Peruvian chica back in Peru part 1: Family
February 23, 2013Hispanicize: not your typical professional conference
March 12, 2013To say that you can eat good in Peru is an understatement! Not because I’m Peruvian, but in this trip I realized that Peru has become a unique culinary destination.
During my two years of absence, I’ve been reading in multiple international outlets about the gastronomic boom in Peru. But one can read and see so many things until you actually get to experienced it on your own. Peru has become famous for its multiple tourist attractions but its cuisine is giving a new angle to travelers who seek for an untraditional experience – aside from the historical aspect.
Lima, has become the country’s culinary niche. The capital of Peru has always been known for a layover or quick stop city that connects all our visitors to more popular cities like Cusco or Puno. For us, who were born in the city, we always knew it had a lot more to offer. Modern urban areas, historical and tourist attractions, nice Pacific beaches, and now a huge variety of high end restaurants, eateries, hidden gems known as “huariques”, dessert places, bakeries, Pisco bars and much more.
Before my arrival I talked to my foodie friends to help me write my “you can’t miss these places” list. I had a commitment with myself that I was only going to eat at one restaurant per day (a woman has to maintain the waste line, or at least try!). So I did, my list covered traditional creole food, seafood, desserts , Peruvian fusion with other cuisines, much more!
Here’s a list of some delicious stuff I ate:
-Chicharrones for breakfast: roasted pork with fried sweet potatoes and salsa criolla. Accompanied by tamales (filled with chicken and pork) and stuffed sausage. This was at a local Chicharroneria called Don Lucho in Pueblo Libre
-Fancy gourmet restaurant called Fiesta: Truly one of the best restaurants of traditional northern Peruvian food. I ate Costillar (ribs), my mom and sister ate Arroz con Pato (duck over rice), Cabrito (Goat) and Ceviche a a Brasa (ceviche briefly heated and marinated with a special sauce). Everything was extremely exquisite!
-Cuy: one of my favorite Traditional restaurants is Panchita from the chef Gaston Acurio. My favorite dish here is Cuy also known as guineapig. Most people find it gross but it is a delicatessen! Other favorites, Puerquito (roasted pork, potatoes and corn) and Rocoto Relleno (stuffed red pepper)
-La Mar Lima: other of my favorite spots from chef Gaston Acurio! you can’t go wrong with the classic ceviche, causas and grilled octopus! Amazing & tasteful experience!
– Homemade dish: my grandma knows how to spoil me, she made Tallarines Verdes (pesto pasta and steak). It was so good and especially because it had the best ingredient, love!
-A rising star: Pollo Al Cilindro became popular after I left so I never got the chance to try it but I knew it was so good, even better than our all time favorite rotisserie chicken! My brother seasoned the chicken and cooked it inside the cylinder (obviously with the help of his wife). It was very cool to watch, better yet to eat it!
-Peru meets Asia at Oceanica: the fusion between Peru and Asia has years of existence! Lots of people know about Chaufa, Peruvian fried rice style. But lately Japan has taken over and there’s been a notable increment of sushi houses, most of them have traditional sushi and makes but they are also offering sushi fusion options such as Acevichado, Lomo Saltado sushi, sushi Anticuchero and much more. A totally new experience for me, 6 sushi tables later…. totally worth trying it!
-Favorite dessert ever: ever since I visited the bakery San Antonio I fell I love with their Mil Hojas de Chantilly y Fresas! Couldn’t miss it this time!
Let’s not forget the delicious Pisco cocktails, our delicious flagship alcoholic beverage that is taking the word by storm! Here are some drinks I tasted:
-Maracuya and traditional Pisco Sour at La Mar
-Chicha Sour at Oceanica.
What I’ve learned:
Lima is growing in so many positive ways but I’m glad to see that there’s a plus in our city. For it to become the most popular culinary destination in South America feels me with pride!
So if you ever go to Peru, don’t skip Lima ! Try to stay there at least 2 days to discover this evolving culinary destination!
