Capital of flavor and good food. Lima has a great variety of typical dishes offered in places as diverse as 5-star hotels, restaurants, cebicherías, chicken restaurants, markets, “huariques” and chifas (Chinese food restaurants). Converted into the main table of regional cuisine, it is also the headquarters of the most important gastronomic fair in Latin America: Mistura.
Its cuisine captivates palates with an extensive menu of dishes, in which fish is one of the stars and cebiche, a national pride. Tiradito, a version of cebiche without onion, and parihuela, fish broth with seafood, are typical seafood dishes. The long list includes rice with seafood, fish a la chorrillana, shellfish parmesan, mussels a la chalaca, mixed jelly, tequeños stuffed with crab meat, tuna-stuffed causa, fried rice with fish, pasta with seafood sauce, etc.
The African presence brought to our cuisine the use of beef viscera that gave rise to the famous anticuchos, skewers of beef heart fried on charcoal grills; cau cau, a stew of tripe and potatoes, and tacu tacu, cooked beans mixed with rice, with meat or seafood as filling or on top.
The Peruvian-Hispanic fusion created dishes such as causa limeña, mashed potatoes stuffed with poultry, seafood or avocado and tomato; tamal, a cooked cornmeal seasoned and stuffed with chicken or pork; and ají de gallina, a stew of chili, milk, bread and spices with shredded chicken breasts.
The Chinese influence also generated new culinary proposals that, without a doubt, please the palate with delicious dishes such as arroz chaufa, cooked and fried in soy sauce with small pieces of chicken, pork, egg and green onion; and lomo saltado, fried potato, meat, onion, tomato and chili, seasoned with soy sauce.
Desserts are another source of inventiveness. Mazamorra morada, rice pudding, suspiro a la limeña, nougat from Doña Pepa and picarones represent the sweet side that accompanies the meal. The purple corn drink, known as chicha morada, beer and Inca Kola, a yellow carbonated water, are traditional drinks of Lima.
Without a doubt, Lima's cuisine has earned an excellent and well-deserved place as one of the best gastronomic capitals in the world: in addition to being the venue for the most important gastronomy fair in Latin America, its variety delights the palates of locals and visitors alike.
With its iconic dishes, ceviche and tiradito, Lima is a destination that attracts lovers of good cuisine.
Its gastronomy is the result of various influences, such as African, indigenous and Chinese.
Everything comes together in delicious dishes that capture even the most demanding palates.
Before visiting these districts, we recommend taking a Tour Lima to learn a little history and more details about them.
Miraflores: District that houses a wide variety of restaurants, from traditional cevicherias to haute cuisine establishments.
Barranco: With a bohemian atmosphere, Barranco offers a more relaxed gastronomic experience with options for all tastes and budgets.
Downtown Lima: District that offers street food and some Lima desserts on the Chabuca Granda avenue.
We will show you some of the main dishes of Peruvian cuisine, these are part of the list of the most sought after by our travelers.
Ceviche: Considered the flagship dish of Peru, ceviche is a fresh delicacy based on raw fish marinated in lemon juice and other condiments. Do you want to learn how to prepare it? We recommend a ceviche class in Lima.
Lomo saltado: A classic of Peruvian-Chinese fusion, lomo saltado is a stir-fry of beef and French fries. It is served with white rice and is a popular option for lovers of intense flavors.
Causa limeña: Causa is a cold dish based on mashed yellow potatoes. It is a versatile dish because of its combination with different meats and is delicious.
Picarones: Delicious rings of sweet potato and pumpkin dough, fried and bathed in chancaca honey. It is a typical dessert of Lima cuisine.
Chicha morada: A refreshing drink made from purple corn, spices and fruits. It is usually drunk in restaurants or cevicherias.
Inca Kola: A golden-colored soda with a unique flavor, very popular in Peru and is one of the main accompaniments of gastronomy in Lima.
Pisco Sour: It is made from Peruvian Pisco and is the flagship drink of Peru. It is a cocktail that every tourist should try. We recommend you try it at Saha Terraza, which offers a refreshing option for every tourist.
Without a doubt, these dishes are something that every traveler should try on their trip to Lima. Here is a list so you can find out about the best places to eat in Lima.
Visiting Lima is an unforgettable experience for every traveler. The gastronomy in Lima is a reflection of the cultural richness and diversity of this city. If you are a lover of good food, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the flavors of Lima. Learn more about Lima and Peru, you will have an unparalleled experience.
