Gastronomy in Lima

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If there is anything that characterises Peru apart from the hospitality of its people, its natural marvels and archaeological treasures, it is without doubt its gastronomy. The following is a brief introduction to the many and varied dishes that will assuage the hunger and fill the heart of any visitor.

Eating at home, in a fast food restaurant, eating a chicken broaster or charcoal-grilled with your hands, eating sushi, pasta, a gourmet cebiche or a cebiche out in the blazing sun, eating the dish of the day or something Chinese, but eating, eating, eating. One thing Peruvians cannot complain about is of not having enough variety when you feel like something to eat. Creole, jungle, highland, Chinese, Arab or Italian or a mixture of everything. They are all equally filling and satisfying.

Long live Creole food.

There is no doubt that the finest dishes on the Peruvian coast are those belonging to the so-called "Creoled cuisine" , made from ingredients native to this region of the country. Certain meats such as chicken and fish are commonly used in this style with seafood tending to predominate. So while you are in Lima you can enjoy steamed rice: arroz tapado, fish 'a la chorrillana', mussels 'a la chalaca' or cream of asparagus soup as a starter, whilst other flavours and recipes come from northerm cities such as Piura, Trujillo and Chiclayo, which are justly famous for their food. You don't have to be an expert chef to appreciate a northern-style seco de cabrito, duck and rice, causa from Chiclayo or the typical espesado which are capable of rivaling the Lord of Sipan as a tourist attraction.

Looking south you will fin delicacies such as sopa seca Chincha-style and, further south, in Arequipa, stuffed chili pepper is always good. It would be a crime to miss it.

Jungle Passion

There is one place in Peru where food and mysticism combine it is t he jungle. The dishes of this region not only satisfy your hunger, many people say they have aphrodisiac qualities. Juanes, tha classic among classics of jungle cuisine, tacacho, cecina, fried dorado accompanied by chonta salad or lizard sandwich are the foods of love.

Taste of the highlands

No once can speak of the food of the Peruvian Andes without mentioning its quintessential dish: pachamanca. Its magnetic combination of flavours arising from the very earth is irresistible. Then there are dishes such as guinea pig chactado, trout prepared in a variety of ways, chicharron with mote maize or the exquisite stuffed potato. Ancient crops such as maize and sweet potato make perfect complements to each dish.

Apart from all of these there is always a choice ot "outsider" dishes. Fast food: the familiar charcoal-grilled chicken, sandwiches or the city-dweller's chicken broth are there for the tasting on every corner. Furthermore, an "airport" that popular Sino-Peruvian dish is one of the things you should try at least once in your life.

The most fashionable

But if it is a gourmet experience you are after, what better than to try Lima's excellent restaurants which vary from themed establishments to luxurious dining rooms.

Sophisticated surroundings that are perfect for sampling innovative cuisine in which fusion and personal invention region supreme.

The culinary experience in Peru always has more to be said for it, and you, with your hunger satisfied could well be the person to say it.