1.- THE CULINARY ESSENCE OF AREQUIPA
Arequipa’s gastronomy is one of the bases of Peruvian gastronomy due to the delicious and unique flavors that can be found in the region. Many of its best typical dishes Arequipa stand out for the complexity of flavors and cultural importance thanks to its strategic location in an area of volcanoes. Thanks to this geographical diversity is possible that many of the best typical dishes Arequipa are unique due to the fresh ingredients that are possible to get in this place as the potato, corn, chili are the basis of many of its best typical dishes Arequipa including other elements of the coast as seafood, meats and others.
Its history is marked by the encounter of indigenous populations and the influence of the Spanish colony, which caused that many of the best typical dishes Arequipa have that touch of culinary mestizáje. It was the Collaguas and the Cabanas (ancient inhabitants of the place) who already had gastronomic traditions based on corn and tubers, but with the arrival of the Spaniards, ingredients such as wheat, garlic and pork were added. One of the best typical dishes Arequipa is the Adobo that perfectly shows this mixture of tradition, which simulates a meat stew combined with chicha de jora adapting a sour but pleasant flavor.
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2.- CLASSIC AREQUIPEÑO DISHES
2.1.- Chupe de Camarones (Shrimp Chowder)
Undoubtedly the Chupe de camarones is considered one of the best typical dishes Arequipa, this gastronomic jewel is a symbol of the natural and traditional wealth that exists in the region. Its history takes us back in time even to colonial times when native ingredients were mixed with river shrimp and chili resulting in a soup that would extract the last drop of flavor to its protein, it is regularly served in very important celebrations as well as in picanterias.
Its base preparation includes fresh shrimp, potatoes, corn, pumpkin, beans, rice and noodles mixed with water so that the flavor is concentrated, then add aji panca, garlic, onion, huacatay, milk and egg creating an incredible mix of flavors, of course the main thing will always be the shrimp so make sure it is completely fresh. This is the traditional version however depending on the area you can add fish, cheese and even barley.
2.2.- Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Spicy Pepper)
When visiting the white city of Arequipa, it is impossible that while walking the streets you do not see the emblematic dish of stuffed Spicy pepper. This is considered one of the best typical dishes Arequipa but it is also recognized as the flagship dish of the city, is made from large rocotos that are first cleaned by removing all the seeds and then add a filling of minced meat, peanuts, boiled egg, olives, cream cheese and milk, these ingredients are sent to the oven so you can have the proper cooking and then served with potatoes to enjoy it. Remember that it is one of the spiciest best typical dishes of Arequipa since the base of its preparation is aji (hot pepper).
2.3.- Adobo Arequipeño
One of the best typical dishes Arequipa that you can not miss to try during your next trip is the Adobo Arequipeño, this unique soup is a dish that is enjoyed throughout Peru but no flavor compares to what you can find in Arequipa. It begins by cutting the pork meat into individual portions and marinating them in chicha de jora, then it is cooked in vinegar along with aji (hot pepper) and other spices. Traditionally this dish is prepared in a clay pot that elevates its flavor and when it is served it is accompanied with bread to better taste the flavor of the broth. This dish is enjoyed mainly in the morning because of the temperature and the spiciness it will be the perfect start before beginning your visit to the white city of Arequipa.
2.4.- Cuy Chactado (Deep-Fried Guinea Pig)
Among the best typical dishes Arequipa you can find during your trip is undoubtedly this exotic food, the guinea pig is undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes of Peru as well as traditional that is mainly served on very special occasions such as holidays and birthdays. Its preparation can be fried or roasted, which radically changes the flavor. The base of the dish is first to prepare the guinea pig that after cleaning it is mixed with herbs such as huacatay to enhance its flavor, while the accompaniments are corn, potato and mint salad with onion, although not everyone tastes this dish because as it is known in some places it is considered as a pet, however we are not lying to tell you that its taste is not compared to anything in the world.
2.5.- Ocopa Arequipeña
A dish that is generally served as an appetizer before the main course is also considered one of the best typical dishes Arequipa, the Ocopa arequipeña is a sauce that is made from aji amarillo, onion, garlic, cream cheese and huacatay. All these ingredients are mixed with dry bread which gives it a creamy texture and not so liquid, it is accompanied with boiled potatoes, boiled egg, olives and lettuce. This flavor is particular for the freshness it contains and that is why it is considered one of the best typical dishes Arequipa.
3.- TASTE THE SEA IN A BITE
“The delicious flavor that you can taste in chupe de camarones does not come from the meat, unlike other dishes, but from the shrimp shell itself, which when cooked releases a unique essence that will immediately remind you of the sea”
4.- AREQUIPA’S SWEET TREATS
4.1.- Queso Helado (Frozen Cheese)
Not all of Arequipa’s best typical dishes are savory, Arequipa is also known for having one of the best desserts you can try during your visit. Frozen Cheese is made mainly from evaporated milk, condensed milk, vanilla and sugar. It simulates the texture of a common ice cream but with a very particular flavor that you will love, in a traditional way you can find this delicacy in some of the busiest corners of the city as it is sold in street stalls, for hot days represents a refreshing option.
5.- DINING EXPERIENCES IN AREQUIPA
One of the main attractions of the city is undoubtedly to visit one of the traditional picanterías where you can taste some of the best typical dishes Arequipa. These places are considered temples of culinary heritage where flavor and history can be tasted with every bite. Emblematic houses that maintain their architecture even from the colonial era where families decided to place traditional restaurants and continue to operate to this day.
Its particular name comes from a tradition in which the dishes served here were based on the use of aji, besides using chicha de jora as the main ingredient of marinade. Some of the best and most traditional picanterias that you can find during your visit to Arequipa are:
6.- FAQS ABOUT OF THE BEST TYPICAL DISHES AREQUIPA
- What are the must-try traditional dishes of Arequipa?
During your next trip no doubt your list of best typical dishes Arequipa that you have to try starts with Chupe de Camarones, Adobo and Rocoto relleno. You will love each of their flavors, but don’t eat them at the same time.
- What are the origins and cultural significance of these traditional dishes?
The origin of the best typical dishes Arequipa dates back to colonial times in which the gastronomic tradition had a significant change due to the Andean and at the same time Spanish influence resulting in unique flavors which became symbols of the culture thus creating a strong traditional identity.
- How are these typical Arequipeño dishes typically prepared?
Many of the best typical dishes Arequipa already have recipes that can be found in books but the secret is always in who prepares it, the seasoning that a person can have can not be replicated.
- What are some of Arequipa’s popular sweet treats and desserts?
Among the main desserts that you can enjoy during your visit are the ice cheese and Lima style sigh, these are quite popular in the city.
For many travelers around the world, tasting at least 1 of the best typical dishes Arequipa was the best experience of their trip to Peru, these unique flavors are only possible to enjoy in this part of the world and for you it will be possible to do it. Auri Peru wants your experience to be complete tasting all the possible flavors so you can take them in your memory, contact us and we will make this trip the best dish on the menu.
“Traveling, eating and sleeping heal the soul.”
