The Journey That Introduced Me to Peruvian Cuisine
My journey to finding the best Peruvian food in Lima, Peru was a long one.
Growing up in the Houston area, my family was always around people from many different countries and backgrounds. As a result, I developed a deep love and interest in trying foods from everywhere.
There is something special about forming bonds with people who were brought up differently. They may have different ways of thinking, interacting, even humor, and all of those differences naturally show up through the flavors and methods of cooking.
Food is a tangible expression of culture and art that stays with you in memory and creates such a positive association and bond.
Even though I have always sought out international foods and experiences and have done quite a bit of traveling, I never fully experienced Peruvian food until I moved to Miami. Living in a city that bridges the United States and Latin America, I was suddenly surrounded by a diverse array of foods from many countries, Peru being one of them.
Discovering Peruvian Food
At the time, I worked for a hospitality company that partnered with top chefs from around the world. One of those chefs was Xarlie Thomson. Xarlie was an excellent and creative chef from Peru. Trained by renowned Peruvian chef Javier Wong, he earned both his admiration and mentorship. Javier even referred to Xarlie as his own son.
When Xarlie was introduced to the marketing team, he quickly and effortlessly befriended all of us. Knowing my specialty in storytelling and content creation, Xarlie made it his mission to take me on a food journey all over Miami. We went to several restaurants and had memorable culinary experiences. Through him, I met other great chefs and learned more about their culinary art.
The most memorable day was when he took me and some team members to La Mar in Brickell. We tried lomo saltado, tiradito de salmón, chifa, and ceviche. The view was spectacular, and the food arrived beautifully presented. From that moment, I knew Peruvian food was something special.
That Thanksgiving, he joined us for a Friendsgiving dinner where he cooked Peruvian food for us. It was beautiful and incredible. He loved sharing his cooking and his culture and was well known for having the “keep cooking” tattoo on his arm.
That tattoo held meaning. Much like the idea of simply continuing forward, “keep cooking” symbolized keeping your passion alive, continuing to try, and not giving up. His joy was contagious. He also believed that restaurants restore. They feed more than your belly. They feed your soul. He believed emotions transfer into the food, and he cooked with his whole heart.
One day, we received the heartbreaking news that Xarlie had passed away unexpectedly.
Experiencing Peruvian Food in Lima, Peru
By that point, I met my (then) boyfriend (now fiance), who is Peruvian. Not long after, we went to Xarlie’s restaurants at Julia & Henry’s in his honor. The cooks were sad, and everyone’s hearts were heavy. Still, we knew his creativity, art, and joyful legacy would continue to live on through all of us. His message was clear. Keep cooking.
That December, I traveled to Peru for the first time with my boyfriend. He took me on a food tour of Lima, and my love for Peruvian food only grew. I learned more about the legacy of Peruvian cuisine, how it is one of the top ranked cuisines in the world, how it blends ancient traditions and ingredients with modern techniques, and how food is treated as an art form. His grandmother, a woman who has traveled the world and loves a good foodie experience, became another ultimate food guide for me in Lima. Rooted in tradition and equipped with an eye for quality, her expectations are high.
So, without further ado, here are my top recommended foods to try when in Lima, Peru.
Must-Try Foods in Lima, Peru
1. Lomo Saltado (steak-based dish)
Lomo saltado is steak, typically filet mignon, cut into strips or cubes and cooked in soy sauce and spices over high heat. Red bell pepper and red onion are added to absorb the juices from the meat. It is usually served with thick fries meant to soak up all that flavor. I personally love it with risotto a la huancaína, a creamy risotto made with a yellow aji pepper based sauce. It is not spicy, but it is rich and comforting.
Best restaurant for lomo saltado: Doomo Saltado, located in Lince. Purely based on awards and taste, this spot stands out. They serve lomo saltado with a variety of sides. The price range is roughly 60–80 soles ($16–22 USD), with ratings around 4.4 out of 5.
