Street Food in Peru – ULTIMATE 14-HOUR PERUVIAN FOOD + Market Tour in Lima!
Published -
- July 14, 2019
- 1:00 pm
Peruvian food is one of the world’s great cuisines, and I was thrilled to have a chance to visit Peru to learn about and taste the food.
In this video, get ready for an ultimate 14-hour straight Peruvian street food tour of Lima!
Here’s everything included in this food tour:
La Parada Market – If you love vegetable markets, I don’t think anywhere else in Lima is as colorful, energetic, and vibrant. This is the beating heart of Lima’s food supply, and I fully enjoyed walking around and seeing the diversity of ingredients from around Peru all in one busy wholesale Market.
Caldo Cesar – Elias navigated us to Caldo Cesar, a restaurant that was incredibly packed and specializes in some of Lima’s best caldo de gallina – chicken hen soup. It was one of the best chicken soups I’ve ever had in my life. Total Price – 52 PEN ($15.71) for 4
Ceviche Cart – One of the national dishes and most beloved dishes of Peru is ceviche (raw fish in lime juice), and we walked over to the section of the market where they sell fish and seasonings for ceviche and had a plate of fresh Peruvian ceviche. It was delicious. Price – 8 PEN ($2.42)
Fruit Tasting – This was pretty unplanned, we just walked around the fruit market and tasted about a dozen types of fruit. My favorite fruits were the Sanky – Fruit produced by a cactus, Camu camu – Native to the Amazon rainforest, and Lucuma – Gold of the Incas.
Papa rellena – This is one of the most common of all Peru street foods, a papa rellena, or a Peruvian stuffed potato. I was impressed – one of the best fried potatoes maybe I’ve ever had in my life.
Tocosh – This fermented potato pulp, was invented by the Incas, and it’s not for the faint of heart. I thought it was unique and pretty delicious, and fun to eat, and it contains natural penicillin.
Papa con huevo – This was ok, but just basic, a potato with egg on top and doused in sauces. This is again, a classic part of Peruvian street food, especially enjoyed by children.
Sanguchería El Chinito – “I practically moved to Peru just for this sandwich.” – Timour Ghoneim. That says it all about this legendary chicharrón Peruvian sandwich located at Plaza de Armas. And he was right, you would move to Lima for this sandwich.
Don Tito Pollos a la Brasa – If you ask Peruvians what is one of their comfort foods, I’m guessing pollo a la brasa would be a common answer. Pollo a la brasa is Pervuian rotisserie chicken, but somehow they just do it better in Peru. Total Price – 84 PEN ($25.39)
Anticuchos Manuela – Without a doubt, this was one of my favorite parts of this entire Peru street food tour of Lima, anticuchos, or grilled cow hearts. They are truly majestic, so juicy and flavorful, you won’t believe it. Price – 10 PEN ($3.02)
Picarones – Finally to end this ultimate street food in Peru tour of Lima, we ordered some picarones, donuts made from sweet potato and pumpkin. They are addictively delicious and should be eaten when you’re in Lima. Price – 6 PEN ($1.81) per box
What can visitors expect to learn and experience during a 14-hour food and Market tour in Lima?
Peru is known internationally for its incredible variety of street food. The flavors, ingredients, and culinary traditions that define Peruvian cuisine are a source of pride for its people, and gastronomy is celebrated as an essential part of the cultural identity of this South American nation. For travelers who want to experience the best of Peruvian street food, there is no better way to do so than with a 14-hour food and Market tour in Lima.
The tour starts early in the morning, when the streets of Lima are still empty and the aroma of fresh coffee fills the air. The first stop is a local market, where visitors can explore the stalls and learn about the unique ingredients that make Peruvian cuisine so special. Local guides will teach about the different peppers, herbs, and grains that are used in traditional dishes, and point out the fresh seafood and meats that are critical components of many beloved Peruvian recipes.
After the market, the journey takes travelers to several street food stalls and restaurants, where foodies can sample everything from classic ceviche to modern fusion dishes. The tour is designed to introduce visitors to the full range of flavors and textures that Peruvian cuisine has to offer. Some specialties include anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers), causa (potato and seafood layers), and chicharron (crispy deep-fried pork). For those with a sweet tooth, vendors offer churros, picarones (a type of fried doughnut), and Suspiro a la Limeña (an irresistible dulce de leche-based dessert).
Each dish is accompanied by insights from local chefs and food experts, who provide cultural and historical context to the cuisine. They describe how the indigenous Andean ingredients have been blended with Spanish, African, and Asian flavors over centuries, resulting in a unique culinary melting pot. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and learn from the experts about the ingredients and techniques that go into each dish.
The tour is not just about the food; it also invites visitors to see a different side of Lima. As the tour progresses through distinct neighborhoods, visitors will gain an appreciation of how the city’s history and geography have shaped its culinary landscape. Experiencing the local eateries and markets also provides an opportunity to connect with local people and learn about their daily routines, lifestyles, and traditions.
In conclusion, the 14-hour Peruvian food and Market tour in Lima is an ideal opportunity for foodies, adventurers, and culture seekers to get a comprehensive taste of the best that Peruvian street food has to offer. From the fresh produce in the bustling market to the diverse array of street food stalls and restaurants, the tour provides a rich educational and culinary experience that will shape any visit to Lima. So, put on some comfortable shoes and bring your appetite – this tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave lasting memories and a new appreciation for Peruvian cuisine.
