Must-Try Food in Machu Picchu
Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its diversity and rich flavors, blending indigenous ingredients with influences from various cultures.
When visiting Machu Picchu, indulging in traditional Peruvian dishes is a must.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the must-try traditional foods in Machu Picchu and where to find them.
Top Traditional Dishes
- Ceviche
- Lomo Saltado
- Aji de Gallina
- Cuy (Guinea Pig)
- Rocoto Relleno
- Papa a la Huancaína
- Anticuchos
- Pachamanca
Ceviche Ceviche is one of Peru’s most famous dishes. It consists of fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and aji pepper. The acidity of the lime “cooks” the fish, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Must-Try Traditional Dishes
- Ceviche
- Lomo Saltado
- Aji de Gallina
- Cuy (Guinea Pig)
- Rocoto Relleno
- Papa a la Huancaína
- Anticuchos
- Pachamanca
| Dish | Description | Key Ingredients | Where to Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceviche | Fresh fish marinated in lime juice | Fish, lime, onions, cilantro, aji | Tinkuy Restaurant, Aguas Calientes |
| Lomo Saltado | Stir-fried beef with onions and tomatoes | Beef, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce | Indio Feliz Bistro, Aguas Calientes |
| Aji de Gallina | Creamy chicken stew | Chicken, aji amarillo, bread, milk | Toto’s House, Aguas Calientes |
| Cuy (Guinea Pig) | Roasted or fried guinea pig | Guinea pig, spices | Toto’s House, Aguas Calientes |
| Rocoto Relleno | Stuffed spicy pepper | Rocoto pepper, ground meat, cheese | Tree House Restaurant, Aguas Calientes |
| Papa a la Huancaína | Potatoes with a spicy cheese sauce | Potatoes, aji amarillo, cheese | Cafe Inkaterra, Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| Anticuchos | Grilled meat skewers | Beef heart, aji panca, vinegar | Street Vendors, Aguas Calientes |
| Pachamanca | Meat and vegetables cooked underground | Various meats, potatoes, herbs | Special Events, Festivals |
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard
Ceviche
Description: Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and aji pepper. Key Ingredients: Fish, lime, onions, cilantro, aji. Where to Try: Tinkuy Restaurant, Aguas Calientes.
Ceviche is a must-try dish when visiting Machu Picchu. The combination of fresh fish and tangy lime juice creates a refreshing and flavorful experience.
Lomo Saltado
Description: Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce, served with fries and rice. Key Ingredients: Beef, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce. Where to Try: Indio Feliz Bistro, Aguas Calientes.
Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian dish that reflects the country’s Chinese influence. The tender beef and savory sauce make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Aji de Gallina
Description: Creamy chicken stew made with aji amarillo, bread, and milk, served over rice. Key Ingredients:Chicken, aji amarillo, bread, milk. Where to Try: Toto’s House, Aguas Calientes.
Aji de Gallina is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the unique flavors of Peruvian cuisine. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a must-try.
Cuy (Royal Rabbit)
Description: Roasted or fried guinea pig, often served whole. Key Ingredients: Guinea pig, spices. Where to Try:Toto’s House, Aguas Calientes.
Cuy is a traditional Peruvian delicacy that dates back to the Inca civilization. While it may be an adventurous choice for some, it’s a significant part of the local culture.
Rocoto Relleno
Description: Spicy rocoto peppers stuffed with ground meat and cheese, baked until tender. Key Ingredients: Rocoto pepper, ground meat, cheese. Where to Try: Tree House Restaurant, Aguas Calientes.
Rocoto Relleno is a flavorful and spicy dish that showcases the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine. The combination of the spicy pepper and savory filling is irresistible.
Papa a la Huancaína
Description: Sliced potatoes topped with a spicy cheese sauce, often served as an appetizer. Key Ingredients:Potatoes, aji amarillo, cheese. Where to Try: Cafe Inkaterra, Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Papa a la Huancaína is a popular Peruvian appetizer that combines the creamy texture of potatoes with a spicy cheese sauce. It’s a perfect start to any meal.
Anticuchos
Description: Grilled meat skewers, traditionally made with beef heart and marinated in aji panca and vinegar. Key Ingredients: Beef heart, aji panca, vinegar. Where to Try: Street Vendors, Aguas Calientes.
Anticuchos are a beloved street food in Peru, offering a savory and smoky flavor that’s perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Pachamanca
Description: A traditional Andean dish where meat and vegetables are cooked in an underground oven. Key Ingredients: Various meats, potatoes, herbs. Where to Try: Special Events, Festivals.
Pachamanca is a traditional Andean cooking method that involves baking meat and vegetables in a pit with hot stones. This communal dish is often prepared for special occasions and festivals.
Tips for Enjoying Traditional Peruvian Dishes
- Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes, even those that may seem unusual.
- Ask for Recommendations: Locals and restaurant staff can provide great recommendations on what to try.
- Pair with Local Beverages: Enjoy your meal with traditional Peruvian beverages such as Pisco Sour, Chicha Morada, or Inca Kola.
Traditional Peruvian Dishes in Machu Picchu
Ready to savor the flavors of Peru? Plan your culinary journey today and discover the best traditional Peruvian dishes in Machu Picchu. Visit our website for more information on restaurants, reviews, and exclusive dining offers.
Exploring traditional Peruvian cuisine is an essential part of your visit to Machu Picchu. From ceviche to cuy, these dishes offer a taste of the rich cultural heritage of Peru. Book your dining reservations today and embark on a culinary adventure in Machu Picchu.