Peru named best culinary destination in Latin America at the 2024 World Culinary Awards

This recognition showcases the richness and diversity of Peruvian cuisine, blending native ingredients and ancient culinary traditions with modern influences.

Reaffirming its status as a global leader in gastronomy, Peru once again stood out at a prestigious award ceremony, this time at the 2024 World Culinary Awards.

In one of the most prestigious categories, Peru was named “Best culinary destination in Latin America.” Furthermore, Lima, its capital, was honored as the “Best gastronomic destination in the region," solidifying its global reputation.

Among the standout Peruvian restaurants, Chef Jaime Pesaque's Mayta was awarded "Best gastronomic space in Latin America," while Oscar Velarde's La Gloria received the title of "Emblematic restaurant in Latin America."

Mayta Restaurant | Source: Mayta / PROMPERÚ

La Gloria Restaurant | Source: La Gloria / PROMPERÚ

Curiña, the restaurant at the Belmond Las Casitas Hotel in the Colca Canyon of Arequipa, was also honored as the "Best hotel restaurant in Peru." It is important to note that Curiña captures the essence of Arequipa's cuisine by blending local ingredients with innovative and distinctive presentations.

Curiña Restaurant | Source: Curiña / PROMPERÚ

On the other hand, La Mar in Dubai, led by the renowned national chef Gastón Acurio, was recognized as the "Best Peruvian cuisine restaurant in the world."

La Mar Restaurant | Source: La Mar / PROMPERÚ

These awards highlight the diversity and quality of Peruvian cuisine, which blends local ingredients with both traditional and modern techniques, attracting food lovers from around the globe.

About the World Culinary Awards

The World Culinary Awards are internationally recognized and honor excellence in the culinary industry. This prestigious event celebrates the best chefs, restaurants, and gastronomic destinations, along with the standout products and services in the field.

It is worth noting that the World Culinary Awards are "siblings" of the esteemed World Travel Awards, which have a history dating back to 1994 and also celebrate excellence in travel and tourism. The inaugural edition of the World Culinary Awards took place in 2020. Winners are chosen through an online voting process that involves both industry professionals and the general public.

The current director of the World Culinary Awards, Rina van Staden, expressed her admiration for the competition winners, calling them visionaries. She highlighted how their creativity and skill bring joy to millions of people every day.

Likewise, Rina van Staden emphasized three key virtues when speaking about all professionals in the culinary arts: hard work, commitment, and unwavering passion.

Source: Shutterstock / PROMPERÚ

What Peruvian gastronomy represents

Peruvian gastronomy has emerged as a key factor in attracting tourists from around the globe, eager to experience traditional dishes such as Cebiche, lomo saltado, rocoto relleno arequipeño, and Pachamanca.

From this perspective, the combination of unique flavors and the authenticity of its ingredients, driven by the diverse microclimates across its territory, has established Peru as a benchmark in global cuisine. This recognition has had a positive impact on tourism and the country’s economy.

These victories at the 2024 World Culinary Awards are not the first for Peru. In previous editions, both the country and its capital, Lima, received significant accolades, further solidifying their status as a destination for culinary excellence on the global stage.

On one hand, Peru was named "Best gastronomic destination in Latin America," while Lima was honored as the "Best culinary city in the region."

In this way, Peru continues to achieve success in the culinary realm, with these accolades underscoring its rich gastronomic tradition and its ability to adapt and innovate on the international stage. Each new recognition reinforces the country’s cultural identity and positions it as a destination that offers a unique and authentic culinary experience for everyone around the world.