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Feb 11
Authentic Peruvian Chinese Food

5 Authentic Peruvian Chinese Food That Will Delight You

  • Claire
  • 49 Comments
  • Peru, Dishes
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One of the first things that struck us when we got to Lima, Peru on our quest for authentic food, was the high number of Chinese restaurants. At literally every corner, you see Chinese restaurants called Chifa selling Peruvian Chinese food. We were surprised as we did not expect to see such a dominant influence of the Chinese. We knew that this phenomenon needed further investigation.

Table of Contents

  • The Chinese Influence in Lima
  • 5 Must Try Chifa Dishes
  • #1: Arroz Chaufa
  • #2: Chaufa De Marisco
  • #3. Tallarin con Pollo
  • #4. Sopa de Wonton
  • #5. Lomo Saltado
  •  
  • In Summary

The Chinese Influence in Lima

To understand the Chifas and the Chinese influence in Peru, we started by visiting the local Chinatown in Lima. We learned that Barrio Chino de Lima is one of the Western Hemisphere’s earliest Chinatowns. The Chinese were the first Asians to arrive in Peru between 1848 and 1874. These early immigrants came as laborers with most staying and establishing small businesses and restaurants.

The Chinese introduced new ingredients such as ginger, soy sauce and scallions while maintaining their traditional cooking methods. They also used local ingredients like sweet pineapples and bananas from the Amazon and potatoes from the Andes highlands to create a new cuisine called Chifa.

Chifa reflects a fusion by Chinese Peruvians of the products that the Chinese brought with them and those that they found in Peru. In Chinese, “chi” means to eat and “fan” means rice. This is the origin of the delicious Peruvian Chinese food.

Chifa dishes in Barrio Chino LimaBarrio Chino, Lima
Chifa dishes in Barrio Chino LimaChifa restaurant in Barrio Chino, Lima

5 Must Try Chifa Dishes

Where to eat Chifa and what to eat quickly became our next challenge. With thousands of Chifa restaurants in all districts of Lima and many in the Lince neighborhood where we were staying, we had plenty to choose from. We decided to take the simple route and check out a couple of restaurants in the neighborhood trying a different Peruvian Chinese food at each restaurant.

We share below 5 Authentic Peruvian Chinese food you want to try in Peru.

#1: Arroz Chaufa

Arroz Chaufa also known as just Chaufa is the most emblematic of the Peruvian Chinese dishes.  The word Chaufa comes from Cantonese and literally means fried rice. It is prepared with a mix of fried rice, vegetables, Chinese onions, garlic, ginger, eggs, and chicken, cooked in a wok with soy sauce. It can also be prepared with other meats such as pork and steak. One fun fact about this dish is the Chaufero; this refers to the cook who specializes in the art of making Chaufa.

Chifa dishes Arroz ChaufaArroz Chaufa

We tried Chaufa at several Chifa restaurants in our neighborhood and found it to be a quite simple Peruvian Chinese food. It is the most basic of the Chaufas and is essentially fried rice. We took it “to go” several times when we needed something quick and easy and did not feel like cooking. It is filling and satisfying but don’t expect anything fancy.

#2: Chaufa De Marisco

A variation of the Chaufa, Chaufa de Marisco is a Chaufa prepared with seafood. Chaufa is so much a part of the Peruvian food culture that it is not only served at a Chifa restaurant. We tried Chaufa de Marisco at a Cevicheria (a place that sells ceviche) at the Surquillo farmers market.

Chifa dishes chaufa de mariscoChaufa de Marisco

While waiting for the Chaufa de Marisco dish, we were served a delicious soup from the juice of the cooked seafood, with cilantro and onion. A delight! The Chaufa was prepared with ají amarillo (yellow chili pepper), rice, calamaris and shrimps.

It was a nice change from the typical Arroz Chaufa. The dish gets its nice yellow color from the seafood and the ají amarillo. The flavors and fresh seafood were incredible. We would recommend skipping the standard Arroz Chaufa and going straight for the Chaufa de Marisco.

#3. Tallarin con Pollo

Tallarin along with Chaufa is one of the Peruvian Chinese food that is on every Chifa menu. Tallarin by itself are yellow noodles made with eggs. They are most commonly prepared with chicken (Tallarin con Pollo). Similarly to the Chaufa, the tallarin is stir-fried in a wok with vegetables, chinese onions, chicken, soy sauce and ginger. They are several variations of this dish and vegetables can be added as well as different types of meat.

