Image
At Kenko Adventures, we know t ...
Experiencing the Cusco Cuisine: 7 Unmissable Dishes
Here at Kenko Adventures, we know that your journey to Peru isn't just about exploring ancient ruins; it's also about indulging in incredible flavors. We truly believe that Cusco cuisine stands out as exceptional within the Peruvian Andes, offering a culinary adventure unlike any other. As the former capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco boasts several accolades, proudly recognized as Peru’s second gastronomy capital. We invite you to discover why the food here is as captivating as the landscapes.
Oven-Baked Guinea Pig (Cuy al Horno)
When you embark on a Peruvian culinary adventure with us, you simply must try Cuy al horno. This traditional Peruvian dish, originating from the Cusco region, is a true delicacy. While popular right here in Cusco, it's also readily available in tourist-oriented restaurants throughout the country, making it accessible for everyone.
We prepare our guinea pigs with care, marinating them in a blend of garlic, aji amarillo, cumin, oil, chicha de jora, huacatay, black pepper, and salt for at least an hour before baking them alongside flavorful potatoes. We then serve this iconic dish with a refreshing salsa made from tomatoes, onions, coriander, lemon juice, and salt. Given its generous accompaniments, one guinea pig usually serves multiple people, perfect for sharing after a day exploring the Sacred Valley Tour + Salt Mines 1 Day.
Fried Guinea Pig (Cuy Chactado)
For those seeking a taste of history, Cuy Chactado is one of Peru's oldest traditional dishes, with roots dating back to Incan times. We know you'll find this experience fascinating! The guinea pigs are fried until wonderfully crispy, offering a taste reminiscent of chicken but with a slightly richer, fattier flavor. Many locals, and we agree, consider the head the tastiest part. We typically enjoy Cuy frito with our hands, accompanied by sweet corn on the cob, fluffy rice, golden potatoes, various salsas, and fresh salads, often served in charming local cuyerías. It’s an authentic experience, much like discovering The Last Living Inca Town: Ollantaytambo's History.
Image
Brass Chicken
No Peruvian food tour is complete without Pollo a la brasa (Brass Chicken). This incredibly popular Peruvian dish features charcoal-grilled chicken renowned for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, traditionally served with golden French fries and crisp salads. Originating in Lima in the 1950s, the chicken is now often marinated in a special blend of ingredients, including vinegar, salt, pepper, rosemary, chili, and dark beer, offering a unique flavor profile that we know you’ll love. With approximately 27 million Peruvians consuming it daily, Pollo a la brasa is truly a staple of Peruvian cuisine, much like the Classic Inca Trail is a staple for adventurers!
Image
Lomo Saltado
We are confident you'll adore Lomo Saltado, another traditional Peruvian dish that beautifully blends cultures. It consists of perfectly stir-fried slices of sirloin or beef tenderloin, vibrant onions, flavorful yellow Peruvian chilis, and juicy tomatoes. We serve it proudly with crispy French fries and fluffy rice. This dish wonderfully reflects a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese culinary influences, a delicious legacy owing to Chinese immigration in the 19th century. If you prefer, variations include substituting beef with chicken, known as Pollo Saltado. It’s a testament to Peru’s diverse heritage, much like the Cusco City Tour showcases the city’s rich history.
Image
Anticuchos
For a truly historical taste, we recommend Anticuchos. Originating from the Incas, these are small skewered and grilled meat pieces, with the most popular variant being Anticuchos de Corazón, made from beef heart. This incredibly flavorful dish quickly gained popularity across South and Central America. The first documented recipe dates back to the 16th century, describing marinated llama meat cooked over an open flame. The Conquistadors later adapted the dish, substituting beef for llama meat and skewering it on sugar cane stalks. It's a taste of history, much like exploring Qorikancha: Exploring The Golden Temple.
Image
Chiri Uchu
We are especially proud of Chiri Uchu, a traditional dish from Peru's Cusco region. This unique dish traces its origins back to the time of the Incas and holds particular significance during the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) and Corpus Christi celebrations. Its name, meaning "cold spicy" in Quechua, perfectly reflects its characteristic as a cold dish with a spicy flavor profile – a refreshing change, especially after a challenging Salkantay Trek 4 Days.
This incredible dish features a diverse array of ingredients such as guinea pig, chicken, charqui (dried meat), roasted corn, boiled potatoes, and rocoto peppers, beautifully representing the region's ecological diversity. Typically, these ingredients are layered or served together on a plate, often accompanied by a delicious spicy rocoto pepper sauce. It’s a harmonious blend, much like the different terrains you'll encounter on the Inca Trail Comparison: 1, 2, or 4 Days of Adventure?.
More blog articles
Why Kenko Adventures?
We present our real culture life to our clients, hiring people from villages and communities of our region.
We offer unique services like: hot shower and private toilets on treks. We have a real responsibility taking care of our planet.
Experts on: Inca Trail hikes and Machu Picchu Hiking Tours. We operate small groups.
Superior Quality services and full flexibility for any changes in this pandemic
Free warm jacket for my litle friend!
Kenko Adventure Peru founder decided to add a social proyect in all Our tours that means, if you are booking a tour with Us, you automatically are donating a warm jacket for Our litle kids that have very hard living in very cold conditions near by the Andes Mountain
Other Tours
