Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of South America. Peruvian cuisine is the result of centuries of mixing: ancient Andean ingredients such as potatoes, corn and chili peppers, Spanish and African traditions, and the influence of Chinese and Japanese immigrants. The result is one of the most varied cuisines in the world.
Dishes you must try
- Ceviche: Peru’s national dish, fresh raw fish “cooked” in lime juice with red onion, chili pepper and coriander, served with sweet potato and corn. In Lima it is traditionally eaten at lunchtime.
- Lomo saltado: strips of beef stir-fried with onion and tomato, served with French fries and rice, a perfect example of Chinese-Peruvian fusion.
- Causa limeña: a cold layered dish of yellow potato seasoned with lime and yellow chili, filled with chicken, tuna or seafood.
- Ají de gallina: shredded chicken in a creamy yellow chili sauce, served with rice, potatoes and olives.
- Anticuchos: grilled skewers of marinated beef heart, a popular street food of African-Peruvian origin.
- Chifa: the Chinese-Peruvian cuisine, with dishes such as arroz chaufa (fried rice).
- Picarones: sweet potato and squash doughnuts with molasses syrup, a favorite dessert.
Where to eat
Lima has something for every budget: traditional markets such as the Surquillo Market, simple local restaurants called huariques, cevicherías, and some of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, many of them in Miraflores and Barranco.
Taste Lima
Our tours include free time to try Peruvian food. Ask us for restaurant recommendations or a food stop during your Lima Private City Tour.