Chifa Dishes Tallarin and Chaufa mixTallarin and Chaufa Mix

We tried the Tallarin con Pollo in combination with Chaufa. We really enjoyed the flavors of the stir-fried noodle as well as their thin texture. We found this dish to have more complex flavors and was more delicious than the Chaufa. We recommend that you have it as one meal and you will not regret it!

#4. Sopa de Wonton

The Sopa de Wonton or wonton soup is the most common soup served in the Chifa. It is usually offered at lunch or with dinner. It is a simple soup made of noodles, wonton filled with meat, cilantro, chinese onion and chicken. It is quite basic though full of flavors. A very nice soup to start the meal and stimulate your appetite!

Chifa dishes sopa de wontonSopa de Wonton

#5. Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado, today is considered a traditional Peruvian dish, though it is actually a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food. This is one of the typical must try dishes that is highly recommended by Peru Gastronomy critic, Cecilia Portella Morote.

Chifa dishes lomo saltadoDelicious Lomo Saltado

Strips of beef are stir-fried with potatoes, onions, tomato and ají amarillo then flavored with a little soy sauce, garlic and cilantro. Although it is served Chinese-style with rice on the side, it is interesting to see Peruvian potatoes included as well.

Of the Peruvian Chinese dishes we tried, this one dish was our favorite. The delicious thin cut strips of beef, accompanied with veggies, rice and potatoes makes for an easy and tasty meal. It’s the kind of dish that you cannot go wrong with. After digging into this meal, it’s easy to see why this dish has transcended its Chinese origins to becoming a staple in the Peruvian cuisine.

 

In Summary

The immigrant culture is very strong in Peru. And, the Chinese influence has been the most surprising and yet wonderful to experience in the Peruvian Chinese food. Apparently, Peru is the country with the most Chinese restaurants in South America. And it is only in Peru that Chinese food is referred to as Chifa. What’s interesting is that unlike the U.S. where Chinese food is considered “ethnic”, Chifa is so deeply integrated with Peru and the food, that is has become, in itself, Peruvian.

Our culinary journey and hunt for authentic dishes around Peru continues. We invite you to join us and learn a little more about the Gastronomy capital of South America.

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter here and get your free ebook on The 5 Best Ways to Find Authentic Food While Traveling.

Savor The Adventure!

Claire

Claire, ex-engineer, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Vietnam. Favorite local dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice.  Favorite way to keep fit: Cycling. Claire is responsible for the website and the fun food & travel videos on Youtube. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.

49 Comments

  1. Paula McInerney
    February 12, 2016 at 2:41 pm · Reply

    Well I didn’t know this about the Chinese in Peru, or about the chifa. Great info.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 12, 2016 at 5:41 pm · Reply

      Thanks Paula for your comments. Indeed the Chinese influence in Peru is quite embedded into the culture. This is reflected in the delicious dishes:)

  2. Name (required)Tammi @ Tea For Tammi
    February 12, 2016 at 6:38 pm · Reply

    It’s always so interesting to see how people in other cultures have their own spin on Chinese food. And there seems to always be Chinese food EVERYWHERE. Great read! Love the insights.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 12, 2016 at 9:26 pm · Reply

      Thanks so much Tammi. We were quite surprised to learn how old and big the Chinese community is in Peru! True, always Chinese food everywhere:)

  3. Anna @ shenANNAgans
    February 12, 2016 at 6:55 pm · Reply

    The Sopa de Wonton sounds really interesting, is this the peruvian version of Japans miso? I could defs go a plate of the Lomo Saltado, looks delicious

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 12, 2016 at 9:28 pm · Reply

      Yes,the Sopa de Wonton is the Peruvian Japanese miso. Simple and delicious and indeed the Lomo Saltado is yummy!! Thanks Anna for your comments:)

  4. Eileen | The Food Avenue
    February 12, 2016 at 11:04 pm · Reply

    The Sopa de Wonton sounds delicious! I’m a big fan of miso soup so I think I will like it!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 1:19 pm · Reply

      It’s a simple and delicious soup. I’m sure you would enjoy it 🙂

  5. Elissa
    February 12, 2016 at 11:09 pm · Reply

    Interesting to hear about the Chinese immigrant influence in Peru, I didn’t know about that.

