Lima, Peru is a gastronomical delight centuries in the making.
Best known for its cevicherías and Pisco cocktails, Lima is the perfect destination for fresh seafood, exploring Peruvian cuisine, and much more.
With a unique blend of history and culture, Lima has become the culinary capital of Latin America.
Why You Should Visit Lima, Peru
Lima boasts a beautiful and diverse history, geography, and culture. These elements significantly influence Peru’s food scene, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions.
How to Eat Your Way Across Lima
When studying anthropology at university, I focused on how food provides a national identity for Peruvians. The culinary ingredients, spices, and cooking methods of Indigenous, Spanish, Japanese, African, and Chinese cultures have shaped our cuisine profoundly.
Here are some suggestions on what to see—and taste—as you journey through Lima.
Discover Culinary Influences from Around the World
Start with a walk through the city center to experience the diverse cultures that have influenced Lima. Plaza San Martín is the heart of Lima, where you can feel the city’s history resonating in the architecture.
In the midst of this modern city, you’ll discover La Huaca Pucllana, an ancient archaeological site constructed long before the Incas. Overlooking this site is a fine restaurant that offers contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
Indulge in street food to experience Indigenous influences. Near Plaza San Martín, try corn on the cob seasoned with chili and huacatay (a black mint sauce).
Additionally, the historic Barrio Chino, one of South America’s largest Chinatowns, showcases the culinary impact of Chinese immigrants, who have significantly influenced Peruvian cuisine. Here, you can find small eateries that serve chifa, a delightful fusion of Cantonese and Peruvian flavors.
Taste the Market’s Bounty
The geography of Lima plays a crucial role in its culinary diversity. This vibrant city on the Pacific Ocean benefits from the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, providing a rich selection of ingredients.
To witness this variety, visit Mercado de Surquillo, where you’ll find a plethora of fresh produce and seafood. From colorful native potatoes to the flavorful bull crab, the ingredients available here are a testament to Peru’s diverse culinary landscape.
Ensure you try tiger’s milk, a traditional beverage derived from ceviche, known for its incredible flavor profile.
Hit Lima’s World-Famous Restaurant Scene
Ceviche stands as the flagship dish of Peruvian cuisine, featuring raw seafood marinated with lime and spices. The magic lies in the unique seasonings, including the aji mochero chili from the north.
The freshness and tradition inherent in ceviche make it one of the best culinary experiences in the world.
Peruvian cuisine, known for its fusion of Spanish and Indigenous dishes, is often referred to as comida criolla. A must-visit for this cuisine is Isolina, famous for its deep-fried potato stuffed with meat stew (papa rellena) and stir-fried sirloin steak (lomo saltado).
Furthermore, the Japanese influence on Peruvian food has resulted in a unique fusion known as nikkei. A top-rated restaurant for experiencing this culinary delight is Maido, famous for its spectacular menu that combines Peruvian and Japanese elements.
Lastly, my favorite restaurant in Lima, Siete, focuses on contemporary Peruvian cuisine. With innovative dishes that reflect local flavors and global influences, dining here promises an exceptional experience.
