1.- INTRODUCTION TO KOSHER FOOD IN PERU
The Kosher Food in Peru is a type of food that maintains the dietary laws that are established within the Jewish religion and belief that has had a fairly high increase in recent years in Peru. The name Kosher Food in Peru comes from the Hebrew Kasher which means suitable or allowed which makes a clear reference to foods that meet the parameters of what is considered permissible for the Jews according to the regulation that exists in the Torah (Jewish Law). This set of rules includes both food and the same type of preparation involved in its preparation and sacrifice, in addition to having a direct line of relationship with the Jewish religion. Throughout the territory the consumption of Kosher Food in Peru has increased due to the particular taste of the many world travelers but the Jewish community still remains in a disguised percentage however their cultural contribution to the country has been so significant that contributed to the diversity and expansion of Peruvian cuisine, thus creating a bridge between both cultures and is celebrated on various occasions such as during the Chabab of Cusco.
2.- SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT KOSHER FOOD
“The Torah, which is considered Jewish law, prohibits mixing meat and milk, so you cannot eat a cheeseburger, a yogurt sauce with chicken, or an onion soup with broth and a piece of parmesan.”
There are dietary laws within the Kosher Food in Peru that are preserved due to the effort to continue ancestral religious traditions that have been inherited for generations, thus facing the globalization and multiculturalism that exists. The Jewish community is not a very large number, however it has maintained in an almost intact way its religious identity through practices that not only refer or limit to food but also to the fulfillment of the Kosher dietary laws. In Peru the Kosher tradition is quite important at least during festivities such as Pesach where leavened foods are forbidden or Yom Kippur which is considered the day of atonement. All Jewish families and establishments that follow this rule comply with the restrictions and adapt their menus accordingly which in fact means a great effort for both producers and consumers.
The laws of Kosher Food in Peru are part of their religion and it is fundamental for Jews to comply with it since it is somehow considered as a manifestation of obedience and according to the Torah this type of laws were provided for the Jewish people with the intention of sanctifying their lives and at the same time maintaining a spiritual connection with the divine aspects. Kosher Food in Peru not only comes from permitted sources but also must be prepared and consumed in a very proper way, a clear example can be seen when animals must be slaughtered in a ritual style, both dairy and meat cannot be mixed at any time and utensils must always be kept separate from the kitchen so that nothing is contaminated.
3.- MAIN CITIES OF KOSHER FOOD IN PERU
3.1.- Lima: Primary kosher food hub
Lima is known as the capital of the whole country and stands out essentially as the main place where you can get Kosher Food in Peru, it contains a percentage of the most active Jewish community and during the cultural and social life has been an integral part for over a century, Lima not only contains a percentage of people who follow the Jewish religion but also contains adequate infrastructure to meet the food needs of those who seek to delight their palate with Kosher Food in Peru. This cosmopolitan city is not the economic and cultural heart of the country but it becomes a meeting point for multiple travelers and resident tourists who practice the Jewish religion and constantly need the right products to consume or even elaborate the Kosher Food in Peru, you can find presence of multiple Jews throughout the year, this percentage only decreases during special dates of festivity as is the case of the Chabab of Cusco.
During your visit in the city of Lima you will find a large number and variety of establishments that offer specialized Kosher food products, including supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants and of course grocery stores that strictly comply with the rules of Kosher food. As for the restaurants, it is like being able to appreciate how the menus include typical dishes such as falafel, hummus, borregas, Israeli salads and chuleen.
Restaurant recommendations: D Myrian Kosher and Limana
3.2.- Cusco: Emerging Jewish community presence
The ancient capital that once was the center of the Andean world is also considered one of the most important tourist destinations worldwide and in recent years has experienced a large and growing presence by the Jewish community, of course in comparison to what can be seen in Lima is quite small but there is the impact of Jewish organizations who concentrate a considerable percentage on certain occasions of the year as is the case of the Chabab of Cusco, time when Jews can meet the spiritual and nutritional needs of a daily and quite fun.
The Chabab of Cusco is part of the worldwide network of Chabad Lubavitch that for years has played a vital role in the growth of the Jewish community locally in various parts of the world, in the case of the Chabab of Cusco provides a variety of services including Torah classes, educational programs and mainly provision of food for the preparation of Kosher Food in Peru. During the most special activities for Jews the Chabab of Cusco organizes activities such as dinners and events where participants can eat an elaborate and varied amount of dishes of Kosher Food in Peru. It is also known that the Chabab of Cusco works closely with local suppliers and in this way can afford to import specific products to elaborate the Kosher Food in Peru and in this way satisfy the needs of the Jewish community that follows these dietary customs, the Chabab of Cusco is a very important aspect for the cultural balance that exists.
Restaurant recommendations: El Jardin – Healthy Food And Coffee and Allenby
3.3.- Arequipa: Limited but growing kosher options
Considered the second largest city in Peru, Arequipa is also known for its colonial architecture and incredible proximity to the Misty volcano. It also contains a fairly small Jewish community compared to Lima, however during the last few years it has gradually increased and therefore also the demand for products and food of Jewish restriction for the preparation of Kosher Food in Peru. Although Arequipa does not have a developed infrastructure to provide care with Kosher elements, many restaurants and stores have specialized in food and certified products with Kosher restrictions to offer them to the various people belonging to the Jewish community, among these products you can find cookies, canned food, meats that adequately meet Kosher standards.
Restaurant recommendations: Saba Cafe & Bistro
| “Kosher food: A tradition of mindful eating and respect.” |
4.- FAQs ABOUT THE KOSHER FOOD IN PERU
- Is it possible to maintain a strictly kosher diet while traveling in Peru?
Yes, many of the cities in Peru already contain stores where you can find items to enjoy Kosher Food in Peru without problems, even in some restaurants there are also these options.
- How challenging is kosher food certification in Peru?
Obtaining a Kosher food certification is a quite challenging but not impossible process, in order to achieve it requires excluding a series of strict rules that go from the proper selection of products to the correct preparation, storage and handling. All local producers must undergo rigorous audits for inspections by certified rabbis and organizations that can provide this Kosher certification.
- What traditional Peruvian dishes can be made kosher?
In fact Peruvian dishes are quite moldable and many of them can somehow be adapted to comply with Kosher laws, as is the case of ceviche, lomo saltado and aji de gallina.
- Are there kosher restaurants in Lima?
Yes, in fact Lima is the city that has the largest number of restaurants that can offer you the option of Kosher Food in Peru, all prepared under strict standards set by the Jewish religion, among these options you have Limana or D Myrian Kosher.
Although Kosher Food in Peru is catalogued as one of the most eccentric because of the mixture of flavors, the reality is that it is a great opportunity to enjoy a little more about another culture and as such it will complement your next vacation. Auri Peru has among the various options for you an alternative in which you can not only know the cultural and historical part of the country but also immerse yourself in the culinary tradition of multiple cultures, contact us and start designing your next adventure.
“Cuisine connects us all – dive in and delight!”
