Peruvian Food Guide: 12 of the Best Foods and Drinks to Try in Peru
Peruvian cuisine is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the world—it’s full of bold flavors, rich cultural influences, and fresh ingredients that reflect the country’s unique geography and history. During my trip to Peru (read all about it in my post, How to Spend One Week in Peru: The Perfect Itinerary for Cusco & Lima), I was blown away not only by the breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins but also by the food. Out of all the places I’ve traveled, Peru’s cuisine impressed me the most. From street vendors in Cusco’s markets to seaside restaurants in Lima, every meal was full of flavor.
Whether you’re planning a trip or simply looking to explore Peruvian flavors at home, here are 12 must-try Peruvian foods and drinks that you absolutely don’t want to miss out on.
12 of the Best Foods and Drinks to Try in Peru
1. Lomo Saltado
A flavorful stir-fry of marinated beef, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, tossed with soy sauce and served alongside (or over!) crispy French fries and rice. It’s a perfect blend of Peruvian and Chinese influences!
2. Ceviche
One of Peru’s most iconic dishes, ceviche features fresh fish cured in lime juice and mixed with red onion, cilantro, and chili peppers. It’s bright, zesty, and often served with sweet potato and corn.
3. Pachamanca
A traditional feast where meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) and vegetables are seasoned with herbs and cooked underground over hot stones. It’s a special-occasion dish rooted in ancient Incan tradition.
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Ready to dive deeper into Peruvian cuisine? Take a local cooking class in Peru and learn from the experts!
4. Inca Kola
A wildly popular, bright yellow soda with a super sweet, almost bubblegum-like flavor. It’s beloved in Peru and often paired with fast food or traditional dishes.
5. Papas a la Huancaína
This popular appetizer features boiled yellow potatoes topped with a rich, creamy sauce made from queso fresco, milk, and ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili). It’s typically served cold with hard-boiled eggs and olives.
Fun Fact: Peru is home to over 4,000 varieties of potatoes! The potato was first domesticated in the Andes more than 7,000 years ago, and today, you can find Peruvian potatoes in just about every color, shape, and size imaginable. It’s no surprise they show up in so many traditional dishes!
6. Pisco Sour
Peru’s signature cocktail, made with pisco (a local grape brandy), fresh lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters. It’s tangy, frothy, and refreshing!
7. Ají de Gallina
Comfort food in the form of a stew—shredded chicken in a slightly spicy sauce made with ají amarillo, milk, bread, and nuts. Served over rice and often accompanied by boiled potatoes and olives.
Cook Like a Local
Want to bring the flavors of Peru into your own kitchen? Grab a Peruvian cookbook and start cooking!
8. Alfajores
These delicate, buttery sandwich cookies are filled with dulce de leche and often dusted with powdered sugar. A sweet treat you’ll find throughout South America, but especially popular in Peru.
9. Pollo a la Brasa
Peru’s beloved rotisserie chicken, marinated in spices and roasted to perfection. It’s usually served with crispy fries and creamy dipping sauces, and it’s a go-to meal for locals and visitors alike.
Book a Food tour in Lima
Lima is considered the culinary capital of South America. The city is home to some of the world’s top restaurants, including Central and Maido, both consistently ranked among the best globally. Lima’s food scene blends Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences—making it the perfect place for foodies to explore through a guided food tour.
10. Rocoto Relleno
A spicy twist on stuffed peppers, this dish uses rocoto chilis (which pack a real punch!) filled with seasoned beef, onions, and cheese. They’re often baked with a layer of melted cheese on top and served with potatoes.
11. Coca Tea
A herbal tea made from coca leaves, traditionally sipped to help ease the effects of altitude—especially in high-elevation cities like Cusco. It has a mild, earthy taste and is often served in hotels and cafes.
Yes, that coca…
Coca leaves have been used in Andean culture for thousands of years—long before they got their modern-day reputation in the cocaine trade. Locals chew the leaves or brew them into tea to help with altitude sickness, fatigue, and even hunger. In Peru and other Andean countries, coca holds deep cultural and spiritual significance and is considered a sacred plant, not a party drug—so sip that coca tea with confidence and respect!
12. Chicha Morada
A sweet and spiced non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn, cinnamon, cloves, pineapple, and sugar. Served cold, it’s both refreshing and uniquely Peruvian.
Bonus: Cuy
A traditional delicacy in the Andes, cuy (guinea pig) is typically roasted or fried whole and served with potatoes or corn. While it might be unfamiliar to many visitors, it’s been a staple protein in the region for centuries and is often reserved for special occasions. Supposedly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s definitely a dish for the adventurous eater.
Final Thoughts
If Peru’s beautiful landscapes and scenery aren’t enough to make you want to visit, the food surely will. Whether you’re trying ceviche by the coast, sipping coca tea in the Andes, or indulging in an alfajor after a long day of exploring, there’s something special about the flavors of Peru. These dishes and drinks only scratch the surface of what Peru has to offer for local cuisine—but they’re a delicious place to start!
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