu. In Peru you can truly know the country while you taste its history in every food. Would you like to know more? Keep reading!
The ancient “Earth Oven”: Pachamanca
Pachamanca is perhaps one of Peru’s most emblematic dishes and one of the most representative of Andean cuisine. This dish is complex not only because of its ingredients, but also because of the history surrounding it.
The origin of this emblematic dish dates back to the pre-Incan Wari culture. Before beginning its preparation, the locals perform a “Pago a la Tierra” (Offering to the Earth), a ceremony to express gratitude to Mother Earth, Pachamama. Pachamanca is typically prepared at the beginning of the harvest season, to celebrate an important event, or when receiving a visit from someone special, due to the complexity of its preparation.
- Ingredients: Pachamanca typically includes meats such as pork, lamb, and alpaca, potatoes, broad beans, oca, and corn, and is seasoned with Andean herbs like huacatay. The ingredients vary depending on the region where it is prepared.
You can taste the authentic and traditional Pachamanca on our cultural, experiential, and gastronomic tour of Huilloc. Book your table here.
The soul of the amazonian rainforest: The juane
Even within Peru, not all regions share the same cuisine. Each city and town has its own history, culture, and traditional food, and therein lies the richness of this country. In the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the ingredients are different from those in the rest of the country. This region boasts dishes like tacacho with cecina, patarashca, suri, juane, and many more.
The classic juane is a mixture of seasoned rice and chicken, boiled and wrapped in a bijao leaf, giving it a unique flavor and aroma. On our expeditions to Manu National Park or Iquitos, you can enjoy this dish prepared by our professional chefs.
Juane also has its own variations throughout the Peruvian jungle in every city, so you will find, for example, the old and original juane: made with grated yucca, fish (usually paiche), mushrooms, sacha culantro (a type of cilantro), and wild bird eggs. Avispa Juane: with ground pork, rice, and chicken, and many more!
Now that you know more about juane, go ahead and try it in Iquitos and reserve your dish today.
The refreshing taste of the sea: ceviche
Ceviche is one of the most interesting dishes on the Peruvian coast. Its origins predate the creation of the Peruvian state. This ancient dish is traditionally prepared with fish, lime, aji limo pepper, onion, and salt. In this dish, it is essential to carefully remove the fish bones and then cut the fish into square pieces.
As we mentioned before, every dish has its own variations, and the same is true for ceviche!
There’s shrimp ceviche, typical of Arequipa; black clam ceviche, famous in Tumbes; mixed ceviche; and more. You absolutely have to try this dish at least once in your life!
Where can I taste Peruvian food?
In Peru, you can enjoy delicious dishes everywhere; however, we recommend trying them on one of our tours. We guarantee it:
- Exclusivity on our private tours.
- Tasting exquisite dishes prepared by chefs on our group tours.
- Meals in breathtaking locations: on most of our tours in Iquitos and Manu, you’ll dine in the heart of the jungle, near spectacular rivers, or with stunning views.
Don’t just see Peru. Taste it. Secure your place at the table of the gods with our culinary tours! Choose your favorite tour here.
