1.- INTRODUCTION TO PERUVIAN STREET FOOD
It is no surprise that the Street food in Peru is a clear reflection of the great diversity of cultural richness that the country contains from many generations in history. Every corner of the country has a particular option of Street food in Peru, among them the most popular are undoubtedly the Street food in Lima Peru, being the first city you visit is inevitable to be captivated and attracted by its peculiar flavors. Another alternative is to consider the Best Street food in Cusco because of its popularity and that is constantly visited by tourists greatly increases the options that a passionate about food can taste.
Something important to know is that the Street food in Peru is not only an option to satisfy hunger, in fact it is an essential aspect of everyday life for both locals and visitors, it can be considered as a fusion of local ingredients and also foreigners in some cases, although it is also possible to represent the Street food in Peru as a manifestation of Peruvian identity by showing the creativity and skill in the kitchen.
2.- THE IMPORTANCE OF STREET FOOD IN PERU THROUGH HISTORY
Its function is quite important in the daily life of Peruvian people and the thousands of visitors that arrive every year, since it is not only an accessible and cheap way to taste the flavors of Peruvian gastronomy but at the same time it focuses and functions as a social and cultural encounter. They can be found in streets, markets and squares all over Peru, turning this moment into a key point to socialize with other people and at the same time share a bit of local customs. In the Street food stalls in Peru people of different social classes, origins, cultures, countries and many other differences meet with the same objective: To enjoy a delicious Peruvian dish.
Its connection with history goes back even to pre-Columbian times, when multiple civilizations knew how to take advantage of the natural products that were provided by the land, among them the use of corn, potatoes, quinoa and chili pepper as the basis of their daily diet, which to this day are still used during the preparation of Street food in Peru. Of course, the influence of multiple cultures also brought about a significant change in the traditional preparation giving rise to unique fusion flavors of very characteristic dishes. With the arrival of the Spaniards in 1532, the gastronomic culture was influenced because the colonizers brought with them ingredients from their European culture such as rice, wheat, pork and chicken. Of course the passage of history also brought with it more cultures such as the Chinese, Italians, Africans, and even Japanese.
| “Explore. Dream. Eat. Discover. Live.” |
3.- BEST STREET FOOD IN PERU
3.1.- Anticuchos
One of the most desired flavors is undoubtedly the meat, for this reason the anticuchos are considered one of the main dishes most consumed when it comes to taste any option of Street food in Peru. There are many options and varieties of Anticuchos, being the base that is made with the heart of the cow and from there come the varieties such as kidney, sausage, chicken and the popular mixed. Nowadays, during its preparation, other ingredients are added such as vinegar, hot pepper and cumin, which enhances the flavor in an incredible way.
3.2.- Tamales
The version of tamales that are created in Peru are unique in the world, using a ground corn dough as a base is how these delicacies are created that are part of the Street food in Peru and are also easy to find. They can have a sweet filling like raisins or a salty one if meat or olives are used. They are usually the perfect accompaniment for other more elaborate dishes such as the popular roast pig, which is roast pork.
3.3.- Mazamorra
One of the main desserts that you can enjoy during your next trip, it is popularly considered as an icon of the festive season of the country, essentially during the Independence Day celebrations where this dish becomes one of the best options of Street food in Peru. It is a type of pudding that is made from purple corn which is characteristic for its purple color, in the process fruits such as pineapple, banana or apple are added. Finally, cinnamon powder is added, which gives it a special and nostalgic flavor.
3.4.- Ceviche
Although it is considered to be Peru’s flagship dish, it is common to find local versions of ceviche among the Street food options in Peru. Combining fish, lemon, onion, chili and salt creates a unique tasting dish, influenced by the Japanese style that arrived in Peru generations ago. In the style of sashimi and sushi, Japanese cuisine influenced Peruvians to create this dish that has been considered one of the tastiest in the world. Thanks to the citrus obtained from the lemon it is possible for the fish to become edible and if it is freshly caught it is even better.
