Peru is world-famous for its gastronomy, a unique blend of indigenous, European, African and Asian flavours that has given rise to delicious and highly varied dishes. Street food, in particular, has a special place in Peruvian culture. In any city or town in the country, it is common to see food stalls or carts offering a wide variety of dishes that have conquered the palates of locals and tourists alike. This type of food is not only delicious, but also reflects the essence of Peruvian cuisine: simple, tasty and made with fresh ingredients.
Here's a rundown of the five most delicious street foods in Peru. Each offers a unique experience and showcases the country's rich culinary heritage.
Anticuchos: Heart on skewers full of flavor.
Anticucho is undoubtedly one of the most iconic street food dishes in Peru. It consists of pieces of beef heart meat, marinated in a mixture of ají panca, garlic, cumin and other spices, skewered on sticks and grilled. This dish has its origins in pre-Columbian times, but it was during the colonial period when African slaves adapted the recipe using cattle viscera.
Anticuchos are commonly accompanied by boiled potatoes and choclo (corn). Although they are traditionally prepared with beef heart, today they can also be found with other types of meat, such as chicken or pork, although the original remains the most popular.
This dish is usually sold on the streets of Lima, especially on Avenida 28 de Julio and in the Surquillo district, where the stalls are filled with diners in the afternoons and evenings. It is a true explosion of flavours and one of the must-try dishes of Peruvian cuisine.
Ceviche from a cart: The fresh taste of the sea on the street.
Ceviche is Peru's signature dish and can be found everywhere from fine dining restaurants to street carts. Although traditionally consumed on the coast, due to the freshness of the ingredients, it has now become popular throughout the country.
Street ceviche is usually served in small portions and at an affordable price, making it an ideal option for those looking for a quick and refreshing meal. The basic recipe consists of fresh fish (usually corvina or perico), marinated in lemon juice, with red onion, ají limo, cilantro and salt. Some stands also serve it with choclo, camote and cancha serrana (toasted corn).
This dish is ideal for those who want a light, fresh and flavorful meal. Ceviche carts are common in areas near the sea, such as the seafronts of Lima or in coastal cities such as Callao and Chimbote.
Stuffed Potato: The perfect bite in every bite.
Papa rellena is another classic Peruvian street food. As the name suggests, it is a potato stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, onion, garlic, raisins, olives and hard-boiled egg. Once stuffed, it is wrapped in a layer of mashed potato and fried until golden and crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside.
This dish has its roots in colonial times, but has maintained its popularity over the years, especially for its simplicity and delicious flavor. On the street, it is usually served with salsa criolla (red onion, lemon and chili) or ají amarillo, which gives it a spicy and refreshing touch.
Stuffed potatoes can be found on virtually every corner in Lima and other cities across the country. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick but comforting meal.
Salchipapas: The queen of combinations.
Salchipapas are a clear example of how street food can offer a delicious combination of simple ingredients. This dish, as its name suggests, consists of fried sausages cut into slices, served on a bed of French fries. It is commonly accompanied with different types of sauces, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and chili, which gives it an additional touch of flavor.
Salchipapas are especially popular among young people and are often the preferred choice for a quick meal at night. Although their exact origin is uncertain, they have become an icon of Peruvian street food. They can be found practically everywhere in the country, from street carts on street corners to food stands at fairs and events.
Despite their simplicity, salchipapas are a delicious and filling option, ideal for those looking for something cheap and tasty.
Picarones: Sweetness and tradition in a single dish.
For those who prefer something sweet, picarones are the perfect option. This dessert is very popular on the streets of Peru and has its origins in colonial times. It is a dough made with wheat flour, pumpkin and sweet potato, which is fried in rings and served bathed in chancaca honey, a type of thick syrup made from cane sugar.
Picarones are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and their blend of sweet and spicy flavours make them the perfect finishing touch to any meal. They are especially popular in the afternoons and evenings, and are sold at street stalls in parks, squares and fairs.
In Lima, picarones are particularly famous in the Barranco district, where several generations of vendors have kept this delicious tradition alive.
Street food in Peru is not only delicious, but it also represents an integral part of the country’s cultural identity. From tasty anticuchos to sweet picarones, these dishes offer a unique culinary experience, accessible to everyone. Each of them has a story behind them, reflecting the fusion of cultures and traditions that have shaped Peruvian cuisine.
If you ever visit Peru, be sure to try these five street foods. Not only will they satisfy your palate, but they will also connect you with the country's rich culinary history.