Peru Cuisine
South America • South America
71 iconic dishes
Signature Peru Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(18)
Ají de Gallina
A classic Peruvian comfort food, Ají de Gallina features tender shredded chicken bathed in a rich, creamy, and subtly spicy sauce made from ají amarillo peppers, blended with bread, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese. It's traditionally served over boiled potatoes.
Arroz Chaufa
Arroz Chaufa is a beloved Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian fusion) classic, featuring fluffy rice stir-fried with savory pork, scrambled eggs, and aromatic ginger and scallions. This recipe offers a quick and flavorful taste of this iconic dish.
Cabrito a la Norteña (Northern Peruvian Kid Goat)
A traditional specialty from the Lambayeque region of Northern Peru, this dish features tender kid goat slow-cooked in a vibrant marinade of chicha de jora (fermented corn beverage), fresh cilantro, and aromatic spices. The result is a deeply flavorful and incredibly tender meat.
Caigua Rellena (Stuffed Caigua)
A traditional Peruvian dish featuring the unique Andean vegetable, caigua, generously stuffed with a savory ground beef, raisin, and olive filling, then baked until tender and topped with melted cheese.
Causa Limeña
Causa Limeña is an elegant and flavorful Peruvian layered potato terrine. It features a vibrant yellow potato base seasoned with lime juice and ají amarillo, layered with a creamy filling, often chicken or tuna salad, and garnished with avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.
Chancho en Caja China (Peruvian Whole Roasted Pig)
A spectacular Peruvian delicacy, this whole pig is slow-roasted to perfection in a 'Caja China' (Chinese box) cooker, resulting in incredibly tender, succulent meat and impossibly crispy skin. It's the ultimate centerpiece for any large gathering.
Cuy Asado (Peruvian Roasted Guinea Pig)
A traditional Andean delicacy, Cuy Asado features a whole guinea pig expertly roasted to achieve a wonderfully crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Typically prepared for special festivals and celebrations.
Lomo Fino Saltado (Premium Beef Stir-Fry)
An upscale take on the classic Peruvian Lomo Saltado, this version features tender beef tenderloin for a luxurious chifa experience. It's a vibrant stir-fry bursting with savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, traditionally served with rice and French fries.
Lomo Saltado
A beloved Peruvian stir-fry, Lomo Saltado masterfully blends tender strips of marinated beef with vibrant vegetables and crispy French fries, all tossed in a savory, tangy sauce. It's a testament to the fusion of Chinese wok techniques with classic Peruvian ingredients.
Olluquito con Charqui
A hearty and flavorful Peruvian classic, Olluquito con Charqui features tender olluco (an Andean tuber) simmered with savory charqui (traditional dried and salted meat, often llama or beef). This dish boasts pre-Columbian heritage and offers a unique taste of the Andes.
Pachamanca (Peruvian Earth Oven Feast)
Pachamanca is a traditional Andean ceremonial feast where various meats, tubers, and herbs are slow-cooked underground using hot stones in a specially dug earth oven. This method imparts a unique smoky, earthy flavor.
Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken)
A beloved Peruvian national dish, this Pollo a la Brasa features a whole chicken marinated in a savory, spiced mixture and then slow-roasted until the skin is incredibly crispy and the meat is juicy. Traditionally cooked on a rotisserie, it can also be adapted for a home oven.
Rocoto Relleno
A classic Arequipa specialty, Rocoto Relleno features large, spicy rocoto peppers generously filled with a savory, spiced ground beef mixture, then baked to perfection with a creamy cheese topping.
Sangrecita (Peruvian Blood Sausage)
A traditional and iron-rich Peruvian dish made from cooked chicken blood, onions, garlic, and herbs. Sangrecita is a hearty and flavorful home-style meal, often served as a starter or a light main course.
Tallarín Saltado (Peruvian Stir-Fried Noodles)
A vibrant Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian fusion) dish, Tallarín Saltado takes the beloved Lomo Saltado concept and marries it with spaghetti. Tender beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and savory noodles are stir-fried in a wok over high heat for an explosion of flavor and texture.
Tallarines Verdes (Peruvian Green Spaghetti)
A beloved Peruvian comfort food, Tallarines Verdes is a vibrant and creamy spaghetti dish featuring a rich sauce made from fresh basil, spinach, queso fresco, evaporated milk, and walnuts. It's a delightful Italian-Peruvian fusion that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
Tamal Peruano
A beloved Peruvian Sunday breakfast tradition, these tamales feature a savory corn masa dough filled with seasoned chicken, a hard-boiled egg, and an olive, all wrapped and steamed in fragrant banana leaves. The ají panca paste gives them a characteristic vibrant yellow hue and a mild, fruity spice.
