Ordering food in Peru can be a harrowing experience for the newbie. Will it be super spicy? Will I have to eat a pet (Guinea Pig)? Raw fish is dangerous, right? How does one pronounce Ulluco?
Pisco Sour
The ubiquitous Peruvian national drink. The Pisco Sour is a cocktail invented by an American in Lima, adopted by Peruvians, and loved all over the world. Pisco is a grape brandy that can be used in other drinks and even added to food, just like brandy or whiskey.
Chicha
Chicha is a very popular drink made from maize. It’s enjoyed all over Latin America but in Peru, chicha is used to refer to any drink made from fermented grains. Chicha Morada, the most common version, is made with purple corn but it’s mostly made with unfermented grains. Chicha Morada and Inka Cola would be two common drink accompaniments to any lunch in Peru.
Cuy
Guinea Pig. Watch out for this tiny word in a restaurant in Peru if you are vegetarian or you have an aversion to eating pets. However, we think Cuy tastes delicious and encourage anyone to try. Cuy is pronounced Koo-ee.
Papas
Potatoes in any form. Papas a la Huancaína is a popular dish.
Pollo
Chicken. Pronounced POH-yoh You’ll see chicken everywhere in Peru. Peruvian chickens are a lovely yellow colour and are particularly tasty. Pollo a la brasa is one of the most common dishes.
Anticuchos
Meat chunks on a skewer. A typical street food but you can also find high-end anticuchos in some top restaurants. Tio Mario restaurant in Barranco in Lima is a very popular and classy restaurant that specialises in anticuchos.
Chifa
Chinese food in Peru. Or Peruvian Chinese food, however you want to look at it. Pronounced CHEE-fah. Peru experienced a large influx of Asian migrants over the last century and their cuisine has made a big impact on the local cuisine.
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