  6. mark
    February 12, 2016 at 11:46 pm · Reply

    I think Chinese and Turkish food is taking over the world it is everywhere seemingly. And i love it love both if their cuisines . Some the dishes you listed look great i love rice based dishes

  7. Rose
    February 13, 2016 at 1:17 am · Reply

    The Chinese influence in Lima is so interesting.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 1:20 pm · Reply

      Glad you enjoyed reading about the Chinese influence in Lima and Peru in general 🙂

  8. karla
    February 13, 2016 at 8:41 am · Reply

    I am excited to learn more about the food in South America. This one is definitely a must try.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 1:23 pm · Reply

      Thanks Karla…the food in South America is so fascinating. It’s amazing how much the local specialities differ by region and country. We have written lots about the food in the region and we invite you to stay engaged! Cheers 🙂

  9. Himanshu
    February 13, 2016 at 10:47 am · Reply

    Since centuries immigrants from one part of world have gone too other part of world and in thsi made the whole world look better.
    Wow. CHIFA, is an eyeopener for me. Never knew of such thing. Thanks for introducing this.
    Look forward to the day you would uncover India in your foodquest.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 1:26 pm · Reply

      We could not agree with you more. The influence of immigrants around the world and in particular the cuisine is remarkable. We’ll keep you posted about discovering India 🙂 Thanks for your comments!

  10. Lesley
    February 13, 2016 at 11:46 am · Reply

    I love Chinese food! I think I could live on different variations of chifa. I never heard of Lomo Saltado but it looks delicious.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 1:30 pm · Reply

      If you love Chinese food, you will not be disappointed with the variations of Chifa and Chaufa 🙂 True the Lomo Saltado is simple, yet delicious. Hope you can make it to Peru and experience all this goodness first-hand 🙂

  11. LeAnna
    February 13, 2016 at 11:52 am · Reply

    I actually find the “fusion” of cultures all over the world to be fascinating, although I don’t know if I ever would have guess Chinese and Peru as one! So, I guess it would make it that much more interesting! Really cool to see the combo of food though and how the two cultures really did combine, at least culinary speaking

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 1:32 pm · Reply

      Completely agree with you….until we got to Peru we would never have put Chinese and Peru together. Once we read up on the history of the culture of the food…it all made sense 🙂 The outcome in the different adaptations of the food is incredible!!

  12. Michele Peterson
    February 13, 2016 at 12:01 pm · Reply

    Fascinating post! Chaufa de Marisco sounds delicious and a lot like paella which I love.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 1:33 pm · Reply

      Thanks Michele, glad you enjoyed reading the post. Would not say Chaufa de Marisco is close to Paella…it’s more like fried rice with delicious seafood…in a Chinese way!! Different spices and flavors from paella. Nevertheless, just as delicious 🙂

  13. Evelyne CulturEatz
    February 13, 2016 at 2:48 pm · Reply

    I was in Lima for 1 day, I did not notice all the Chinese restaurants and totally missed the Chifa phenomenon. That is so cool great read.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 8:32 pm · Reply

      Hi Evelyne! Glad you liked the article. One day in Lima is a bit short to try all the cuisine from Peru. Although the Chifa are great to do, I would do Ceviche before Chifa dishes.

  14. Tamar
    February 13, 2016 at 3:42 pm · Reply

    I had no idea there was such a large Chinese presence in Peru! I love how the cuisines meld to form a fusion of local and imported flavours. Looks tasty!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 8:30 pm · Reply

      Hi Tamar, thanks for your comment! It not only look tasty, it is also delicious.

  15. Chris
    February 13, 2016 at 4:05 pm · Reply

    Oh man those rice dishes look delicious. Now you got me thinking about dinner time…Great post!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 13, 2016 at 8:26 pm · Reply

      Thanks Chris! Glad you liked the article. Hopefully you got inspired for your dinner 🙂

  16. Bethaney
    February 13, 2016 at 9:08 pm · Reply

    I would never have thought to try Chinese cuisine whilst in Peru. Some of the dishes you’ve shared look pretty delicious. I’m hungry right about now!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 14, 2016 at 4:28 pm · Reply

      Thanks Bethaney for your comments. You can’t miss the “chifa” restaurants and dishes in Peru. It’s worth trying them out and comparing with your typical Chinese dishes. Glad the post made you hungry:)

  17. AcrossCities
    February 14, 2016 at 9:00 am · Reply

    Interesting… Sopa de wonton… Haha so amusing how they mix Peruvian and Chinese language as well.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 14, 2016 at 4:31 pm · Reply

      It is truly a melding of cultures in Peru – It’s not so much Chinese in Peru…but rather Peruvian – in language and food!

