What’s Peru’s Most Famous Food?

Peru is well known for its diverse culture and cuisine. From its indigenous roots to the influences of Spanish and other immigrants, Peru offers a wide variety of foods. One of the most famous dishes in Peru is ceviche, a marinated seafood dish that is served cold.

Ceviche is made with fresh seafood such as shrimp, octopus, fish and scallops. It is marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, onion, garlic and cilantro.

The acidity from the lime juice “cooks” the seafood without heat. The dish is often served with sweet potatoes or cancha (a type of roasted corn).

Ceviche has been part of Peruvian cuisine since pre-Inca times. It was originally served as a way to preserve fish in the hot climate before refrigerators were invented. Today it is one of the most popular dishes served in Peru, especially along the coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant.

Another popular dish in Peru is Lomo Saltado, a stir fry that combines beef strips or chicken with tomatoes, onions and bell peppers. The stir fry also includes soy sauce and vinegar for added flavor. Lomo Saltado can be served over rice or french fries for a traditional version known as “lomo saltado con patatas fritas”

Peru also has many traditional desserts such as picarones (a type of donut), alfajores (a type of cookie), mazamorra morada (a type of pudding) and arroz con leche (rice pudding). All these desserts are typically made with natural ingredients like fruits, grains or nuts and have been enjoyed by generations of Peruvians.

Lastly, no discussion about Peruvian food would be complete without mentioning Pisco Sour, a cocktail made with brandy-like pisco liquor, lime juice and syrup which is shaken together and topped with egg whites for an extra creamy texture. Pisco Sour has become an international favorite in recent years thanks to its unique flavor profile and easy preparation method.

In conclusion, Peru’s most famous food is undoubtedly ceviche – a marinated seafood dish that has been part of Peruvian cuisine for centuries. Other popular dishes include Lomo Saltado stir fry and traditional desserts such as picarones and arroz con leche. Lastly, Pisco Sour has become an international favorite due to its unique flavor profile and easy preparation method.