Another excellent option is José Antonio, which offers a more refined dining experience. Expect prices of 100+ soles ($27+ USD).
2. Estofado de Res (slow cooked beef)
Estofado de res is similar to a bone-in chuck roast that falls apart easily. It is covered in a red sauce made with tomato, red wine, raisins, aji panca, dried mushrooms, and laurel leaves. The dish is rich and deeply satisfying. It is typically served with white rice and often paired with plantains to soak up the sauce.
Best restaurant: El Rincón Que No Conoces, located in Lince. This is not a touristy spot and it closes early, around 5 PM. They offer a rotating daily menu, so you will want to check what is available before going. The price range is about 60–80 soles ($16–22 USD).
3. Seco de Cordero (slow cooked lamb)
Seco de cordero is slow cooked lamb in a green sauce made from cilantro, carrots, peas, dark beer, and Peruvian spices. It is typically served with creamy white beans, white rice, and marinated red onions with lime or vinegar. If you have never tried lamb, this is a great introduction.
Best restaurant: El Rincón Que No Conoces has one of the most beloved versions. José Antonio is also a strong option if you prefer a more polished dining setting, with similar pricing around 100+ soles ($27+ USD).
4. Chifa (Peruvian Chinese cuisine)
Chifa refers to the fusion of Cantonese Chinese food adapted in Peru over generations. Popular dishes include chi jau kay and tipakay, both fried chicken dishes with salty or sweet sauces, and arroz chaufa, a Peruvian style fried rice. It is best to order sauces on the side so the chicken stays crisp.
A well-known option is Chifa Hou Wha in Miraflores, where prices typically range from 20–30 soles ($5–8 USD) and ratings are consistently strong.
5. Ceviche
Ceviche is made with fresh white fish marinated in lime juice, chili, and onions, and served with sweet potato and toasted corn. Leche de tigre, the citrus marinade, is often enjoyed on its own as well.
A must-try spot is Punto Azul in Miraflores, known for consistently fresh ceviche and seafood dishes. Prices vary but generally fall into a mid-range category for Lima.
6. Choritos a la Chalaca
Choritos a la chalaca are steamed mussels topped with onion, lime juice, cilantro, and corn. Traditionally, this dish is best enjoyed near the coast, particularly around Chorillos. While the old Mercado Chorillos has closed, many local cevicherias in the area continue to serve strong versions of this classic dish.
7. Conchas a la Parmesana
Conchas a la parmesana are baked scallops topped with Parmesan cheese and butter. They are widely available across Lima and pair well with white wine or a maracuyá sour. A popular place to enjoy them with a view is Mangos, located in Miraflores, known for its ocean outlook.
8. Carapulcra with Crispy Fried Pork
Carapulcra is a traditional stew made with dried potatoes, pork, chili, and peanuts. It is especially hearty when served with crispy fried pork on top. Panchita in Miraflores is a reliable place to try this dish. Expect prices around 100+ soles ($27+ USD).
9. Sushi Acevichado
Sushi acevichado reflects the Japanese influence on Peruvian cuisine, blending citrus flavors and aji with traditional sushi techniques. Casual sushi restaurants around Lima serve this style, including popular spots like Edo’s.
10. Alfajores (dessert)
Alfajores are delicate cookies filled with manjar blanco, a sweet milk caramel. María Almenara is widely loved for its alfajores, known for their soft texture and balanced sweetness. Their shops can be found throughout Lima.
Wrap Up: Four Ways to Experience Peruvian Food
Peruvian cuisine can be understood through four distinct experiences. First, slow cooked meats served in rich stews and sauces. Second, fresh seafood paired with bright, lime-based flavors. Third, the strong Japanese and Chinese influences seen in sushi acevichado and chifa, both essential parts of Peruvian food culture. And finally, street food, which we will certainly dive into another day on the blog! If you’d like to watch this in video format, check out my Youtube Channel.
