In Lima, food isn’t just something you eat – it’s a way of life. Nowhere is that more evident than in the city’s bustling food markets, where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and countless traditional ingredients. Visiting these markets offers an unforgettable glimpse into Peru’s culinary soul.
1. Mercado de Surquillo
Located near the popular Miraflores district, Mercado de Surquillo is one of Lima’s most famous food markets. Here, you’ll find rows of vibrant fruits like lucuma, cherimoya, and camu camu, alongside vegetables, cheeses, and fresh seafood. Vendors proudly share tips on how to cook with native ingredients, making this market a favorite for curious travelers.
2. Mercado de Magdalena
Less touristy but equally vibrant, Mercado de Magdalena is beloved by locals. Known for its excellent selection of fish and shellfish, it’s a top spot for those in search of the freshest ingredients for ceviche. The market also has plenty of street food stalls offering snacks like anticuchos and picarones – perfect for sampling while you shop.
3. Mercado de San Isidro
This more upscale market caters to both chefs and home cooks looking for premium ingredients. It’s known for its organic produce, specialty meats, and exotic fruits. You’ll also find shops offering local chocolates, coffee, and spices – ideal for food lovers seeking gifts or treats to bring home.
4. Bioferia Miraflores
Held every Saturday, Bioferia is an organic farmer’s market in the heart of Miraflores. It’s a great place to discover organic Andean grains like quinoa and kiwicha, as well as natural jams, breads, and cheeses. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a lovely weekend activity, whether you’re shopping or simply soaking in the sights and aromas.
Final Thought
Exploring Lima’s markets gives you a taste of Peru’s culinary heritage; however, if you’d like to go beyond shopping and learn how to cook with these ingredients, Cook in Peru offers an unforgettable experience.
In this cooking class, you’ll join a local chef in their kitchen to prepare authentic Peruvian dishes, bringing the flavors of the market directly to your plate. Take home more than a fridge magnet, master a Peruvian dish!
7 Unique Peruvian Desserts You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
Discover sweet surprises beyond the classics
Peru is often celebrated for its savory dishes, but its dessert scene is just as rich, varied, and worth exploring. While some travelers may have tried the famous suspiro limeño or mazamorra morada, there’s a whole world of lesser-known Peruvian sweets waiting to be discovered.
1. Picarones
Picarones are often called Peru’s answer to doughnuts, but they have a flavor all their own. Made from a mix of sweet potato and squash, they’re fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with miel de chancaca, a syrup made from unrefined cane sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. You’ll often find them at street carts in the evenings, especially in Lima.
2. King Kong
This oversized dessert from northern Peru is built like a shortbread sandwich. Layers of cookie dough are stacked with fillings like manjar blanco (a creamy caramel), pineapple jam, or peanut paste. It’s sweet, crumbly, and usually served in large, shareable portions. You’ll most likely encounter it in Chiclayo or Piura.
3. Queso Helado
Despite the name, there’s no cheese in queso helado. This frozen dessert, typical of Arequipa, is made with milk, coconut, and cinnamon. It’s traditionally served in metal bowls and has a creamy texture that resembles semifreddo. The name “cheese ice cream” comes from the way it looks when it’s frozen in large rounds and shaved into scoops.
4. Ranfañote
An old-school dessert that’s slowly making a comeback, ranfañote is a bread pudding made with fried bread cubes, raisins, nuts, and chancaca syrup. It’s sweet, sticky, and deeply spiced, offering a taste of Lima’s culinary past. It’s not easy to find in restaurants these days, but it’s still made in homes and passed on through families.
5. Leche Asada
Similar to flan but a bit firmer and with a roasted top, leche asada is made from milk, eggs, and sugar. Its appeal lies in its simplicity – no fancy ingredients, just a rustic, homey flavor that takes many Peruvians back to childhood.
6. Humitas Dulces
These sweet corn tamales are flavored with sugar, cinnamon, and raisins, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They’re typically eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, and their soft, cake-like texture makes them especially comforting.
7. Alfajores de Maicena
While alfajores are known throughout Latin America, the Peruvian version made with cornstarch is delicate, buttery, and filled with manjar blanco. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they melt in your mouth and pair perfectly with coffee or tea.
