Peru offers a vibrant street food scene that reflects its rich culinary heritage and diverse regional flavors. Here are some popular street foods to try in Peru, along with detailed information about each.
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12 Street foods to eat in Peru
1. Anticuchos
- Description: Anticuchos are skewers of marinated and grilled beef heart or other meats, typically served with boiled potatoes or corn on the cob. The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, cumin, and other spices before grilling.
- Where to find: You can find anticuchos at street food stalls, especially in the evenings, throughout Peru, particularly in Lima and Arequipa.
2. Ceviche
- Description: Ceviche is a refreshing dish made of raw fish marinated in citrus juices, typically lime or lemon juice, and mixed with onions, cilantro, chili peppers, and salt. The acidity of the citrus juice “cooks” the fish.
- Where to find: While ceviche is commonly served in restaurants, you can also find it at street food markets and stalls, especially along the coast and in Lima.
3. Papa Rellena
- Description: Papa rellena translates to “stuffed potato” in Spanish. It consists of mashed potatoes stuffed with seasoned ground meat (usually beef), onions, garlic, and hard-boiled eggs. The stuffed potato is then breaded and fried until golden brown.
- Where to find: You can find papa rellena at street food stalls and markets throughout Peru, especially in urban areas.
4. Choclo con Queso
- Description: Choclo con queso is a simple but delicious snack made of large-kernel Peruvian corn (choclo) served with a slice of fresh cheese. The corn is boiled or grilled and often served with a sprinkle of salt.
- Where to find: Look for street vendors selling choclo con queso, particularly in markets and tourist areas.
5. Salchipapas
- Description: Salchipapas is a popular street food dish made of sliced hot dogs (salchichas) and French fries (papas fritas), often topped with ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and aji sauce (spicy Peruvian sauce).
- Where to find: Salchipapas are commonly sold by street vendors and food stalls, especially in urban areas and at festivals.
6. Pan con Chicharrón
- Description: Pan con chicharrón is a sandwich made with crispy, deep-fried pork (chicharrón) served on a crusty roll (pan francés) and typically accompanied by slices of sweet potato, salsa criolla (a mix of onions, lime juice, and aji peppers), and salsa verde.
- Where to find: You can find pan con chicharrón at street food stalls and markets, especially in Lima and in the highland regions of Peru.
Certainly! Here are some more delicious street foods to try in Peru:
7. Empanadas
- Description: Empanadas are savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as seasoned ground beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables. The dough is typically made from flour, water, and sometimes lard, then folded and baked or fried until golden brown.
- Where to find: Look for empanada vendors in markets, plazas, and near transportation hubs throughout Peru.
8. Tamales
- Description: Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with seasoned meat, cheese, or vegetables, then wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and steamed. In Peru, tamales are often served as a hearty breakfast or snack.
- Where to find: Street vendors and markets often sell tamales, particularly during breakfast hours.
9. Rocoto Relleno
- Description: Rocoto relleno is a spicy Peruvian dish made with rocoto peppers stuffed with a mixture of seasoned ground beef or pork, onions, garlic, and cheese. The stuffed peppers are then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Where to find: Look for rocoto relleno at street food stalls and local restaurants, especially in the Arequipa region.
10. Churros
- Description: Churros are deep-fried dough pastries dusted with sugar and often filled with sweet fillings such as dulce de leche or chocolate. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a favorite street snack.
- Where to find: Churro carts and stalls can be found in many cities and towns across Peru, especially in the evenings and during festivals.
11. Butifarra
- Description: Butifarra is a traditional Peruvian sandwich made with slices of roasted pork loin, typically marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and spices. The pork is served on a crusty roll (similar to a baguette) and often accompanied by salsa criolla and aji sauce.
- Where to find: Look for butifarra vendors in markets, plazas, and food stalls, especially in Lima and along the coast.
12. Tiradito
- Description: Tiradito is a Peruvian dish similar to ceviche but thinly sliced rather than cubed. It consists of raw fish, usually thinly sliced white fish like sole or flounder, marinated in a spicy citrus-based sauce made with lime juice, aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper), and garlic.
- Where to find: Tiradito is commonly served in cevicherias and seafood restaurants, but you can also find it at street food markets and stalls in coastal areas.
These additional street foods offer a taste of Peru’s diverse culinary landscape, showcasing flavors from various regions and cultural influences. Enjoy exploring these delicious treats during your time in Peru!
These are just a few examples of the diverse and delicious street foods you can enjoy in Peru. Keep in mind that street food vendors may have variations in their recipes and preparations based on regional preferences and ingredients. Enjoy exploring the culinary delights of Peru’s streets!
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