Peruvian Foods

Understanding the Peruvian Palate

By Madelyn Miller

The three staples of Peruvian cuisine are corn, potatoes and chiles. And nowhere else in the world can you find so many varieties or such creative uses for these ingredients.

The origin of the golden grains is described in an Indian tale. It describes the dismemberment of the god Pachacamac. His teeth, it is said, were changed into grains of corn, and his genitals into yucca and sweet potatoes, thus providing the earth with food, so his people would not go hungry..

Another popular legend tells the story of an Inca noble who fell into a well while walking, His father, the sun god, looked down sadly on his imprisoned son, but could not intervene to save him. The tears of gold that fell from the father’s eyes reached the earth, irrigated it and made the fields flourish. The gains of corn that grew were said to be the golden tears of the sun god.

Peru’s criolla cuisine evolved through the blending of native and European cultures. A la criolla is the term used to describe slightly spiced dishes such as sopa a la criolla, a wholesome soup containing beef, noodles, milk and vegetables.

Throughout the extensive coastal region, seafood plays a dominant role in the Creole diet.. The most famous Peruvian dish is ceviche, a raw fish or shrimp marinated in lemon or lime juice and traditionally accompanied by corn and sweet potatoes.

The most traditional Peruvian food is cuy, which is guinea pig. It is frequently roasted and served with peanut sauce. Be sure to try the pink trout which very popular in the Cusco area.

For almuerzo, or lunch, the man meal of the day, one of four courses might be lomo saltado, a stir-fried beef dish, or aji de gallina, chicken in a creamy spiced sauce.

Peruvians have a sweet tooth and some of their favorite sweets include suspiro a la limena  , (meringue on top of a carmel flavored custard) and manjar blanco (which adds port to the custard)  both made from sweetened condensed milk. There are many unusual fruits including chirimoya (custard apple), lucuma, a nut-like fruit, and tuna, which is actually the flesh of a cactus.

Choclo is corn on the cob, often sold by street vendors at lunchtime. It is very different than North American. The individual kernels are huge, and you pull back the leaves to use as a handle.

Other Peruvian “fast foods” includes anticuchos, shish-kebabos of marinated beef heart; and picarones, sweet lumps of fried batter served with molasses.

Peru’s national drink is pisco sour, which is made from grape brandy, lemon, egg white and a dash of cinnamon. Another national favorite is Inka Cola, a piss yellow colored drink that tastes like cream soda. It is more popular than its northern namesake, but Coke, Pepsi, Orange Crush, Sprite and Seven-up can all be found

In many Peruvian towns, the soft drink chicha morada, made with purple maise, is popular. It is different from the chicha de jora, the traditional home-made alcoholic brew known throughout the Andes

The jugos (juices) are a delightful alternative to soft drinks and many choices are available. Instant Nescafe is served in even good restaurants, but good coffee can be found. There is even a Starbucks.

Tea is available in many flavors not commonly found other places, such as anise and mate de coca. The Mate de Coca is said to be helpful in preventing altitude sickness, and I think it worked for me.

Beers are inexpensive and of high quality. Brands to try include Cusquena, Cristal and Arequipena. Peruvian wines can’t compete with Chilean quality, but for a price, Taberneo, Tacama, Ocucaje and Vista Alegre are the reliable names.

EDIBLE GIFTS

I found Mate de Coca tea, is like our aspirin, a cure-all for almost everything—and it tastes good to boot. Not only does it prevent and cure altitude sickness, it is also calming for an upset stomach and controls hunger. Get some for all your hypochondriac friends.

The harvesting of Brazil-nuts is a major economy of the jungles and does not destroy its ecosystem. Fresh Brazil-nuts are fresher in flavor than processed nuts as they still contain many of their natural oils. Large bags of ready-shelled nuts can be bought very cheaply, either plain or a less-healthy sugar coating.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Peru is located on the central Western part of South America, immediately below the equator, the  coast of the Pacific Ocean. Its climate should be tropical; however, the cold waters of the Humboldt current and the Andes Mountain Range, make Peru a country of incredible contrasts.

THE SUN

An important part of Peruvian culture is the sun. You see its influence in religion, history, decorative elements in it art. And as much as Peruvians love the sun, Gringos must be careful. Carry a minimum of 30 sp sunscreen. The tropical sun might feel very gentle but you can burn to a crisp. Ultra-violet rays are particularly powerful at high altitudes. Wear a brimmed hat as well as sunglasses  and slather yourself with sunscreen every few hours.

High humidity dehydrates the body, drink plenty of liquid and add salt to your food.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Soroche, or altitude sickness is something that affects people to a varying degree. You can do things to prevent it. In most cases the symptoms are very mild—fatigue, shortnes of breath, flight nauseand headache. The best prevention and cure is to lie down for a few hours upon arrival at your hotel and then slowly introduce yourself to physical activity. Coca tea, available in hotels and restaurants. Also helps. Sonesta Hotels offer free coca tea in the lobby of all their hotels, and have oxygen available at no charge for guests. Many people use 500 milligrams of Diamox  daily. The drug requires a prescription in the United States but is available over the counter in Peru

If the symptoms are severe—vomiting, insomnia, rapid irregular pulse, the immediate treatment is to descend to a lower altitude. This usually only happens to mountain climbers but clearly prevention is the easier route.

TOURIST CARD

Don’t forget to hang on the to tourist card which you fill out when  you arrive in Peru.

You’ll need to hand it in to immigration when you leave. And save $25 for paying the airport tax.

HOW TO GET THERE

LanChile 
www.lanchle.com
1-800- 735-5526

BEST GUIDEBOOK

Insight Guide to Peru
www.Insightguides.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION

LANGUAGE

Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru. It is possible to communicate in English with people who provide tourist services.

MONEY

The official currency of Peu is the Nuevo Sol.

WHERE TO STAY

The Sonesta Posadas Del Inca are a collection of 6 city inns and country lodges throughout Peru.  The properties are strategically located near the country’s renowned historic and archaeological sites, such as museums, temples, monuments and natural wonders like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley.  Ranging in size from 28 to 137 rooms, each Sonesta Posada Del Inca offers an intimate experience in the style and tradition of true Peruvian hospitality.

For reservations, call toll-free 1-800-SONESTA (766-3782). www.sonesta.com 

·        Sonesta Posada Del Inca El Olivar Lima, (San Isidro, Lima) 137 rooms

·        Sonesta Posada Del Inca Miraflores (Lima), 28 rooms

·        Sonesta Posada Del Inca Cuzco, 53 rooms

·        Sonesta Posada Del Inca Yucay, 67 rooms

·        Sonesta Posada Del Inca Puno, 62 rooms

·        Sonesta Posada Del Inca Arequipa, 58 rooms

Maiz: Credit photo: Mylene D´Auriol/ Promperú
Papa: Credit Photo: Carlos Sala/Promperú
Other food courtesy of Orient-Express Hotels Peru, Chef, Michael Raas