Top 50 Peruvian Dishes You Have to Try

If you’re planning a trip to Peru or searching for a truly unforgettable culinary experience, you’re in for a treat. Peru is the heart of South America’s foodie scene, offering dishes that blend centuries of tradition, culture, and innovation. As the founder of The Lima Gourmet Company, I’ve spent years guiding travelers and food lovers through the diverse flavors of my adopted home. Whether you're an individual traveler curating a luxury Peruvian itinerary or a travel agency looking for inspiration and partnerships, this guide has you covered.

So, let’s dive into the ultimate list of 50 Peruvian dishes you have to try, each one a masterpiece that reflects Peru’s cultural richness and culinary ingenuity.

1. Ceviche: Peru’s Crown Jewel
Fresh fish cured in lime juice, with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. Served with sweet potato, or camote, and choclo (Peruvian corn).
Why It’s a Must-Try: No visit to Peru is complete without this dish, the epitome of coastal flavors.

2. Lomo Saltado: A Stir-Fry Sensation
A fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine, this dish features beef, tomatoes, and onions sautéed in soy sauce and served with rice and fries.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a pisco sour to balance the richness.

3. Ají de Gallina: Comfort Food at Its Finest
Shredded chicken in a creamy yellow chili sauce, served over potatoes and rice.
Where to Try It: High-end restaurants like Astrid y Gastón or a home-cooked meal.

4. Anticuchos: Street Food Royalty
Grilled meat skewers, traditionally made with beef heart and seasoned with bold spices.
Best Spot: Lima’s street vendors or markets like Surquillo.

5. Papa a la Huancaína: A Classic Appetizer
Boiled potatoes topped with a creamy, spicy sauce made from ají amarillo and queso fresco.

6. Rocoto Relleno: A Spicy Surprise
Stuffed peppers filled with spiced meat, vegetables, and cheese.
Insider’s Tip: Try it in Arequipa, its city of origin.

7. Pollo a la Brasa: Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken
Marinated chicken, slow-roasted and served with fries and salad.
Why It’s Special: Every bite is infused with smoky, herby perfection.

8. Causa Rellena: A Layered Potato Delight
Mashed yellow potatoes layered with avocado, chicken, or seafood.

9. Pachamanca: Earth-Cooked Goodness
An Andean dish of meat and vegetables cooked underground using heated stones.
Cultural Connection: A dish deeply tied to Peru’s agricultural and Incan roots.

10. Picarones: Sweet Treats
Ring-shaped fritters made from sweet potatoes and squash, served with chancaca syrup.
Perfect For: Dessert lovers seeking something uniquely Peruvian.

Exploring Peruvian Cuisine by Region

Peru’s diverse geography offers an incredible variety of flavors that span three geographic regions: the coast, mountains, and jungle. Here’s a quick overview:

• Coastal Cuisine: Ceviche, tiraditos, and seafood stews.
• Andean Dishes: Pachamanca, rocoto relleno, and soups like caldo de gallina.
• Amazonian Specialties: Juane, tacacho con cecina, and exotic fruits.

11-20: More Dishes You Can’t Miss
     11. Tiradito: Sashimi-like slices of fish in spicy citrus sauce.
     12. Chupe de Camarones: Shrimp chowder with rice, eggs, and milk.
     13. Arroz con Pollo: A flavorful mix of rice, chicken, and cilantro.
     14. Juane: Amazonian rice dish wrapped in banana leaves.
     15. Tacacho con Cecina: Plantain balls served with cured pork.
     16. Seco de Cordero: Lamb stew with cilantro and dark beer.
     17. Chicharrón: Fried pork or chicken, crispy on the outside and tender inside.
     18. Adobo Arequipeño: Pork marinated in chicha and spices.
     19. Solterito: A salad with fava beans, corn, and cheese.
     20. Leche de Tigre: The tangy ceviche marinade, often enjoyed as a drink.

​21-30: Street Food and Snacks
     21. Tacu Tacu: Leftover rice and beans fried into a crispy patty.
     22. Butifarra: Pork sandwich with tangy salsa criolla.
     23. Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meat and spices, wrapped in leaves.
     24. Camote Frito: Sweet potato fries, often paired with ceviche.
     25. Salchipapas: Fries topped with sliced sausage and sauces.
     26. Empanadas: Filled pastries, popular as snacks or breakfasts.
     27. Choros a la Chalaca: Mussels topped with a zesty onion and corn salsa.
     28. Chifle: Plantain chips, a crispy Amazonian snack.
     29. Mazamorra Morada: Purple corn pudding.
     30. Arroz con Leche: Creamy rice pudding.

​31-40: Iconic Soups and Stews
     31. Caldo de Gallina: Hearty hen soup, a classic comfort food.
     32. Sancochado: Beef and vegetable stew.
     33. Parihuela: Spicy seafood soup.
     34. Carapulcra: Stew of pork, potatoes, and peanuts.
     35. Inchicapi: Chicken soup with peanuts, native to the Amazon.
     36. Aguadito: Cilantro-based chicken soup.
     37. Shambar: Wheat and meat soup, traditional in Trujillo.
     38. Locro de Zapallo: Squash stew with cheese and potatoes.
     39. Cau Cau: Tripe stew with potatoes and turmeric.
     40. Chairo: Andean soup with lamb, potatoes, and chuño (freeze-dried potatoes).

​41-50: Drinks and Desserts
     41. Pisco Sour: Peru’s iconic cocktail.
     42. Chicha Morada: Sweet purple corn drink.
     43. Inca Kola: Peru’s beloved soda.
     44. Mate de Coca: Coca leaf tea, perfect for altitude adjustment.
     45. Algarrobina: Creamy cocktail made with carob syrup.
     46. Turrón de Doña Pepa: Layered nougat dessert.
     47. Suspiro a la Limeña: A rich caramel-like dessert.
     48. Tejas: Candied treats filled with manjar blanco.
     49. Quinoa Pudding: A healthier twist on arroz con leche.
     50. Helado de Lúcuma: Ice cream made from lúcuma, a uniquely Peruvian fruit.

FAQs About Peruvian Food

What is the national dish of Peru?
Ceviche is Peru’s national dish, celebrated for its fresh, vibrant flavors.

Where can I experience the best Peruvian food in Lima?
Lima Gourmet Company offers exclusive food tours that take you to the city’s top culinary destinations, from fine dining to hidden gems.

What makes Peruvian cuisine unique?
Peruvian cuisine blends indigenous ingredients with influences from Spain, Africa, China, Japan, and Italy, creating a fusion unlike anywhere else in the world.

​Why choose Lima Gourmet Company for a food tour?
We’re committed to providing luxury culinary experiences, offering insights into Peru’s food culture while connecting with local chefs and artisans. Exploring Peru through its food is an adventure you’ll never forget. Whether you’re losing yourself in a ceviche on the coast, enjoying a hearty Andean stew, or sipping a Pisco Sour in Lima, every bite and sip tells a story. If you’re ready to embark on the ultimate culinary journey, let Lima Gourmet Company guide the way—we’re here to make your experience extraordinary.



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