Peru

The historic citadel of Machu Picchu in the Andes with foggy mountains in the background

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Unsplash

Welcome to the Innovative World of Peruvian Cuisine!

Peru, a country with a rich history, is home to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, and the majestic Andes. With its capital Lima, now considered the culinary capital of Latin America, Peru offers an incredible mix of ancient civilizations and modern life. Its geography is remarkably diverse, with three distinct regions: the coast, the mountains, and the jungle, each contributing unique ingredients to its culinary heritage.

Peruvian cuisine is a true treasure that has gained worldwide recognition. It is based on indigenous ingredients like potatoes, corn, and ají chili peppers, which are combined with elements from Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese gastronomy. The national dish is undoubtedly ceviche – raw fish marinated in lime juice with onions and chili. Another icon is lomo saltado (a beef stir-fry with vegetables and fries), which is a perfect example of Chinese influence. A sweet and spicy flavor can be found in ají de gallina (creamy chicken in a yellow sauce). The national cocktail pisco sour is often served with meals. Peruvian food is bold, innovative, and full of surprises, celebrating the country’s millennial history and multicultural identity.