Tamal Verde (Peruvian Green Tamale)
A vibrant and flavorful Peruvian green tamale, featuring a tender corn masa infused with fresh cilantro and a savory chicken filling. The bright green hue comes from the generous use of herbs, making it a visually appealing and delicious dish, often reserved for special occasions.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(19)
Cancha Serrana (Peruvian Toasted Corn)
Cancha Serrana is a popular Peruvian snack made from large, dried corn kernels that are toasted until they are puffed, crunchy, and golden brown. It's an essential accompaniment to ceviche and a delicious standalone snack.
Cebiche Mixto (Deluxe Mixed Seafood Ceviche)
A vibrant and sophisticated Peruvian mixed seafood ceviche, featuring tender fish, succulent shrimp, and pre-cooked octopus, all 'cooked' in a zesty marinade of fresh lime juice, fiery ají limo, and aromatic cilantro. This deluxe version elevates the classic with its variety of premium seafood.
Ceviche Clásico
Peruvian lime-cured fish - fresh fish 'cooked' in tiger's milk with onion and ají. A national treasure.
Ceviche Clásico Peruano
Peru's iconic national dish. Fresh, raw fish is 'cooked' by the acidity of lime juice, then combined with thinly sliced red onion, fiery ají amarillo, and fresh cilantro. It's a vibrant and refreshing dish, traditionally served with slices of boiled sweet potato and kernels of choclo (Peruvian corn).
Ceviche de Conchas Negras (Black Clam Ceviche)
A rare and highly prized Tumbes delicacy, this ceviche features the unique, briny flavor of black clams (conchas negras) 'cooked' in fresh lime juice. It's a vibrant and refreshing dish that highlights the natural taste of the sea.
Ceviche de Pescado Clásico
Classic Peruvian fish ceviche - the original and most traditional preparation. Peru's national dish, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and refreshing simplicity.
Ceviche Negro (Black Ceviche)
A striking and modern Peruvian ceviche featuring tender seafood cured in a dramatic black 'leche de tigre' infused with squid ink. The vibrant acidity of lime juice, the subtle heat of ají limo, and the fresh aromatics of cilantro create a complex flavor profile.
Chifles (Peruvian Fried Plantain Chips)
Crispy, golden-brown fried green plantain chips, a quintessential Peruvian snack and an essential accompaniment to ceviche. They are thinly sliced and fried to perfection.
Conchitas a la Parmesana (Peruvian Scallops Parmesan)
A classic Peruvian appetizer from Lima, featuring fresh scallops baked in their shells with a rich Parmesan and garlic butter topping. This dish is quick to prepare and delivers a burst of savory flavor.
Escabeche de Pescado
A classic Peruvian dish featuring pan-fried white fish bathed in a vibrant, tangy escabeche sauce of pickled onions and ají amarillo. This dish showcases the influence of colonial heritage on Peruvian cuisine.
Escabeche de Pollo (Peruvian Pickled Chicken)
A classic Peruvian dish featuring tender, fried chicken pieces bathed in a vibrant, tangy escabeche sauce made with pickled onions, ají amarillo, and vinegar. This dish, with its colonial heritage, is delicious served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or as a refreshing main course.
Jalea (Peruvian Fried Seafood Platter)
A vibrant and crispy Peruvian fried seafood platter, featuring an assortment of lightly battered and fried seafood, served with tender boiled yuca and a zesty salsa criolla. Perfect for sharing.
Leche de Tigre (Peruvian Tiger's Milk)
Leche de Tigre, or 'Tiger's Milk,' is the vibrant, citrusy marinade used to cure fish in Peruvian ceviche, famously served as a potent shot. It's renowned for its invigorating flavor and is often considered a delicious hangover remedy.
Papa a la Huancaína
A classic Peruvian dish featuring tender boiled potatoes generously coated in a creamy, vibrant, and slightly spicy cheese sauce made with ají amarillo. It's typically served chilled or at room temperature, garnished with olives and hard-boiled eggs.
Papa Rellena
Peruvian stuffed potato - a crispy, golden-fried potato shell encasing a savory spiced beef picadillo filling. A beloved street food classic.
Peruvian Beef Heart Skewers (Anticuchos)
Tender beef heart marinated in a vibrant blend of ají panca, vinegar, and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. A classic Peruvian street food, often served with boiled potatoes and corn.