  18. Mar Pages
    February 14, 2016 at 10:01 pm · Reply

    Its fascinating how almost every country has their own Chinatown. Wontons are one of my favourite comfort foods, glad to see its readily available!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 14, 2016 at 10:46 pm · Reply

      Hi Mar, agree and in Peru it is even more fascinating how they combined Chinese and Peru food to make it truly Peruvian.

  19. Name (required)Karilyn
    February 14, 2016 at 10:28 pm · Reply

    So cool. I didn’t realize there was so much Chinese food in Peru! I visited, but didn’t make it to Lima. Of course I’m a huge mexican/latin food fan, so I probably wouldn’t have even noticed, but so interesting to learn this!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 14, 2016 at 10:49 pm · Reply

      Thanks Karilyn! Maybe you had Lomo Saltado which is a very popular Peruvian meal coming from Chinese roots.

  20. Tandy | Lavender and Lime
    February 15, 2016 at 12:30 am · Reply

    so interesting to know how the Chinese arrived there. I must say the Sopa de Wonton looks quite intriguing 🙂

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 15, 2016 at 7:45 pm · Reply

      Thanks Tandy! Yes the Sopa de Wonton is really a nice soup to start the meal, really simple but flavorful.

  21. Hitch-Hikers Handbook
    February 16, 2016 at 6:41 am · Reply

    That’s really interesting! I had no idea about such a strong Chinese influence in Peru! I love Chinese cuisine and would be very curious to try the food made in a Peruvian way!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      February 16, 2016 at 9:55 am · Reply

      The Chinese food with the Peruvian influence is really different and delicious. If you have a Peruvian restaurant in your area…check it out:) Thanks so much!

  22. 10 Unique Peruvian Drinks To Help You Have A More Local Experience - Authentic Food Quest
    February 16, 2016 at 11:08 am · Reply

    […] to be the best complement for the unique and local dishes we highlighted earlier like Ceviche and Lomo Saltado. By highlighting these unique Peruvian drinks, our goal is to ensure that you know about Pisco […]

  23. The 6 Criollo Dishes You Should Eat in Peru - Authentic Food Quest
    March 1, 2016 at 10:33 am · Reply

    […] Lomo Saltado is one of the most emblematic and traditional dishes in Peru. You can find it easily in any restaurants or farmers market. It is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food which makes it a typical criollo dish. You can read more about it here in our a previous post: Spotlight On Peruvian Fusion – Chifa Dishes & Lomo Saltado. […]

  24. Arroz Chaufa: Peruvian-Cantonese Stir Fried Rice - Arousing Appetites: Home to the Serious Cook
    April 14, 2017 at 11:35 am · Reply

    […] scallions and white rice. The Chinese chefs for their part took inspiration from the ingredients they found in Peru like pineapples, bananas, the copious varieties of mountain potato and aji amarillo […]

  25. Taylor Bishop
    July 28, 2017 at 8:52 am · Reply

    All of these meals look so delicious, particularly the lomo saltado. I wouldn’t have known that it’s a dish that is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food. Hopefully I get a chance to try these dishes at some point in the future.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      July 28, 2017 at 4:32 pm · Reply

      Thanks Taylor for your comments. We were also surprised and delighted to discover Chinese-Peruvian cuisine. It’s great that this dish is now a national dish in the country. Visit your local Peruvian restaurant and chances are they’ll have it on the menu. Thanks for stopping by!

  26. Perubybus
    March 13, 2018 at 6:10 pm · Reply

    Great article! Peruvian gastronomy is so unique because it is a mixed of different traditions, like the Spanish and the Chinese. Chifa is one of the most flavorful and delicious food in Peru! You have to try the Arroz Chaufa and Sopa Wantan!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      March 16, 2018 at 12:25 pm · Reply

      Thank you for your comments and we wholeheartedly agree, Peruvian cuisine is amazing!! We did enjoy Arroz Chaufa and Sopa Wantan…amazing food all around. Thanks for stopping by.

  27. Luis Soto
    June 2, 2018 at 8:41 pm · Reply

    As a Peruvian, I’m familiar with chifa. In fact, I’m dining at one right now.
    Just one thing: nobody in Perú says wonton, but wantan (sth like “wahnTAHN” when pronounced).

    • Authentic Food Quest
      June 5, 2018 at 12:35 am · Reply

      Lucky you to be dining at a chifa restaurant. We miss this delicious cuisine. You are totally right…it is wantan!! Where is your favorite Chifa restaurant? Thanks for stopping by!

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