Peru is one of the world’s leading culinary destinations, where every dish reflects a blend of tradition, history, and local ingredients. If you’re planning your first trip, food should be at the heart of your journey. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best Peruvian dishes you must try, divided by region—from the coast of Lima to the Andes of Cusco and the Amazon rainforest.
Lima – The Capital of Flavor
1. Ceviche (Peruvian Ceviche)
The most iconic dish in Peru, made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, chili, onions, and cilantro. Served with sweet potato and corn, it’s a refreshing and bold taste of Peru.
Peruvian ceviche is an iconic dish throughout the coastal region of Peru.
2. Lomo Saltado
A Chinese-Peruvian stir-fry that blends beef, soy sauce, onions, and tomatoes. Served with rice and fries, it’s a perfect example of Peru’s cultural fusion.
3. Picarones
Delicious doughnut-shaped fritters made from sweet potato and squash, fried until golden, and drizzled with chancaca syrup. A sweet, crunchy, and soft delight.
Picarones are a dessert widely consumed by Lima residents.
Ica – Land of Pisco and Coastline Delights
4. Pisco Sour
Peru’s national cocktail, crafted with pisco, lime juice, egg white, and bitters. No trip is complete without trying this classic.
Made with pisco, our emblematic drink, it is very popular in many pubs in Lima and Cusco.
Arequipa – The White City’s Rich Flavors
5. Rocoto Relleno
A spicy pepper stuffed with meat, peanuts, onions, and cheese. Arequipa’s signature dish is fiery and delicious.
An iconic dish from Arequipa, a region in southern Peru
6. Chupe de Camarones
One of Arequipa’s most beloved traditional dishes, this rich shrimp chowder combines river prawns, potatoes, corn, eggs, cheese, and a touch of milk. Served hot, it’s a comforting and flavorful soup that reflects the abundance of the region’s valleys and rivers.
Cusco & Puno – Flavors of the Andes
7. Alpaca Steak
A lean, tender alternative to beef, alpaca is a must-try for those seeking new flavors. Cusco is one of the best places to try it.
One way to eat alpaca meat is to fry it until it becomes what is known as chicharron.
8. Cuy al Horno
One of Cusco’s most iconic dishes. Guinea pig is seasoned with Andean herbs, roasted in a clay oven, and served with potatoes and corn. A true ancestral delicacy that connects travelers to Inca traditions.
Madre de Dios – Amazonian Treasures
9. Tacacho with Cecina
A true Amazonian classic. Mashed plantains are mixed with pork lard to form a ball and served with cecina (smoked, cured pork). It’s hearty, flavorful, and an absolute must-try in the jungle.
10. Juane
A dish wrapped in bijao leaves, made with rice, chicken, olives, and spices. Originally from the Amazon, it’s a portable meal that travelers and locals alike love.
Juane is a typical dish in many regions of the Peruvian Amazon.
Final Bite
From the coastal ceviche to the Andean Cuy al horno and Amazonian Juane, Peruvian cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and unforgettable. Each dish tells a story of culture and tradition—making food one of the best ways to explore the country.
By Emperatriz Ayala – Travel Advisor
Start your culinary journey with Andean Diaries: visit all the regions, taste their unique flavors, and discover our travel experiences that will take you to the heart of Peruvian cuisine.