3.5.- Picarones
If for the world the donuts are a snack valued as a snack in passing, the pícarones are undoubtedly a Peruvian version of donuts. It is considered a dessert that has a great history within the Peruvian culture, they are easy to find mainly in local markets or city streets. Essentially what makes pícarones special is the dough that is made from pumpkin and squash, then it is formed into rings and fried in hot oil while creating a hole in the middle, finally they are glazed with caramel based on chancaca, although honey can also be used for this. Among the options that you can find during your trip, it is undoubtedly one of the best street food in Cusco.
3.6.- Stuffed Potatoes
Among the options that you will find in the Street food in Peru, the stuffed potato has a very special place because it perfectly combines fresh and neutral flavors like the potato with the intense flavor of the beef and vegetables used for its stuffing. The essence of its preparation is based on a layer of mashed potato on which is placed a filling of carrot, peas, meat, hard-boiled egg and olives. Then another layer of potato is added and it is placed in a pot of hot oil to give it the expected crunchiness.
3.7.- Empanadas
Each country has a version of empanadas and as such Peru also has a version that is quite popular as Street food in Peru. Peru has a traditional style of baking empanadas that are made from dough and filled with ingredients such as hard-boiled eggs, ground beef, chicken, sausage, cheese and others. Although of course the most requested and popular is the one made with ground beef.
3.8.- Corn with cheese
A delicacy of the Street food in Peru, popularly it is easier to find this option during your trip to the Andes where corn is one of the most popular ingredients in the daily diet. It differs from other varieties in the world by the large size of its yellow kernels, this same is boiled until it becomes sweet and tender which can be eaten on the go with a piece of cheese and a small portion of Uchucuta or known as Andean chili. Although at first glance it seems a simple dish unlike other types of Street food in Peru, when you try it you will feel that the combination of flavors makes it unique.
3.9.- Butifarras
Considered as one of the main examples of Street food in Peru, it is a delicious sandwich that can be found in street stalls like carts, the name comes from a popular Catalan sausage that came to Peru during the colonial era. Because the traditional diet of the people was influenced by this sausage as a frequent consumption in addition to the Italians with smoked hams created the basis of the butifarra as we know it today. Its preparation consists of using bread and stuffing it with ham or chicken slices, lettuce, onion and chili, adding certain creams such as mayonnaise or mustard.
3.10.- Salchipapa
It is one of the most popular dishes worldwide, but within the Street food in Peru it is one of the most requested at all hours of the day. Among the fast food options it is undoubtedly one of the easiest to find, literally on every corner. It is a combination of French fries with small portions of sausage, mixed with mayonnaise, ketchup or chili sauces.
3.11.- Causa
Popularly known as Causa Rellena, in fact it is a potato salad made in layers, it has an Italian influence due to the use of mashed potatoes, as well as spicy ingredients that are essential for the dish. However, what varies is the filling, since initially only chicken was used, but later it was changed to tuna, avocado, eggs and other complementary ingredients. It is presented as a side dish or appetizer that precedes the main dish, it is considered one of the most popular Street food in Lima Peru.
4.- INTERESTING FACTS FROM HISTORY
“During the time of slavery, it was common to see how the landowner was the one who consumed the finest meat, leaving the viscera and organs as leftovers. In this way, the slaves saw the opportunity to be able to consume a similar dish, for this reason they used the organs, essentially the heart, which they cut into slices and thus created the artisanal anticucho that over time became a delicious example of street food in Peru.”
5.- FAQs
- What makes Peruvian street food unique?
The great variety of flavors is what makes Street food in Peru special and also unique. Due to the local ingredients used and the traditional way of preparation is how they get a unique and special flavor.
- How does street food reflect Peruvian culture?
Due to the great variety of Street food in Peru, is how the skill and ingenuity that Peruvian people have when demonstrating their culinary art, each dish is special and has a story behind it.
- Are there regional street food differences?
Yes, each region has a particular way of preparing the dishes that are part of the Street food in Peru. Mainly varies in terms of preparation and ingredients, in some cases as they are local ingredients of the place makes the flavor also changes.
It is with small details that a trip is complemented in a perfect way, tasting the Street food in Peru can be that detail that is missing in your planning. Auri Peru can take care of creating special experiences for you who are passionate about food, contact us now and we will take the first bite together.
“Once a year do something new, taste Peruvian food.”