Peruvian Ceviche
Peru's iconic national dish, featuring impeccably fresh white fish 'cooked' in vibrant citrus juices, mingled with thinly sliced red onion, fragrant cilantro, and a touch of aji amarillo for a gentle heat. Served traditionally with slices of boiled sweet potato and toasted cancha corn.
Solterito Arequipeño
A vibrant and refreshing bean salad from Arequipa, Peru, featuring tender fava beans, sweet corn, salty queso fresco, briny olives, and a kick from rocoto pepper and red onion. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a light meal or a side dish.
Tiradito
Tiradito is an elegant Peruvian sashimi-style dish, featuring thinly sliced raw fish bathed in a vibrant, spicy ají amarillo sauce. It's a beautiful example of Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bright flavors.
🍲Soup Dishes(11)
Adobo Arequipeño
A hearty and flavorful Arequipa-style pork stew, traditionally enjoyed on Sunday mornings. Pork shoulder is slow-braised in chicha de jora (a Peruvian corn beer) with aromatic spices until meltingly tender.
Aguadito de Pollo (Peruvian Green Chicken Soup)
A vibrant and flavorful Peruvian green chicken soup, celebrated for its rich cilantro base and comforting texture. Often considered a potent hangover cure and a beloved comfort food.
Carapulcra
Carapulcra is a hearty and ancient Peruvian stew made from dehydrated potatoes (papa seca) and tender chunks of pork, simmered in a rich, savory sauce infused with ají panca and spices. This pre-Columbian dish is known for its thick, comforting texture and deep flavors.
Cau Cau
Peruvian tripe stew - tender beef tripe and potatoes simmered in a vibrant, aromatic yellow ají sauce. A beloved comfort food from Lima.
Chupe de Camarones (Peruvian Shrimp Chowder)
A rich and creamy Peruvian shrimp chowder, a beloved specialty from Arequipa. This hearty soup features tender river shrimp, soft potatoes, and a velvety broth enriched with evaporated milk and cheese, finished with a perfectly poached egg.
Parihuela (Peruvian Spicy Seafood Soup)
A vibrant and intensely flavorful Peruvian seafood soup, known for its rich broth infused with chili pastes and a generous assortment of fresh seafood. Often hailed as the ultimate hangover cure.
Patita con Maní (Peruvian Pig's Feet in Peanut Sauce)
A rich and comforting Afro-Peruvian stew featuring tender, gelatinous pig's trotters simmered in a creamy, savory peanut sauce infused with the subtle heat of ají panca. This dish is a testament to the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
Seco de Cabrito (Peruvian Cilantro Goat Stew)
A classic Northern Peruvian specialty, this Seco de Cabrito features tender kid goat slow-braised in a vibrant, herbaceous sauce made from fresh cilantro, complemented by the subtle tang of chicha de jora (corn beer) and the mild heat of ají amarillo. Traditionally served with beans and rice.
Seco de Carne (Peruvian Cilantro Beef Stew)
A vibrant and hearty Peruvian beef stew, slow-braised in a flavorful base of cilantro, beer, and aromatic spices. The signature green hue and rich, tender beef make this a comforting and impressive dish.
Sopa Seca (Peruvian Dry Soup)
A beloved Peruvian 'dry soup' from Chincha, featuring spaghetti cooked in a vibrant, herbaceous basil and chicken sauce. Despite its name, it's a flavorful pasta dish where the pasta absorbs almost all the liquid, creating a rich, saucy consistency.
Sudado de Pescado (Peruvian Steamed Fish Stew)
A flavorful and healthy Peruvian fish stew where tender white fish is gently steamed with aromatic vegetables and a hint of ají amarillo, creating a light yet satisfying dish. The name 'Sudado' translates to 'sweated,' referring to the steaming method that cooks the ingredients in their own juices.
🥔Side Dishes(7)
Arroz con Mariscos
A vibrant and flavorful Peruvian seafood rice dish, featuring tender mixed seafood simmered in a rich, slightly spicy ají amarillo sauce. A true coastal favorite.
Arroz con Pato
A classic Peruvian dish from the northern coastal region, particularly Chiclayo, featuring tender duck braised and then cooked with a vibrant cilantro-infused rice. This dish is known for its striking green color and rich, savory flavor.
Arroz con Pollo Peruano (Peruvian Green Chicken and Rice)
A vibrant and flavorful Peruvian comfort dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice infused with a bright cilantro sauce, complemented by sweet peas. This recipe offers a taste of authentic home cooking.
