Quick verdict: Peruvian cuisine is World 50 Best top-ranked. Andean + Pacific coast + Amazon + Inca heritage + Asian + Spanish influences. Lima is Top-10 food city globally. This guide ranks 15 essential Peruvian foods.
The 15 best foods to eat in Peru
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish + lime + chili + red onion + cilantro + sweet potato. Peruvian national dish. Best at coastal restaurants for lunch.
Lomo Saltado
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Beef strips + tomato + onion + soy sauce + fries + rice. Chinese-Peruvian fusion (chifa). Comfort food classic.
Aji de Gallina
Shredded chicken in creamy yellow aji amarillo chili sauce + cream + cheese + walnuts. Limeño specialty. Mild + comforting.
Anticuchos
Grilled beef heart skewers + chili sauce. Peruvian street food. Sounds intimidating but tender + delicious.
Causa
Cold mashed yellow potato + lime + chili + filling (chicken, tuna, avocado). Peruvian appetizer. Naturally vegetarian-friendly base.
Rocoto Relleno
Rocoto pepper (super spicy) stuffed with meat + cheese + raisins + olives. Arequipa specialty. Not for spice-sensitive.
Cuy (Guinea Pig)
Roasted whole guinea pig. Andean traditional food. Cusco specialty. Tastes like a cross between rabbit + chicken.
Pisco Sour
Pisco brandy + lime + egg white + simple syrup + Angostura bitters. Peru’s national cocktail. Limeño tradition.
Tiradito
Like ceviche but sliced thin (sashimi-style). No onions. Lime + chili. Japanese-Peruvian fusion (Nikkei cuisine).
Chupe de Camarones
Shrimp chowder + corn + potato + cheese + egg + cream. Arequipa specialty. Hearty + warming.
Papa a la Huancaina
Boiled potatoes + creamy yellow chili cheese sauce + olives + boiled egg. Common appetizer. Cold dish.
Inca Kola
Bubble gum flavor yellow soda. Outsells Coca-Cola in Peru. Sweet + uniquely Peruvian.
Quinoa Soup
Quinoa + vegetables + meat broth. Andean superfood used for centuries. Quechua heritage. Filling + healthy.
Chicha Morada
Purple corn + cinnamon + pineapple + cloves + lime. Sweet purple beverage. Pre-Columbian Inca drink. Often homemade.
Suspiro a la Limeña
Manjar (caramelized condensed milk) + meringue topping. Limeño specialty. Very sweet. “Sigh of a Limeña.”
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Updated 2026. Some links on Packzup are affiliate links.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.