In case you’ve been living under a rock, traditional Peruvian cuisine is enjoying an explosion in popularity around the world. Because of Peru’s biodiversity and fusion of different ethnicities and cultures, Peruvian dishes are widely varied and incredibly fun. With Spanish, Basque, African, British, Asian, Italian and French influences, cuisine in the Inca motherland is integral to Peruvian culture.
As celebrated Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio says, “Peru is the only country in the whole world where food is the most important thing. You go to Brazil, it’s soccer. If you go to Colombia, it’s music. But in Peru, the most important source of pride is food.” Every September the Mistura Gastronomic Fair in Lima draws thousands of foodies from around the world. Here are 15 traditional Peruvian dishes that illustrate why eating in the Inca Motherland is close to divine.
1. Sánguche de Chicharrón
Peru’s signature sandwich is a tasty pork and sweet potato concoction. We’re not talking any old pork sandwich here. Chicharrón refers to fried meat and when you pair that crispy, juicy meat with slices of sweet potato goodness and salsa on a piece of freshly made bread, it’s a little piece of heaven.
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