Cusco is a beautiful Peruvian city known for its rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The city was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and the gastronomy was finger-licking good.
A traditional dish roasted in an oven after being seasoned with spices. It’s significant in Peruvian cuisine and can be found in many restaurants in Cusco.
A cold dish with a mix of ingredients including guinea pig, sausage, hen, dried meat, seaweed, corn, omelette, fish roe, cheese, and toasted corn. It’s associated with religious celebrations and can be found in local markets.
A simple and flavorful dish served with stuffed peppers or rocoto relleno. It’s commonly found in local markets and eateries in Cusco.
A nutritious soup made with quinoa grains, sweet potatoes, carrots, and aji amarillo paste. It’s available in markets like Mercado Central de San Pedro.
A crispy dish made with different cuts of fried pork, often served with white corn and sweet potatoes. It’s popular in various eateries and street food stalls.
A comforting soup made with chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and grains. It’s a staple in Cusco’s culinary scene and can be found in eateries and market stalls.
A hearty soup with a variety of ingredients including potato starch, lamb, dried beef, sweet potatoes, peas, and broad beans. It’s deeply rooted in Andean culture and can be sampled in Cusco.
Tender pig’s feet marinated in a flavorful mixture, often served during celebrations and family gatherings.
A dish featuring mushrooms, broad beans, onions, dried red chili, potatoes, olive oil, milk, cheese, and black mint. It’s enjoyed during the winter months for its hearty and nutritious qualities.
A popular snack combining sweet corn with salty cheese, often enjoyed from street vendors or in restaurants.
A popular snack combining sweet corn with salty cheese, often enjoyed from street vendors or in restaurants.
A regional variation of tamales filled with pork or chicken, olives, and chili pepper, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
A traditional dish featuring potatoes baked in a rustic earth oven, often served with beans and meat, showcasing the essence of Andean cuisine.
These dishes reflect the rich culinary heritage of Cusco and offer visitors a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine. Read on if you want to dive into these dishes a little more.
Influenced by a mix of indigenous Andean ingredients and Spanish colonial flavors, the food in Cusco is diverse and lavorful. The city’s gastronomy has evolved over centuries and is deeply rooted in its history and traditions.
Let us explore the top 13 dishes in detail that you must try when visiting Cusco.
Cuy al Horno, or Roasted Guinea Pig, stands as one of the most emblematic dishes of the Peruvian highlands, particularly in Cusco. Despite the initial squeamishness some may feel about eating guinea pigs, these rodents are a Peruvian food delicacy with a rich history dating back to ancient times.
To prepare Cuy al Horno, the guinea pig must be thoroughly cleaned before being boiled and seasoned with a blend of spices. It is then placed inside an oven to cook until tender. The dish is typically served with rice, potatoes, salad, and fried cassava, offering a hearty and flavorsome meal.
Cuy has been a staple food in the diets of indigenous populations in the Peruvian Andes for centuries. While it may not be consumed daily, it holds significance in Peruvian cuisine, often enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions.
In Cusco, restaurants offer Cuy al Horno for locals and visitors to experience Peruvian gastronomy. Venturing to towns like Tipon, outside Cusco, allows savoring this dish authentically.
Chiri Uchu, also known as Cold Chilli, is a traditional dish typically prepared during the Catholic Feast of Corpus Christi in June. This cold meal offers a delightful array of flavors and textures, showcasing ingredients from various regions of Peru.
Chiri Uchu is composed of an assortment of ingredients, including guinea pig, sausage, hen, dried meat, seaweed, corn, omelette, fish roe, cheese, and toasted corn. These ingredients are layered on a plate, with hot peppers adding a spicy kick to the ensemble.
Chiri Uchu originates from the Inca Empire, where villagers gathered in Cusco for religious celebrations, sharing this flavorful dish. Some places offer it year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy its unique flavors anytime.
For those curious to taste Chiri Uchu, exploring local markets and eateries in Cusco presents opportunities to indulge in this cultural delicacy. The mix of ingredients may seem odd, but the delicious flavors will win you over.
Trucha Frita, or Fried Trout, is a popular dish in Cusco known for its simplicity and exquisite taste. Whether sourced from rivers or seas, trout is prepared in various ways, with fried trout being a favored option among locals and visitors.
