Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, a trained chef, or just someone who enjoys delving into the local cuisine while away on vacation, your taste buds are in for a real treat if you’re planning an upcoming vacation to Peru. Carnivores will rejoice in the variety of meats that are served up roadside and in 4-star restaurants, while those of us with a sweet tooth can delight in all types of sugary concoctions. Has your appetite been whetted? Continue reading to learn more about 5 unusual foods you’re bound to try during your visit to Peru. And get your taste buds ready for some truly fantastic food!

Peruvian Ceviche [Photo Credit: Dtarazona]

Most Latin American countries have their own take on ceviche, but many travelers agree that the traditional Peruvian variety beats the competition in strides. The ingredients are simple, and the results phenomenal. Mix freshly caught fish, squid, or other seafood with red onion, an almost absurd quantity of just-chopped cilantro, ají amarillo–that’s a spicy, tangy yellow pepper, salt, and pepper, then top it with fresh juice from at least a few limes. It’s served with fried, crunchy corn kernels and sweet potatoes. Don’t ask questions; just try it on a hot day and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.

2) Cuy

Cuy may be Peru’s most famed dish. In case you haven’t heard of this one, it’s guinea pig. Deep fried or cooked over coals, you’re likely to have your choice of preparation methods. Depending on where you go to try it, you may even pick out your own from the litter that’s running around at the restaurant’s property. This is a truly traditional dish that you’ll find in the mountains of Peru, where people do things the old-fashioned way, unlike in ultra-modern Lima.

Anticuchos [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 2.0, astuviaje]

If street meat is your favorite category of food, you’re going to love anticuchos. Cow hearts are skewered and cooked, then served up by friendly street vendors everywhere from sleepy beach towns to bustling city neighborhoods. You’re likely to see these offered up in fancy restaurants as well, but if you’ve got a well-traveled stomach I highly recommend sticking to the streets for your anticucho fix.

4) Helado de Lucuma

No visit to Peru is complete without trying lucuma ice cream. Lucuma is an iron-rich, flavorful fruit that’s surprisingly hard to describe. It looks sort of like an avocado, but you probably won’t see the fresh fruit during your vacation anyway. Lucuma-flavored ice cream is a favorite among Peruvians, whether it’s delivered from a vendor pushing his cart along the beach or served in an upscale restaurant.

Picarones [Photo Credit: Creative Commons 3.0, Antox00]

Another traditional dessert item, picarones are especially near and dear to me because they are made with so much love. They’re just as commonly made in homes as they are by street vendors. Regardless of where you find them, don’t pass up your chance to buy a mound of these deep fried dough rings that balance crispy and spongey in the best possible way. The finishing touch is a big scoop of honey-like, sweet syrup that is poured on top and makes a perfect dipping sauce. One word:  Yum!

If you’re getting ready for a trip to Peru, now’s the time to brush up on your Spanish. Knowing the local language will transform your experience, so don’t skimp on this part of the preparation. You’ll be so grateful you invested in learning Spanish from the moment you arrive and hit the streets and beaches of Lima. Contact us to learn more about private and small group Spanish classes in your area.