Peruvian cuisine has been consolidating itself as one of the best in the world for years. So much so that, over the last five years, Peru has been crowned the best culinary destination on the planet.
One of the main reasons for this success is Andean cuisine, typical of the country's mountains. The dishes of this type of cuisine are a legacy of the ancient inhabitants of Peru. The Incas studied agriculture in depth to discover the best methods to obtain the perfect products. Thus, they managed to grow up to 3,000 varieties of potatoes in Peru, as well as other products that are currently considered superfoods in many countries around the world.
Thanks to these farming techniques, the dishes from the Peruvian highlands are made with products of high traditional value, such as quinoa or chia, and are made in wood ovens and clay pots, among other containers, to, in addition to giving an incredible flavor to the dishes, help the ingredients retain all their nutrients.
Chupes, soups, corn with cheese, chicharrón, humitas, papa a la huancaína, pachamanca, guinea pig… All these dishes will provide new flavors to your palate. We recommend enjoying them accompanied by the traditional chicha, a drink made from purple corn. And to finish, do not hesitate to try the desserts, which are mainly made from corn, milk and various fruits.
Cusco is one of the ideal places to taste the different flavors of Andean cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants you can visit in the imperial city.
One of the biggest promoters of Peruvian cuisine around the world is Gastón Acurio. The Lima chef has several restaurant chains not only in his country, but also abroad. His restaurant Astrid y Gastón is ranked number 30 among the best in the world.
In Cusco, Gastón Acurio offers an incredible menu at his restaurant Chicha, where you will find exclusive dishes with the traditional flavor of home-cooked Peruvian food.
The price may be high compared to other places, but it is definitely worth it.
Address: Plaza Regocijo, 261
On the floor below Chicha is El Truco, a restaurant that stands out for its colonial architecture and the large canvases of paintings that hang on its walls.
If you like and dare to try a new type of meat, in this place you will find a delicious plate of grilled alpaca (the alpaca is a species of camelid similar to the llama).
In addition to the charm of the decor, the place is attractive for the live dance shows they perform.
Address: Plaza Regocijo, 261
This place is not only for enjoying the variety of Peruvian food but also for Cusco architecture, as this place tells the story of what was the old convent of San Agustín.
The restaurant, belonging to the JW Marriot hotel chain, stands out for the use of native Cusco products such as quinoa, aguaymanto and native potatoes.
Here we also recommend trying the desserts, which use both typical fruits of the country and drinks such as pisco.
Address: Calle Ruinas, 432
For those who like to enjoy a good plate of totally natural food, we recommend Organika. The dishes offered at this restaurant are made with products that come directly from its garden located in the Sacred Valley.
The restaurant fills up quickly because it's small, but it's worth waiting in line.
Address: Calle Resbalosa, 410
Although it's not very traditional to eat ceviche in Cusco, you can't miss this restaurant specializing in typical Peruvian seafood dishes.
The traditional ceviche is the one that attracts and pleases the tourists who come to this place the most, but other dishes such as tiradito or rice with seafood are also a hit.
In addition, the atmosphere and the good treatment of the waiters make this the perfect place to enjoy an excellent meal.
Address: Portal Harinas, 181, Plaza de Armas.
And you, have you already tried Andean food? Tell us about your experience and recommend the restaurants you liked the most!
Cusco is famous for Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, Ollantaytambo and, above all, Machu Picchu. Of course, there are many other tourist attractions as well. Among them are Pisac, Chinchero, Choquequirao, Maras, Moray and the Rainbow Mountain. But have you heard of Piquillacta, Tres Cruces de Oro or the Putucusi mountain?