Cook with us
Peruvian desserts are often simple, comforting, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether made with native fruits, creamy fillings, or rich syrups, each recipe tells a sweet story passed down through generations and shared at family tables across the country.
Cook in Peru opens the door to this delicious world, welcoming you into a local chef’s kitchen where you can explore the heart of Peruvian cuisine in an authentic and relaxed setting. From stirring pots to sharing stories, the experience goes far beyond recipes. It is about connection, culture, and the joy of creating something memorable with your own hands.
Take your place in the kitchen and discover the sweet side of Peru.
Ceviche isn’t just Peru’s national dish – it’s a symbol of the country’s identity. This simple yet bold preparation of fresh fish marinated in citrus is found everywhere, from upscale restaurants to humble street stalls, and locals take their ceviche very seriously.
At its core, traditional Peruvian ceviche includes fresh white fish, lime juice, salt, thinly sliced onions, and chili peppers. The magic happens when the acidity of the lime gently “cooks” the fish, giving it a tender texture and a refreshing, bright flavor. It’s typically served with boiled sweet potatoes, corn, and crunchy cancha, creating a perfect mix of flavors and textures on the plate.
What makes ceviche special in Peru is the dedication to freshness. Most Peruvians eat ceviche only at lunchtime, ensuring the fish is as fresh as possible. In cities along the coast, especially Lima, you’ll find cevicherías serving it from late morning until early afternoon, but rarely beyond that.
Ceviche Across Peru: One Dish, Many Stories and Flavors
Ceviche isn’t just about the ingredients – it’s about the balance of flavor. The right amount of lime, the proper type of chili, and the perfect cut of fish all make a difference. Different regions of Peru also put their own spin on ceviche. In the north, you’ll find versions with stronger flavors, sometimes including yellow peppers or garlic. In the Amazon, river fish might replace the typical coastal varieties, adding a completely different character to the dish.
For those who aren’t fans of raw fish, there are also variations such as mixed ceviche, which can include shrimp, squid, or octopus, and even vegetarian ceviches made with mushrooms or hearts of palm.
No matter where you try it, ceviche is best enjoyed fresh and in good company. More than just a dish, it is a vibrant expression of Peru’s coastline, its ingredients, and its culinary heritage, a true celebration of flavor and tradition.
Cook in Peru invites you to experience that connection more deeply. In our hands-on cooking classes, you will step into a local kitchen and learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes under the guidance of an experienced chef. Whether you end up making ceviche or another regional favorite, you will come away with new skills, cultural insight, and unforgettable memories to take home.
Step into the kitchen and experience Peru from the inside out!
Peru is one of the world’s most celebrated food destinations, and for good reason. Its rich culinary heritage blends Indigenous ingredients with Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences, creating dishes that are bold, comforting, and unforgettable. If you’re visiting Peru, here are ten traditional dishes you simply can’t miss.
1. Ceviche
It’s impossible to talk about Peruvian food without mentioning ceviche. This iconic dish features fresh white fish marinated in lime juice, salt, onions, and chili peppers. The acidity of the lime “cooks” the fish, resulting in a bright, refreshing dish that’s typically served with sweet potatoes, corn, and crunchy cancha (toasted corn kernels). In Peru, ceviche is most often enjoyed at lunchtime, when the fish is at its freshest.
2. Lomo Saltado
This classic stir-fry brings together tender strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries, all tossed in soy sauce and vinegar. Lomo saltado reflects Peru’s Chinese culinary influence and is usually served with a side of rice. It’s one of the country’s most popular comfort foods, loved by locals and visitors alike.
3. Aji de Gallina
Creamy and rich, aji de gallina is a chicken dish that combines shredded chicken with a sauce made from yellow chili peppers, bread, milk, and cheese. The result is a thick, comforting stew that’s usually served with rice, boiled potatoes, and black olives. It’s a dish often passed down through families and closely tied to Peruvian home cooking traditions.
4. Causa Limeña
Causa is a dish that surprises many first-time visitors. It’s a layered creation made from mashed yellow potatoes seasoned with lime and chili, then filled with tuna, chicken, or seafood salad. It’s served cold, making it a refreshing option in Peru’s warmer coastal regions.
