Top 10 Must-Try Peruvian Street Food_ From Ceviche to Lomo Saltado

1. Top 10 Must-Try Peruvian Street Food: From Ceviche to Lomo Saltado Peruvian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by a rich culinary heritage that blends indigenous ingredients with Spanish, African, Asian, and other international influences. While Peruvian cuisine has won global praise for its fine dining experiences, the heart and soul of the country's culinary scene can be found on its bustling streets. From the coastal cities of Lima and Trujillo to the high-altitude Andean markets of Cuzco and Arequipa, Peruvian street food offers a fascinating range of flavors and textures that delight locals and visitors alike. In this article, we'll take a culinary journey through the streets of Peru to discover the top 10 must-try Peruvian street foods, from the iconic ceviche to the delicious Lomo Saltado. 1) Ceviche:

2. Ceviche ranks supreme as one of Peru's most iconic and beloved dishes. This fresh seafood dish consists of raw fish marinated in citrus fruit juice, usually lime or lemon juice, along with onions, peppers, cilantro and other spices. The acidity of the citrus "cooks" the fish, resulting in a tangy, flavorful dish that's bursting with freshness. In the capital, Lima, famous for cevicheria, you'll find variations like classic fish ceviche, mixed seafood ceviche, and innovative twists incorporating ingredients like mango or passion fruit. 2) Anticuchos: Anticuchos originate from Peru's Afro-Peruvian culinary heritage and have become a favorite street food throughout the country. These delicious skewers contain marinated meat, usually beef heart (anticuchos de corazón), although variations with chicken, pork or other meat are also popular. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices, vinegar and garlic before being skewered and grilled to perfection. Served with boiled potatoes and aji sauce (a spicy Peruvian chili sauce), anticuchos provide a delicious and satisfying street food experience. 3) Papa Relena: Papa rellena, which translates to "stuffed potatoes", is a comforting and hearty Peruvian street snack. The dish consists of mashed potatoes cooked with spices and filled with savory fillings, which often include ground meat, onions, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and raisins. The stuffed potatoes are then shaped into a ball, breaded and deep fried until golden and crisp. Served hot, Papa Rellena is a popular street food option that is perfect for satisfying hunger on the go. 4) Choripan: Choripan is a beloved street food sandwich that combines spicy chorizo sausage with crusty bread and a variety of toppings and condiments. The name "choripán" is a blend of the Spanish words for bread, "chorizo" and "pan". The sausage is typically grilled until charred and smoky, then placed inside a split bread roll and topped with salsa criolla (a Peruvian onion relish), aji sauce, or other ingredients. With its bold flavor and satisfying texture, choripan is a popular street food choice for meat lovers throughout Peru.

3. 5) Lomo Saltado: Lomo saltado is a classic Peruvian stir-fry dish that has earned its place as a street food favorite. This hearty and flavorful dish features strips of beef marinated in a spicy sauce, sauteed with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, and served over rice or French fries. Lomo saltado is a testament to Peru's culinary fusion, combining Chinese stir-fry techniques with indigenous Peruvian ingredients and flavors. Served hot and packed with umami-rich ingredients, Lomo Saltado is a must-try dish for foodies exploring Peru's street food scene. 6) Salchipapas: Salchipapas is a simple but satisfying street food dish that combines two favorite comfort foods: sausage (salchicha) and French fries (papa). The dish usually consists of thinly sliced sausages that are fried until crisp and golden, served with a large portion of French fries. Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard or aji sauce is often added to salchipapas for dipping. This wonderful street food snack is popular with locals and visitors alike, offering a hearty and delicious dish that's perfect for enjoying on the go. 7) Causa Relena: Causa Rellena is a traditional Peruvian dish that showcases layers of vibrant flavors and colors. The dish consists of mashed potatoes seasoned with lemon juice, yellow pepper paste and olive oil mixed with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, tuna, avocado or shrimp. The mashed potato mixture is molded into a cylindrical shape and served cold, making it a refreshing option for street food lovers looking for a light yet satisfying snack. With its bold flavor and attractive presentation, causa rellena is a standout dish in Peru's culinary repertoire. 8) Picaron: Picarón is a popular Peruvian sweet commonly enjoyed as street food. Similar to donuts, picarones are made from sweet potato and pumpkin dough, mixed with flour, yeast, and spices, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The resulting donuts are light and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior. Picarones are typically served drizzled with a sweet syrup made from chancaca (unrefined cane sugar) and flavored with cinnamon and cloves. These delicious

4. dishes are a favorite among locals and visitors alike, providing a deliciously satisfying end to any street food adventure. 9) Tamales: Tamales are a beloved street food snack enjoyed throughout Peru and Latin America. These delicious cornmeal parcels are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as seasoned meat, vegetables, or cheese, then wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and steamed until cooked. Tamales come in many regional variations, with ingredients and flavors varying depending on local culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack while traveling or as a hearty snack during a day of exploration, tamales are a comforting and satisfying street food option in Peru. 10)Mazamorra Morada: Mazamorra morada is a traditional Peruvian dessert often enjoyed as street food. This sweet and colorful pudding is made from purple corn, which is simmered with pineapple, apples, cinnamon and cloves to create an aromatic and delicious base. The mixture is thickened with cornstarch until it reaches a pudding-like consistency. Mazamorra morada is usually served cold and topped with cinnamon or a dollop of cream. With its vibrant colors and rich, comforting flavors, mazmorra morada is a delightful way to end a street food adventure in Peru.