Fried Trout is typically served with accompaniments such as stuffed peppers or rocoto relleno, a specialty originating from Arequipa. The tender and flavorful trout is often cooked in open clay ovens, enhancing its natural taste and texture.
Discovering nearby markets and restaurants in Cusco lets you enjoy tasty Fried Trout made with local ingredients and traditional methods. Whether on its own or with side dishes, Fried Trout promises a delicious food adventure in Peru.
Sopa de Quinua, or Quinoa Soup, is a beloved dish in Cusco known for its nourishing qualities and comforting flavor. As a staple food item of the Incas, quinoa has long been revered for its nutritional benefits and versatile culinary applications.
Sopa de Quinua typically features quinoa grains, sweet potatoes, carrots, and a touch of spicy aji amarillo paste. This hearty soup offers a wholesome and filling meal, perfect for warming up during cold weather.
Quinoa holds a significant place in Andean culture, symbolizing sustenance and resilience. Its popularity has transcended borders, earning recognition as a superfood due to its high protein content and nutritional value.
In Cusco, try Quinoa Soup at Mercado Central de San Pedro. It’s made with traditional recipes passed down through generations. Enjoy a taste of Andean culinary heritage!
Chicharrón, or Fried Pork Cracklings, are a beloved dish in Cusco that epitomizes indulgence and flavor. Originating from Spain, this dish is a Peruvian favorite – fried pork served with sides such as white corn and sweet potatoes.
To prepare Chicharrón, pork is cooked in its own fat until crispy and golden brown, resulting in irresistibly crunchy cracklings. The dish is often served with mote (hominy) and Salsa Criolla, a condiment based on onions.
In Cusco, Chicharrón can be found in various eateries and street food stalls, particularly around Plaza des Armas. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a hearty meal, Chicharrón offers a satisfying culinary experience for those craving the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
Caldo de Gallina, or Hen Soup, is a beloved traditional dish in Cusco known for its heartiness and comforting warmth. It serves as a staple meal enjoyed for both breakfast and lunch, offering nourishment and satisfaction to locals and visitors alike.
Made traditionally with old stewing hens for their rich flavor and ability to simmer long, Caldo de Gallina features a tasty broth with chicken, potatoes, veggies, and grains. This combo makes a thick, delicious soup ideal for cozying up in the cold Andean climate!
Cultural Significance:
Stall owners gather at San Pedro market to cook big pots of this beloved soup, Caldo de Gallina. It’s a cultural dish shared by everyone in Cusco, offering nourishment and comfort, a must-try in the local food scene.
Visitors to Cusco can find Caldo de Gallina served in various eateries and market stalls throughout the city. Whether seeking a hearty meal or a comforting remedy for the cold, indulging in this traditional soup offers a taste of authentic Andean cuisine.
Chairo, a traditional Andean soup in Cusco, is renowned for its robust flavors and nourishing qualities. Originating from Quechua and Aymara cultures, this hearty soup was originally crafted to provide sustenance to farmers during long hours of labor.
Chairo soup has lots of different ingredients like potato starch (chuño), lamb, dried beef, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, broad beans, and a mix of herbs and spices like spearmint, oregano, parsley, cumin, and salt. All these flavors create a delicious soup that represents Andean cooking.
As a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, Chairo holds cultural significance as a meal prepared by farmers to sustain themselves during arduous workdays. Its enduring popularity in Cusco reflects its status as a cherished part of local heritage and identity.
For those seeking an authentic taste of Andean cuisine, sampling Chairo in Cusco is a must-do experience. From traditional eateries to local markets, opportunities abound to savor this delicious soup and appreciate its cultural significance.
Zarza de Patitas, or Pig’s Feet Sauce, is a delectable delicacy that showcases the culinary ingenuity of Cusco. Featuring tender pig’s feet marinated in a flavorful mixture, this dish offers a unique blend of textures and tastes that tantalize the palate.
Zarza de Patitas is made with pig’s feet, onions, garlic, bay leaf, potatoes, tomato, oil, parsley, spearmint, pepper, and oregano. This tasty dish is cooked with care, creating a flavorful meal.
Zarza de Patitas holds cultural significance as a traditional Cusco delicacy enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Its preparation and consumption are often associated with celebrations and family gatherings, highlighting its role as a symbol of communal joy and camaraderie.
Zarza de Patitas, a tasty dish from Cusco, is best shared with friends and family in local eateries. Whether as a starter or part of a special meal, savoring this flavorful treat gives a memorable taste of Cusco’s food tradition.
