Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Arequipa, Peru

1. Chupe de Camarones

A creamy seafood soup made with shrimp, potatoes, and cheese, served with a boiled egg. Try it at La Nueva York

Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors is sure to satisfy any seafood lover
Local Ingredients: Chupe de Camarones uses locally sourced shrimp and fresh cheese from the region
Hearty Meal: This soup is a filling dish, perfect for a cold day in Arequipa

Fresh conch served with lime juice, chili peppers, onions, and sweet potatoes. Visit La Mansa for this dish

Fresh Seafood: The conch is sourced daily from local fisheries, ensuring freshness
Traditional Preparation: The ceviche is prepared following a traditional Arequipa recipe
Spicy Kick: The addition of chili peppers gives the dish a nice spicy kick

A spicy pepper filled with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. Enjoy it at El Inca de Oro

Unique Pepper: The rocoto pepper, used exclusively in this dish, adds a distinctive flavor
Hearty Main Dish: Rocoto Relleno is a filling main course, perfect for those with larger appetites
Spicy Delight: The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences

A stew made with pork, potatoes, and corn on the cob. Try it at Casa del Adobo

Local Specialty: Adobo Arequipeño is a traditional dish unique to Arequipa
Hearty Meal: This stew is a filling, comforting dish suitable for any meal of the day
Unique Ingredients: The addition of corn on the cob gives this stew a distinctive taste

A sandwich made with horse meat, red onions, and salsa verde. Visit La Fonda Del Caballero for this dish

Local Tradition: Sanguchon de Caballo is a traditional Arequipa street food
Unusual Ingredient: This sandwich uses horse meat, a less common ingredient in many places
Flavorful Fillings: The combination of ingredients creates a unique, flavorful sandwich

A cornmeal pastry filled with quinoa, potatoes, and cheese. Try it at La Picanteria

Local Ingredient: Quinoa is a staple crop of the Arequipa region, featured prominently in this dish
Portable Snack: Empanadas are easy to carry and perfect for a quick bite on the go
Hearty Option: The filling is hearty and satisfying, making this an excellent snack choice

Roasted guinea pig served with potatoes and corn. Visit La Casona del Cuy for this dish

Cultural Experience: Trying cuy al horno provides a taste of Peruvian culture and tradition
Unique Taste: The taste of guinea pig is slightly gamey, making this dish an adventure for many
Traditional Cooking Method: Cuy al horno is traditionally cooked in a clay oven, preserving its natural flavors

Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed almonds. Try it at La Casa del Chocolate

Warm Beverage: Chochoca con Leche is the perfect drink to warm up on a cold day in Arequipa
Local Ingredient: The cocoa used in this drink is sourced from local farms
Sweet Treat: The sweetness of the whipped cream and almonds provides a delightful contrast to the hot cocoa

Fried dough balls made with sweet potatoes and squash, served with syrup. Try them at La Picaronera

Local Specialty: Picarones are a traditional dessert unique to Arequipa
Unique Ingredients: The use of sweet potatoes and squash gives these picarones a distinct flavor
Sweet Treat: Picarones are a delicious, sweet treat perfect for satisfying your cravings

Snail soup made with vegetables and chili peppers. Try it at La Pescaderia

Unique Ingredient: This dish features snails, an unusual ingredient in many places
Warming Soup: Sopa de Caracol is a hearty soup perfect for cold days in Arequipa
Spicy Kick: The addition of chili peppers gives this dish a nice spicy kick

A dessert made with fried dough and filled with sweetened rice. Try it at La Fria de la Montanita

Local Specialty: Chanfainita con Sanguchon is a traditional Arequipa dessert
Sweet Treat: This dessert offers a sweet, satisfying end to your meal
Unique Ingredients: The use of fried dough and sweetened rice sets this dish apart from others

A seafood soup made with shrimp, fish, potatoes, and cheese. Try it at La Cueva del Sapo

Rich Flavors: The combination of seafood, vegetables, and cheese creates a rich, flavorful soup
Local Ingredients: This soup uses locally sourced shrimp, fish, and cheese
Hearty Meal: Chupe de Camarones con Tilapia is a filling dish, perfect for a cold day in Arequipa

Roasted guinea pig served with fish. Visit La Casona del Cuy for this dish

Cultural Experience: Trying cuy al horno con pescado provides a taste of Peruvian culture and tradition
Unique Taste: The combination of guinea pig and fish creates a unique, flavorful dish
Traditional Cooking Method: Cuy al horno con pescado is traditionally cooked in a clay oven, preserving its natural flavors

A cake soaked with three types of milk and topped with whipped cream. Try it at La Pasteleria Moderna

Sweet Treat: Tres Leches Cake is a delicious, sweet treat perfect for satisfying your cravings
Unique Preparation: The cake's unique preparation, using three types of milk, gives it a rich flavor and moist texture
Creamy Topping: The whipped cream topping adds a delightful contrast to the sweet, milky cake

Spicy lamb stew made with potatoes and corn. Try it at El Tio Julio

Hearty Meal: Picante de Cordero is a filling, hearty dish perfect for those with larger appetites
Spicy Kick: The spiciness of this stew can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences
Local Ingredient: Lamb is a common meat in Arequipa, and this dish features locally sourced lamb