The 6 Criollo Dishes You Should Eat in Peru

Our obsession with Peruvian cuisine continues! This time we explore Peruvian Criollo dishes.  

What is Peruvian Criollo food you might ask? And what are the Criollo dishes worth eating in Peru?

The short answer is Peruvian Criollo food is Peruvian “comfort food”or everyday food.  It is the food that many Peruvians eat in their homes. Criollo means creole, which commonly refers to people who descended from the Spanish colonial settlers.

When it comes to food, the Peruvian native indians had to integrate different ingredients and cooking techniques into their cuisine. These influences came not only from the Spanish but also from the African slaves, Chinese and Japanese immigrants. Peruvian Criollo food is found mostly in the coastal and central regions of Peru where the early immigrants first settled.

Ready to indulge in Peruvian home cooking?

Here are the 6 Peruvian Criollo dishes you don’t want to miss while in Peru.

1. Causa

A causa is a very unique Peruvian starter made of potatoes. Not just any potatoes, but Peruvian potatoes. Potatoes originated in Peru and there are more than 3000 varieties. Some people say causa comes from the Quechua word “kausay” (sustenance of life).  

A signature dish from Peru. there are endless ways to compose and present this dish. The two most typical classics are Causa Limeña which has potato, tuna, avocado and tomato.

And, Causa Rellena which is potatoes stuffed with shredded chicken breast and tomatoes. Read more about Causa Limeña from our interview with Peru Gastronomy critic, Cecilia Morote.

2. Anticuchos

Anticuchos come from the African slaves who were brought to Peru by the Spanish in the16th century. The Spanish gave the African slaves the innards of cows which they considered garbage.

In a previous post, we talk in detail about anticuchos and how the Africans marinated the meats with spices and smoky chillies from the Andes and created Anticuchos. The most traditional is Anticuchos de Corazon, which are pieces of grilled beef heart. However, you can also get chicken, regular beef or even hot dog anticuchos.  

Today, anticuchos are a much-loved street food and favourite late-night dish.

3. Aji de Gallina

Aji de Gallina is one of the most typical native Peruvian dishes. It is a fusion of Spanish and Quechua ingredients. It is a thick cream made up of shredded chicken with yellow chili, bread crumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, pecans, milk, onion and garlic. It gets its bright yellow color from Aji amarillo or yellow chili.  Aji is one of the most popular spices that is used to add extra flavor in meals.

The Aji de Gallina is typically made with boiled potatoes or rice. Served with succulent chicken, this creamy, mildly spicy sauce dish has a delicious combination of flavors.

4. Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado is one of the most emblematic and traditional Peruvian Criollo dishes. 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.

Often served as the main meal on the lunch menu, it can easily be shared. It consists of stir-fried strips of beef are stir-fried with potatoes, onions, tomato and ají amarillo then flavored with a little soy sauce, garlic and cilantro. It is very tasty and one of our favorite dishes in Peru.

5. Tacu Tacu

Tacu tacu is a typical Peruvian dish whose heritage is from the Afro Peruvian community. It is the Peruvian version of refried beans and rice. It is a way to use-up leftover rice and beans in a simple and savory combination. It is usually served as a patty with a cheap cut of beef steak and fried egg on top.

Though today you can find it with many variations using yellow chili, different types of beans and vegetables like asparagus and leeks.The rice and beans typically needs to be prepared a day before.

We had Tacu tacu at a Cevicheria and it was prepared with seafood. The portion was humongous, definitively enough to be shared for three people. It was a delight!

6. Suspiro a la Limeña

Suspiro a la Limeña is a Peruvian Criollo dessert and Lima’s most popular.  It is creamy dulce de leche  topped with a smooth meringue cloud and a touch of cinnamon. The name means “a woman’s sigh” given to it by Peruvian poet Jose Galvez. It was first known as the “Royal Delight of Peru.”   

Super sweet, it is worth indulging in this classic Lima dessert.

In Summary

When you sit down for a meal in Peru, you are not just eating, but tasting a fascinating mix of foods and cultures. The Peruvian Criollo dishes are a result of the new flavors and ingredients which combine the flavors of Africa, Europe and Asia.

When in Peru, indulge in these 6 must-eat Peruvian Criollo dishes. Be prepared for a culinary and historic journey of the Spanish creole influence in Peru. These dishes are eaten by Peruvians throughout the country, and are in fact, the everyday food.

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