Peruvian Cuisine

So far I've only tried a few of the typical Peruvian dishes and drinks. Since Peru is divided into three basic geographic regions (the coast La Costa, the Andes Mountains La Sierra, and the Amazon jungle La Selva) sp there are many different types of food. In fact Peru has a range of climates, 84 out of the world's 104 ecosystems, Peru is know for having one of the world's most exquisite and varied cruisines.

La Costa is obviously known for Creole cruisine, which is mainly consists a wide range of seafood. Probably my favorite dish I've tried is Ceviche which is fresh seafood marinated in lime juice and spiced with aji hot peppers (pictured to left with my host mom).

In the Sierra you will find people eating more potatoes, tubers, rice and for special occasions you might eat Cuy (roasted guinea pig). Possibly one of the best mountain dishes I've tried is Pachamancha (Literally means "earth oven" in Quechua and consists of a variety of meats, tubers, corn, beans, and native herbs roasted underground with red-hot rocks. Other foods you will find in the Sierra include seco de cabrito (roasted goat marinated with fermented corn beer chichi), Trucha, fried trout, and many more.

As you make your way through the Sierra to the Selva, you will find less spicy food and much more fruits. The Amazon jungle is home to many delicious fruits that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Besides the tropical fruit, the jungle is home to some great fresh water fish. Some typical fish dishes include, paiche and patarashca (fish filets wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over hot coals). I have yet to try much of the food from the jungle but anticipate my first trip to the Amazon city of Iquitos (the largest city that can only be reached by boat or plane) where I plan on trying new foods. One recommendation I read is to stay away from game animal foods such as turtle, deer, and wild boar due to the problems with illegal hunting in the Amazon. Over all I've been very impressed with the food and am eager to try everything.