Arroz Tapado (Peruvian Covered Rice)
Arroz Tapado, meaning 'covered rice,' is a beloved Peruvian dish where fluffy rice encases a savory, flavorful filling, creating a delightful surprise with every bite. It's a comforting and visually appealing meal perfect for any occasion.
Arroz Verde (Peruvian Green Rice)
A vibrant and flavorful Peruvian green rice, often served as a side dish. This simpler version focuses on the fresh taste of cilantro and spinach, offering a beautiful emerald hue and a delightful aroma. It's a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or seafood.
Arroz Zambito (Peruvian Dark Rice Pudding)
A rich and comforting Peruvian rice pudding, Arroz Zambito gets its distinctive dark color and deep sweetness from chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) and warm spices. It's a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Tacu Tacu
Tacu Tacu is a classic Afro-Peruvian dish, a savory cake made from leftover rice and beans, pan-fried until golden and crispy. It's a hearty and flavorful way to transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal, often served for breakfast or as a main course.
🍰Dessert Dishes(10)
Alfajores Peruanos
Delicate, crumbly Peruvian cookies made with a tender dough, sandwiched together with rich dulce de leche (manjar blanco), and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet treat.
Arroz con Leche Peruano
A rich and creamy Peruvian rice pudding, infused with the warm spice of cinnamon and studded with plump raisins. This classic dessert is often served as a sweet counterpoint to mazamorra morada.
Chicha Morada
A traditional Peruvian beverage made from purple corn, offering a sweet, spiced, and refreshing flavor profile. This vibrant drink is an iconic part of Peruvian culture.
Crema Volteada (Peruvian Caramel Custard)
A beloved Peruvian birthday dessert, Crema Volteada is a rich and creamy caramel custard, similar to flan, made with condensed milk and a smooth, golden caramel topping. The name 'volteada' means 'flipped' in Spanish, referring to the final step of inverting the custard onto a serving plate.
Helado de Lúcuma (Peruvian Lucuma Ice Cream)
Indulge in Peru's most beloved ice cream flavor, Helado de Lúcuma. This unique dessert features the distinct caramel-maple-sweet potato notes of the lucuma fruit, creating a rich and creamy frozen treat that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
King Kong (Galleta Gigante de Lambayeque)
A colossal, iconic cookie sandwich from the Lambayeque region of Peru, featuring layers of crisp, buttery shortbread generously filled with creamy manjar blanco (dulce de leche) and a hint of pineapple jam. Traditionally sold in large blocks, this dessert is a true northern specialty.
Mazamorra Morada
A traditional Peruvian dessert pudding made from purple corn, infused with warm spices and studded with tender dried fruits. It's a vibrant, comforting treat often enjoyed during festive occasions.
Picarones
Picarones are traditional Peruvian fritters made from sweet potato and squash, deep-fried to a golden crisp, and served with a spiced chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) syrup. They are a beloved street food dessert.
Suspiro a la Limeña
A classic Peruvian dessert from Lima, featuring a rich dulce de leche custard base topped with a light and airy port wine meringue. It's known for its intense sweetness and is often described as a 'Lima woman's sigh'.
Turrón de Doña Pepa
A beloved Peruvian sweet, Turrón de Doña Pepa is a tower of crisp, anise-flavored cookie sticks, traditionally enjoyed during October in honor of the Lord of Miracles. The cookies are layered with a rich, spiced chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) syrup and generously decorated with colorful sprinkles.
🥨Snack Dishes(4)
Butifarra (Peruvian Ham Sandwich)
A beloved Lima lunch icon, this classic sandwich features thinly sliced 'jamón del país' (Peruvian country ham) piled high on a crusty roll, generously topped with a vibrant salsa criolla. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying experience.
Ceviche Carretillero (Peruvian Street Cart Ceviche)
A beloved working-class Peruvian street food classic. This hearty ceviche is elevated with the addition of sliced hot dogs, crunchy toasted corn (cancha), and a generous dash of hot sauce, offering a unique and satisfying flavor profile.
Chicharrón Sandwich
A quintessential Peruvian breakfast icon, this sandwich features incredibly crispy, slow-cooked pork belly (chicharrón) nestled in a fresh bread roll, complemented by sweet, fried sweet potato slices and a vibrant salsa criolla.
Salchipapas
A quintessential Peruvian street food delight, Salchipapas features crispy fried hot dog slices and golden french fries, generously drizzled with an array of savory sauces. It's the ultimate late-night indulgence.