Peruvian food is in fashion and Peruvian restaurants can now be found in all parts of the world. The great biodiversity of Peru gives creative cooks the perfect tools for their culinary inventions and this is reflected in the awards that Peru wins every year as a gastronomic destination. In this article you will find the most typical dishes of Lima, the capital of Peru.
Most typical food in Lima
1. Ceviche
We start the list with what is possibly the most iconic dish in the country. Nobody can resist the fresh flavor of a good ceviche. Made with fish and, depending on taste, shellfish, it is bathed with citrus seasonings that only enhance the flavor. Ceviche is definitely one of those dishes that once you try it, you will want to repeat it over and over again.
2. Lomo Saltado
Now we turn to a dish loved by all Peruvians and that we undoubtedly recommend to anyone visiting our country for the first time. As its name indicates, the loin is pan-fried until it is properly cooked, together with a little vinegar, soy sauce and some spices, before being served with French fries and rice. The Lomo Saltado is a dish whose origin dates back to the arrival of the Chinese-Cantonese in Peru from the 19th century, who finished perfecting this exquisite dish.
3. Aji de Gallina
Adding strength to this list, we have “Aji de Gallina”. A dish that consists of a cream with frayed chicken breast and accompanied by cooked potato or white rice. It should be noted that whenever this dish is served at the table, it receives the highest praise from those who try it.
4. Pachamanca
Now let’s go to an ancient dish considered Cultural Heritage of the Nation, the Pachamanca. The name comes from the Quechua words “Pacha” which means earth and “manka” which means pot, which leads us to understand that its meaning would be “Pot of Earth”. This describes very well the way of cooking this dish. Where food is cooked through contact with hot stones in a hole dug underground.
5. Causa Limeña
To be honest, no Peruvian food list is complete without mentioning the already famous Causa Limeña. This dish is made from yellow potatoes (one of the more than 4,000 types of potatoes that exist in Peru) and its layered presentation draws attention. Of course, thanks to that touch of lemon that every Peruvian knows, the flavor of this renowned dish conquers kitchens, tables, and hearts.