Kapchi-style Mushrooms is a Cusco food dish deeply rooted in Incan culinary tradition, showcasing the reverence for mushrooms and their nutritional value. Popular in winter to fight mountain cold, this meal is hearty & nutritious, especially loved by vegetarians.
The dish features a medley of ingredients including mushrooms, broad beans, onions, dried red chili, potatoes, olive oil, milk, cheese, and black mint. This flavorful combination results in a rich and satisfying dish that delights the senses and provides sustenance during the chilly Andean winters.
Incas valued mushrooms for their nutrition. Kapchi-style Mushrooms remain culturally important, nourishing body and soul. Eating them in winter tradition strengthens against the cold with hearty meals.
While exploring Cusco’s culinary scene, visitors can seek out eateries and markets that offer Kapchi-style Mushrooms to experience the authentic flavors of Andean cuisine and appreciate the cultural heritage embedded in this beloved dish.
Choclo Con Queso, a tasty Peruvian snack, mixes sweet corn with cheesy goodness. Widely enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it offers a burst of flavor that delights the taste buds and satisfies hunger pangs.
The dish comprises Peruvian choclo, a type of corn with large kernels, paired with creamy and salty cheese, often accompanied by a dab of butter. This straightforward combination creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that appeals to locals and visitors alike.
Choclo Con Queso holds cultural significance as a popular street food snack enjoyed throughout Peru. Its availability from street vendors reflects the accessibility of flavorful and satisfying snacks in Peruvian culinary culture, making it a beloved part of everyday life.
Visitors in Cusco can try Choclo Con Queso from street vendors or at local restaurants. Enjoy this iconic Peruvian snack as a quick bite or part of a leisurely meal for a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine.
Cusco-Style Tamales Cusqueños are a local twist on the traditional tamale, with a special flavor and texture that showcases Cusco’s culinary heritage. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or breakfast option, available in savory and sweet flavors.
The masa for Tamales Cusqueños typically includes yellow or white corn, combined with fillings such as pork or chicken, olives, and chili pepper. These ingredients are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying treat.
Tamales Cusqueños are a special traditional dish in Cusco and nearby areas. They are enjoyed at celebrations or as a daily treat, showcasing a food tradition loved by locals and tourists alike.
To try real Cusco food, look for Tamales Cusqueños from street vendors or local spots. It’s a chance to taste Andean flavors and culture. Enjoy them on the move or take your time; these tamales are full of tradition.
Hen Soup, known as Caldo de Gallina, holds a special place in Cusco’s culinary tradition as a beloved and nourishing dish enjoyed throughout the day. This hearty soup offers comfort and warmth, making it particularly popular during the colder months in the Andes.
Traditionally, Caldo de Gallina is made with old hens known for staying juicy during long simmering. The soup includes chicken, potatoes, veggies, and grains, resulting in a rich, satisfying broth for comfort.
Caldo de Gallina is not just a soup; it’s a cultural favorite that shows Cusco’s food history. Made in big pots at San Pedro market, it highlights how Peruvians enjoy cooking together, bringing families and communities closer through shared meals.
When in Cusco, savor the delicious Caldo de Gallina at local spots known for traditional Peruvian food. This heartwarming soup embodies Andean hospitality and culinary tradition.
Huatia is a quintessential Peruvian dish, deeply rooted in tradition and celebrated for its rustic charm and unique flavors. While traditionally served in June, some restaurants may offer it year-round, providing visitors with the opportunity to savor this culinary delight at any time.
Huatia centers around colorful and flavorful Andean potatoes, sourced from fertile lands. Some versions may have beans and meat, bringing richness to the dish. Cooked in a traditional earth oven, giving the potatoes a unique taste and texture.
Huatia captures the heart of Andean cuisine by using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods in an earth oven. It showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region and Peruvian culture.
To taste real Huatia flavors, try restaurants that serve traditional Peruvian food. Whether in Cusco in June or anytime, Huatia offers an Andean culinary experience.
Let me answer a few more questions about enjoying Cusco food dishes and drinks.
Absolutely! Cusco offers a surprising variety of vegetarian dishes:
Street food can be a delicious and affordable way to experience Cusco’s cuisine. Here are some safety tips:
These tips and venturing out with an open mind will help you enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary adventure in Cusco!