5. Anticuchos
These grilled beef heart skewers are a beloved street food in Peru. Marinated in vinegar, garlic, and spices, then grilled over open flames, anticuchos are flavorful, tender, and smoky. They’re usually served with boiled potatoes and a spicy sauce called ají.
6. Rocoto Relleno
Spicy but satisfying, rocoto relleno is a specialty from Arequipa. It consists of large, spicy rocoto peppers stuffed with seasoned meat, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, then topped with melted cheese and baked. The dish is hearty, bold, and unforgettable for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
7. Seco de Cordero
This slow-cooked lamb stew is rich with flavor, thanks to a marinade of cilantro, garlic, onions, and beer. Served with rice and beans, it’s a dish that’s particularly popular in the northern regions of Peru.
8. Pollo a la Brasa
One of Peru’s most famous dishes, pollo a la brasa is roasted chicken that’s marinated with spices, then cooked over charcoal until crispy and juicy. It’s often served with fries and salad, and you’ll find it everywhere from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
9. Tacu Tacu
Tacu tacu is a simple but filling dish made from leftover rice and beans, pan-fried until crispy. It’s often topped with steak, eggs, or seafood, making it a great option for a hearty lunch.
10. Papa a la Huancaína
This appetizer features boiled potatoes covered in a creamy sauce made from yellow chili peppers, cheese, and crackers or bread. It’s served cold, often with olives and hard-boiled eggs on the side, and is a popular choice at family gatherings and celebrations.
Cook with us!
Peruvian food is full of surprises, with every region offering its own specialties and traditions. Whether you are enjoying a simple home-cooked meal or dining in a bustling market, each dish tells a story shaped by Peru’s diverse history and vibrant culinary identity.
There is something truly special about stepping into a local kitchen and learning how these dishes come to life. Cook in Peru welcomes you into that experience, offering the chance to cook side by side with a local chef and explore the ingredients, techniques, and stories that have been passed down through generations. It is an opportunity to engage with Peruvian culture in an authentic and lasting way, taking home more than just recipes.
Street food is part of everyday life in Peru. From early morning markets to late-night stands, locals rely on street vendors for quick, satisfying meals packed with bold flavors. For visitors, trying Peruvian street food is one of the best ways to experience the country’s rich culinary heritage – no reservations required.
In Lima, you’ll find street food nearly everywhere. One of the most popular options is anticuchos, grilled beef heart skewers marinated in vinegar and spices. Vendors cook them over open flames until they’re smoky and tender, often serving them with boiled potatoes and spicy ají sauce. You can spot the smoke and smell the aroma from blocks away, especially around popular neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco.
Another staple is butifarra, a simple but flavorful sandwich made with Peruvian-style ham, salsa criolla, and a soft roll. It’s easy to find at markets and street carts throughout the city, especially during lunch hours. Many locals grab one on the go, along with a refreshing glass of chicha morada, a sweet purple corn drink.
In Cusco, street vendors offer hearty dishes suited to the cooler Andean climate. Tamales, filled with spiced meat or cheese and wrapped in banana leaves, are especially popular in the mornings. Rocoto relleno, a spicy stuffed pepper dish, also makes frequent appearances at market stalls, where it’s served hot and ready to eat. This connection between market food and homemade dishes runs deep in Peru.
Arequipa has its own unique street snacks, such as queso helado, a creamy, spiced frozen dessert made with milk, coconut, and cinnamon. It’s a must-try if you’re visiting the southern region, especially on warm afternoons.
In northern Peru, cities like Piura and Chiclayo are famous for their seafood street food. Ceviche stands pop up in markets and near beaches, serving freshly marinated fish with tangy lime, onions, and chili. You’ll also find dishes like arroz con mariscos, a rich seafood rice dish, served in generous portions at street-side stalls.
Wherever you go in Peru, street food is more than just a meal – it’s a reflection of the country’s diverse landscapes and culinary history. Trying it not only satisfies your hunger but also connects you to the everyday rhythms of Peruvian life.
And if tasting isn’t enough, Cook in Peru offers a way to go further. In this cooking experience, you’ll step into a local chef’s kitchen and learn to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes yourself – a chance to bring those incredible flavors from the street right to your own table. Book now!
