Unique Flavors of Peruvian Street Food

Savory Dishes on the Streets of Peru

Anticuchos

Anticuchos are one of the most iconic street foods in Peru, consisting of skewers of beef heart marinated in a blend of ají panca, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to achieve a smoky flavor and tender texture.

Ingredients: Beef heart, ají panca, garlic, vinegar, cumin, and parsley.

Where to try them? In Lima, they are very popular in the Barranco district, especially at night. In Cusco, they are easily found near the Plaza de Armas, at the corner of Loreto Street and Av. Sol, standing out among Cusco’s street foods.

Tips: To capture the essence of the flavor, anticuchos should be eaten freshly made and hot, ideally served with a portion of potatoes and boiled corn.

Ceviche de Carretilla

Description: This refreshing dish is a pure representation of Peruvian cuisine, prepared with fresh fish cut into cubes, instantly marinated in lime juice, ají limo, salt, and cilantro, making it a vibrant and spicy ceviche.
Ingredients: Fresh fish, lime, ají limo, red onion, cilantro, and salt.
Where to try them? In Lima, La Mar Avenue is famous for its ceviche carts. In Cusco, look for carts near the Central Market.
Tips: Choose carts with high product turnover to ensure fresh fish. Ceviche should be consumed immediately after preparation to enjoy its freshness.

Tamales

tamale filled with meat or cheese

Steamed corn dough filled with meats or cheese, wrapped in banana leaves.
Description: Peruvian tamales are a popular breakfast, consisting of corn dough filled with meats or cheese, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. They are enjoyed hot, often paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Ingredients: Corn dough, pork or chicken, ají peppers, olives, hard-boiled egg.
Where to try them? In Lima, local markets like the Surquillo Market are ideal. In Cusco, the San Pedro Market offers fresh tamales every morning.
Tips: Try tamales with salsa criolla for a spicy and tangy twist.

Choclo con Queso

Description: This simple yet satisfying snack combines steamed or boiled Andean corn with a piece of salty fresh cheese. It is commonly found in markets and as an appetizer in restaurants.
Ingredients: Choclo (Andean corn), fresh cheese.
Where to try them? In Cusco, try this dish on the streets near the Plaza de Armas and at archaeological sites; in Lima, you’ll find it in Kennedy Park in Miraflores.
Tips: For the best experience, ensure the corn is hot and the cheese slightly melted.

Papa Rellena

Description: Papa rellena is a delicious dish of potatoes stuffed with ground meat and spices, then fried to achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior.
Ingredients: Potatoes, ground meat (usually beef), onion, ají peppers, olives, hard-boiled egg.
Where to try them? In Lima, the best places to try papa rellena are in Miraflores and Lima’s historic center. In Cusco, they can be found at stalls around the Plaza de Armas.
Tips: Enjoy them hot with a portion of salsa criolla for a spicy flavor boost.

Salchipapa

Description: A simple yet beloved dish in Peru, salchipapa consists of French fries mixed with sliced sausage, usually served with a variety of sauces.
Ingredients: Potatoes, sausages (pork or chicken), mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard.
Where to try them? All over Peru, especially in fast-food spots in Lima and Cusco.
Tips: Add local sauces like ají sauce or huancaína sauce for an authentic Peruvian twist.

Papa a la Huancaína

Description: This traditional dish consists of boiled potato slices covered with a creamy and spicy sauce made of fresh cheese and yellow ají pepper.
Ingredients: Potatoes, fresh cheese, yellow ají pepper, milk, soda crackers or bread.
Where to try them? In Lima, at any criollo restaurant. In Cusco, look for restaurants in the city center serving traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Tips: It is served cold, making it perfect for a hot day.

Causa

causa limeña

Description: Causa is a type of potato cake layered with seasoned mashed potatoes flavored with lime and ají, alternating with fillings like tuna, chicken, or seafood.
Ingredients: Mashed potatoes, lime, ají, tuna or chicken, mayonnaise, various vegetables.
Where to try them? Available at most criollo restaurants throughout Lima and Cusco at the San Pedro Market or street food carts.
Tips: Try different filling variants to enjoy the diversity of this dish.

Mostrito

Description: Mostrito is a small sandwich usually made with chicharrón or roasted meat, served in a soft bun, often with onion, lime, and salsa criolla.
Ingredients: Chicharrón or roasted meat, French roll or similar, red onion, lime, cilantro.
Where to try them? In Lima, in local markets and bakeries. In Cusco, in markets and breakfast stands.
Tips: Ideal for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch; ensure the bread is fresh and crunchy.

Traditional Sweet Treats of Peruvian Streets:

Picarones

Description: Picarones are a delightful Peruvian treat, made from a dough of sweet potato and squash, fried and then drizzled with chancaca syrup. Known for their light and fluffy texture.
Ingredients: Sweet potato and squash dough, flour, sugar, yeast, and a sweet chancaca syrup.
Where to try them? In Lima, picarones are very popular in Miraflores, especially in parks and markets. In Cusco, they can be found at festivals and local markets, mostly in the afternoon.
Tips: Enjoy them hot to better appreciate their texture and the sweetness of the syrup.

Mazamorra Morada

Description: Mazamorra morada is a traditional Peruvian dessert made from purple corn cooked with fruits and spices, often thickened with starch or sweet potato flour.
Ingredients: Purple corn, pineapple, apple, cinnamon, clove, sugar, and lemon juice.
Where to try them? This dessert is served in many restaurants and cafes in Lima and Cusco, and in street food stalls near small squares.
Tips: Try it with a combination of arroz con leche, known as “el clásico,” for a double-sweet experience.

Arroz con Leche

Description: Arroz con leche is a classic Peruvian dessert, consisting of rice slowly cooked in milk until creamy, usually served with cinnamon.
Ingredients: Rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or grated coconut.
Where to try them? Commonly found in most bakeries and markets in Lima and Cusco, especially near the Plaza de Armas, sold as a sweet snack or dessert.
Tips: Ideal as a warm dessert, especially during colder months.

Churros

Description: Churros in Peru are fried dough sticks, filled with manjar blanco (dulce de leche) or covered with sugar.
Ingredients: Flour dough, sugar, butter, eggs, and manjar blanco for filling.
Where to try them? In Lima, in Miraflores and Cusco in tourist areas like Plaza de Armas, often during fairs and festivals.
Tips: Perfect for an afternoon sweet craving. Try them freshly made for an optimal experience.

Emoliente

Description: Emoliente is a traditional hot drink in Peru, made with herbs and barley, known for its medicinal properties.
Ingredients: Barley, herbs (such as flaxseed and plantain), lemon, and sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey.
Where to try them? Very common in street food carts in Lima and Cusco during cold evenings.
Tips: Drinking emoliente is perfect for warming the body and aiding digestion, especially after a heavy dinner.

Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Peru:

  • Explore different areas: Each region of Peru has unique specialties. Don’t limit yourself to just one area!
  • Ask about the ingredients: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s important to know what’s in the dishes.
  • Observe hygiene: Choose vendors who maintain a clean and organized area.
  • Try small portions: This allows you to enjoy a greater variety of dishes without getting full too quickly.