Street food: experience urban food in Lima

Peruvian food offers a wide variety of tasty dishes that are accessible to everyone.

Lima is not just known for its tourist spots; it is also for bringing together recipes from different regions, where all the flavors of Peru come together, whether it is in fancy restaurants or on any given street corner in the city.

Who has not had a craving for a snack while heading to work or back home? Convenience and taste come together in this yummy and varied food adventure. Keeping in mind that these tasty treats should always boast quality and freshness, let's explore some of these culinary delights that fill our days with taste.
 

Anticuchos de corazon, rachi and pancita

Originating from colonial times, anticuchos de corazon have undergone a flavorful evolution. Initially marinated in chicha, they were later seasoned with vinegar and eventually cooked on a grill, creating a delectable culinary journey.

These days, you can try anticuchos in renowned local restaurants or at the traditional street stalls, where the smell of charcoal and spices is something special that pulls people in. While the third Sunday of October is known as Anticucho Day, any time is a great time to savor them: after work, hanging out with friends, or simply when you are in the mood for something tasty.

Picarones 

Picarones, a dessert with Spanish roots, rank among the top favorites among Peruvians and visitors alike. Their irresistible taste has won over countless taste buds for generations. They have a circular shape and are made of sweet potato and pumpkin. While tradition dictates pairing them with chancaca honey, they can also be enjoyed with a variety of flavored honeys. You can find them at numerous stalls across various districts in Lima, where they're in high demand.
 

Photography: Karina Mendoza / PROMPERÚ

Papa rellena 

Papa rellena stands out as one of Peru’s most iconic dishes and is widely available in numerous stalls across Lima. It starts with a potato mixture stuffed with meat, though chicken can be a tasty alternative. After that, it is deep-fried in plenty of oil until it gets that crispy exterior that many diners love.

As if that were not enough, to top it all off, the papa rellena just is not complete without its traditional sarsa criolla: a blend of red onion, yellow bell pepper, lemon juice, coriander, salt, and pepper. Absolutely tasty!

 

Photography: Shutterstock

Salchipapa 

In the past few years, salchipapa has become insanely popular. What used to be a simple mix of fries and sausage has now exploded with tons of options, like chorizo, pollo a la brasa, chicharron de cerdo, and even guinea pig! This dish contains fried guinea pig cuts served with yellow potatoes, smoked sausages, and fresh cheese.

Talking about different regions across the country, the salchipapa recipe varies quite a bit. Take for instance the salchiamazonica, found in the Amazon, including Amazonian sausage, scrambled eggs, strips of jerky, and patacones replacing fried potatoes. Along the coast, you will find the salchimarina, a delightful mix of shrimp tails and squid rings, smothered in BBQ sauce and served with crispy fries. And for those leaning towards a healthier option, there's the salchivegetariana, free of meat but loaded with potatoes, olives, Italian pumpkin, tomato, white onion, and lettuce.

The taste and convenience have made salchipapa really popular among people. Plus, when you add in classic sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, Peruvian chili peppers, chimichurri, golf, olive, huancaina, huacatay sauces, it just gets even better.
 

Photography: Shutterstock

Emoliente

Hot to keep you warm in winter or cold to cool the high summer temperatures, the emollient has a rich history. Originally made as a medicinal drink with diuretic properties and is a legacy of the viceregal era. This preparation based on barley water, flaxseed, boldo, alfalfa, horsetail, and freshly squeezed lemons has remained valid over time and can be found in many corners of Lima.

Peruvian cuisine showcases a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, which truly represent the rich cultural heritage of the country. This means that in Peru, you should definitely take the opportunity to explore the lively street food scene and be open to trying something different each day!

Photography: Sandro Aguilar / PROMPERÚ