Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cusco, Cusco, Peru
1. Cuy al Horno (Roasted Guinea Pig)
Traditional Peruvian dish made from a roasted guinea pig. It's a unique taste that combines meat and crispy skin.
- Authentic Experience: Try an authentic Peruvian delicacy in Cusco, the cultural heart of Peru.
- Unique Ingredient: Guinea pig is not commonly found on menus elsewhere, making this dish a must-try.
- Cooking Method: The slow roasting process gives the meat a unique flavor and texture.
2. Anticuchos (Grilled Corn Heart Skewers)
Delicious skewers made from grilled corn hearts seasoned with spices and garlic.
- Street Food Delight: Sample a popular Peruvian street food in Cusco's bustling markets.
- Unique Ingredient: Anticuchos use the heart of corn, which gives them a distinctive taste.
- Traditional Preparation: Learn about the traditional preparation methods of this tasty dish.
3. Chupe de Camarones (Shrimp Stew)
Creamy shrimp stew with corn, potatoes, and cheese. A hearty dish perfect for chilly Cusco evenings.
- Warming Comfort Food: Enjoy a comforting bowl of this traditional stew in Cusco's cool climate.
- Seafood Specialty: Taste the unique flavors of Cusco's local shrimp in this popular dish.
- Creamy Texture: Savor the rich, creamy texture of this comforting stew.
4. Llama Stew (Estofado de Llama)
Traditional stew made from llama meat, potatoes, and a variety of spices.
- Cultural Experience: Experience the Andean culture by trying this dish made from local livestock.
- Rare Ingredient: Llama meat is not widely used, making this a unique culinary adventure.
- Flavorful Stew: Enjoy the rich flavors of this hearty stew in Cusco's picturesque eateries.
5. Picante de Cordero (Spicy Lamb Stew)
A spicy lamb stew cooked with a variety of peppers and potatoes.
- Flavorful Expedition: Taste the fiery flavors of this traditional dish during your expedition in Cusco.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the unique taste of Peruvian peppers in this authentic stew.
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy a hearty, spicy meal to warm up after a day exploring Cusco's historical sites.
6. Tallarines Verdes (Green Noodles)
Pasta dish made with green noodles, spinach, and cheese. Served with a side of chicken or beef.
- Comfort Food: Enjoy a comforting pasta dish in Cusco's bustling restaurants.
- Unique Noodles: Try green noodles, a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes.
- Versatile Dish: Choose between chicken or beef to customize this popular Peruvian dish.
7. Causa Rellena (Potato Casserole)
A layered casserole made with mashed potatoes, tuna, and avocado.
- Unique Presentation: Admire the beautiful layers of this traditional dish in Cusco's restaurants.
- Tasty Combo: Savor the tangy taste of tuna and creamy avocado combined with earthy potatoes.
- Traditional Preparation: Learn about the traditional preparation methods of this delicious dish.
8. Sopa de Quinoa (Quinoa Soup)
Healing soup made with quinoa, vegetables, and herbs.
- Healthy Option: Choose a nutritious meal to complement your active travels in Cusco.
- Native Ingredient: Taste the unique flavor of native Andean grain, quinoa.
- Restorative Meal: Enjoy a comforting bowl of this restorative soup in Cusco's cozy restaurants.
9. Mazamorra Morada (Purple Corn Pudding)
Sweet corn pudding made with purple corn and spices.
- Unique Dessert: Try a unique dessert, the vibrant purple Mazamorra Morada.
- Native Ingredient: Taste the earthy flavor of native Andean purple corn.
- Traditional Preparation: Learn about the traditional preparation methods of this traditional dessert.
10. Chicha de Jora (Corn Beer)
Traditional Peruvian corn beer, made from fermented maize.
- Authentic Beverage: Taste an authentic Andean beverage in Cusco's local bars.
- Unique Fermentation: Experience the unique fermentation process of Chicha de Jora.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Andean culture by trying this traditional beverage.
11. Muna (Andean Cheese)
Traditional Andean cheese made from cow's or sheep's milk.
- Native Product: Taste a native product of the Andes, Andean Cheese.
- Flavorful Cheese: Savor the unique flavor of this traditional cheese in Cusco's markets.
- Artisanal Production: Learn about artisanal production methods of Andean Cheese.
12. Picante de Carne (Spicy Meat Dish)
A spicy dish made with slow-cooked beef, potatoes, and a variety of peppers.
- Flavorful Adventure: Experience the fiery flavors of this traditional Peruvian dish.
- Authentic Experience: Taste an authentic Andean dish in Cusco's local eateries.
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy a hearty, spicy meal to warm up after a day exploring Cusco's historical sites.
13. Olluco con Charqui (Olluco with Dried Meat)
A traditional dish made with Olluco tubers and Charqui, a type of dried meat.
- Cultural Experience: Experience the Andean culture by trying this dish made from local ingredients.
- Unique Ingredient: Taste Charqui, a unique type of dried meat not commonly found elsewhere.
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy a hearty meal that showcases the Andean region's bountiful produce.
14. Mamacona (Pumpkin Dessert)
A sweet dessert made from pumpkin and sugar.
- Unique Dessert: Try a unique dessert, Mamacona, in Cusco's local bakeries.
- Native Ingredient: Taste the earthy flavor of native Andean pumpkin.
- Traditional Preparation: Learn about the traditional preparation methods of this dessert.
15. Chuño (Freeze-Dried Potatoes)
Traditional Andean snack made from freeze-dried potatoes.
- Native Product: Taste a native product of the Andes, Chuño.
- Unique Preservation Method: Experience the unique freeze-drying preservation method used for these potatoes.
- Traditional Snack: Sample a traditional Andean snack during your travels in Cusco.