Astronomy is to Chile as gastronomy is to Peru. However, Peruvian cuisine has only started receiving buzz in the past decade, and authentic Peruvian fare is still sparse in the states. I can't think of a single restaurant! But eaters are starting to take notice. Is Peruvian the new Thai?
Here's why Peru was one of the best countries to chow down:
1. Variety- There's more distinctly Peruvian dishes than I could ever try. The ecological variety across three different ecosystems (jungle, highlands, and coast) extends into the cuisine, with a wide range of produce and seafood available. Every part of the animal is edible so the combinations are endless. Beyond ingredients, there's a fusion of cooking styles, the most noticeable of which are Chinese and Japanese influences. Even the visuals scream variety. Vibrant colors pop off the plate.
2. Balance- After backpacking through Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, it was a veritable explosion of vegetables in Peru. Consistent with the rest of South America, salad wasn't a thing. But Peru had a far better distribution of meat, carbs, and vegetables on the plate. An abundance of soups as both appetizers and mains made sure nothing was ever too dry. The abundance of fruit was also a refreshing substitute for the fat and flour-heavy snacks.
3. Value- Peru is one of the less expensive countries in South America, but the food is even cheaper compared to other cost of living indicators like rent or transportation. Introducing one of my key metrics for backpacker budgeting, the cost of eating out for one meal divided by the cost of a night's accommodation. In Chile, that ratio was 50% ($7.50 per meal / $15 per night). In Peru, that ratio was 30% ($3.00 per meal / $10 per night). We marveled at paying $1.30 for an appetizer, main course, and drink. Buying groceries and cooking wasn't worth the time and effort when the savings were in cents.
4. Markets- Local produce markets are at the center of Peruvian life. Not only providing fresh produce, these markets are the best places to grab a snack from a food stall or enjoy a sit-down meal at the comedor (translation: dining room). My first question when arriving in a new city was, "where's the market?". The market in Arequipa outshines the rest: the layout is an easily-navigable square, the high roof allows for plenty of sunlight, and hygiene wasn't a problem. Not to mention the ridiculously delicious and large portions. Local markets are also an interesting case of perfect competition. Vendors offer the same menu, are physically clustered together, and rarely vary in price. There's no perceptible difference in quality- meaning vendors need to hawk their wares. As soon as they catch you glancing at the menu, they start clamoring for your attention.
5. Two P's (potatoes and plantains)- Thai is one of my favorite cuisines because of the combination of sweet and salty flavors. In Peru, the ubiquitous use of sweet potato and fried plantains take the place of coconut milk and pineapples in adding that coveted sweetness.
6. Seafood- Ceviche is the national dish and lunch of choice, and it's easy to see why. The fish, shrimp, and calamari are fresh every day, and the well-rounded dish doesn't leave you feeling drowsy for your afternoon activities.
7. Chifa- Chifa is Peruvian-Chinese fusion. Inspired by Chinese immigrants, one of Peru's most beloved dishes, called lomo saltado, is stir-fried marinated steak, tomatoes, onion, chiles, and bell peppers on top of a bed of white rice. There were days when I ate chifa for every meal due to the perfect combination of quality, quantity, and price.
8. Rice- This is easily the most subjective point on the list. Every dish comes with a bed of white rice which made me feel right at home. The fried rice was the ultimate comfort food. My only squabble was that brown rice would've been welcome.
Without further ado, commence the food porn:
There's so much more Peruvian food to savor! I gave it a good go- I stayed longer in Lima just to eat, but didn't even visit the northern half of the country. While there are definite similarities between Peruvian and Thai, it's an injustice to compare them, and Peruvian certainly earned a well-deserved place on my list of top cuisines.