Peruvian Criollo Food Guide: Top 7 Dishes to Devour

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Peruvian Criollo food is a melting pot of various cultural influences. The resulting mix of flavors are vibrant, colorful, and tasty dishes.

While exploring the local food specialties in Peru, we were surprised by the popular everyday dishes known as Criollo food.

After eating our way through the country, we highlight some of the most traditional Peruvian Criollo foods we discovered.

If your travels take you to Peru, here are 7 beloved Criollo foods not to miss.

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What Is Criollo Food?

Peru Gastronomy Lomo Saltado by Authentic Food Quest
Delicious Peruvian criollo food

The short answer is criollo food is Peruvian “comfort food,” or everyday food. It is the food that many Peruvians eat in their homes. 

If the word “criollo” sounds familiar, it’s likely because you’ve heard its English equivalent: Creole. 

In Peru and other countries in Latin America, the word “Criollo” commonly refers to people who are descended from the Spanish colonial settlers.

In the past, Peruvians integrated different ingredients and cooking techniques into their cuisine. 

These influences came not only from the Spanish but also from enslaved Africans, Chinese, and Japanese immigrants who provided their own flavorful additions to the cuisine.

Today, Criollo food is found mostly in the coastal and central regions of Peru, the same areas where immigrants first settled. 

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If your travels take you to Lima, consider taking a food tour with a local guide and discover Peruvian Criollo food. See our guide to the 10 Best Food Tours in Lima For A Peruvian Feast

Peruvian Creole vs Criollo

Pabellón Criollo Venezolano by Authentic Food Quest
Criollo food from Venezuela Photo Credit: Wilfredor on Wikimedia cc by-sa 4.0

You will hear multiple terms being thrown around to discuss this cuisine. When you’re in Peru, if you hear the word “Criollo,” it’s typically in reference to Peruvian Creole dishes. 

However, the word “Criollo” is also used to describe cuisine in other countries. Each one has its own variations on comfort food, also called Cocina Criolla. 

  • Puerto Rico: The traditional food of Puerto Rico is known as Comida Criolla. Some of the popular Puerto Rican Cocina Criolla dishes include Mofongo, a plantains dish, Arroz con gandule rice dish,  and Lechon or roasted pig.
  • Cuba: Cuban comida criolla, a dish made up of several flavorsome ingredients, including a meat, salad, fried plantains, rice, and beans. One of the most popular is  Ropa Vieja and made with shredded beef and is also considered the national dish. 
  • Venezuela: A classic Venezuelan criollo dish is pabellón criollo, which is beans and rice with shredded beef.

The Criollo foods you get in Peru will be different from those cooked in other countries. Peruvian comfort food is delicious, and these are unmissable 7 Peruvian Cocina Criolla dishes.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you are curious about Peruvian Criollo dishes, consider making them at home with a local chef. The Chef and the Dish offers cooking classes with a Peruvian chef, live via Skype. Learn how to make Tacu Tacu, Salsa Criolla, and other popular Criollo dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen. Find out more about Peruvian cooking classes with The Chef and the Dish.

Top Peruvian Criollo Dishes

1. Peruvian Causa – Layered Potato Dish

Peru Gastronomy Causa Limena Criollo dishes
Beautifully plated causa Limena

Peruvian Causa is a unique Peruvian appetizer that consists of one of the nation’s 3,000 local varieties of potatoes.

The origin of the word “causa” is unknown, but some believe the word comes from the Quechua word “kausay,” which means “sustenance of life.”

A signature dish from Peru, there are endless ways to compose and present this dish. 

In Peru, there are two main Causa styles. You’ll find Causa Limeña and Causa Rellena.

Criollo Dishes causa rellena
Traditional causa rellena

The potato is the star ingredient and when we had Causa Limeña, tuna, avocado, and tomato were added. Whereas, Causa Rellena had shredded chicken breast and tomatoes.

Known generally as Causa, it is a Peruvian dish with a lot of tradition. With potatoes, chili, lemon, and different kinds of stuffing, it is always delicious.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If your travels take you to Cusco, consider taking a cooking class and learning to make Criollo dishes. See our guide to 7 Of The Best Cooking Classes in Cusco.

2. Anticuchos, Anticuchos de Corazon – Beef Heart

Criollo dishes anticuchos
Anticuchos sold in the streets of Lima

Anticuchos is a beloved Peruvian dish. This dish was first created by Africans who were enslaved by the Spanish in the 16th century. 

The Spanish gave the African slaves cow innards, which they considered unfit meats for themselves.

However, when the Africans marinated the meats with spices and smoky chilies harvested from the Andes, the tasty dish called Anticuchos was born

Hundreds of years later, Anticuchos is still served in Peru. The most traditional form of the dish is anticuchos de corazón, which includes pieces of grilled beef heart. 

Peruvian street food anticuchos
Surprised by the texture of anticuchos

The grilled beef heart is served on skewers with a boiled potato and a little bit of aji seasoning sauce.

If you prefer alternatives, you will also find other cuts of beef, chicken, or even hot dog Anticuchos.

Today, Anticuchos are a much-loved street snack and a favorite late-night dish.

RELATED: 7 Authentic Peruvian Street Food You Want To Have

3. Ají de Gallina – Peruvian Creamy Chicken Stew

Ají de Gallina Peruvian Creamy Chicken Stew by Authentic Food Quest
Aji de gallina is a classic criollo food

Ají de gallina is one of the most quintessential native Peruvian dishes. It fuses Spanish and Quechuan ingredients from the Peruvian Andes mountains.

Ají de gallina is typically made with boiled Peruvian potatoes or rice. Served with succulent chicken, this creamy, mildly spicy sauce dish features a great combination of flavors.

It gets its bright yellow color from ají amarillo, This ají amarillo, or yellow chili is one of the most popular spices and adds extra flavor and spice to meals. 

We first had this dish in Cusco and happily ate it throughout our stay in Peru. This is Peruvian comfort food at best, and it is one of the most emblematic and endearing dishes in Peru.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: If you are curious about Aji de Gallina and want to make it at home, see our simple Peruvian Aji de Gallina Recipe

4. Lomo Saltado – Peruvian Beef Stir Fry

Lomo Soltado Criollo Dishes by Authentic Food Quest
Lomo Saltado is among Peru’s most beloved foods

Lomo Saltado is another emblematic and traditional dish of Peru. The word “Lomo” means “loin,” while “Saltado” refers to the cooking method of stir-frying or sauteing. 

You can find it easily in any restaurant or farmers market. Lomo Saltado fuses Chinese and Peruvian food, also known as Chifa cooking, but is also considered a classic criollo dish.

The delicious dish consists of marinated beef strips that are stir-fried with Peruvian potatoes, onions, tomato, and aji amarillo, the must-have Peruvian sauce.

It is simple to make with commonly available ingredients. Everything is cooked in a wok, a throwback to the dish’s Chinese roots, and then flavored with a little soy sauce, garlic, and cilantro.

You’ll find it often served as the main meal on a lunch menu and it is very tasty. It is one of Peru’s signature dishes and one we enjoyed tremendously in the country.

RELATED: Chifa Peru: 5 Authentic Chinese Peruvian Foods That Will Surprise You

5. Tacu-Tacu – Peruvian Rice and Beans

Tacu tacu Peruvian Rice and Beans by Authentic Food Quest
A simple and rustic Peruvian criollo dish

Tacu-tacu is a typical Peruvian dish whose heritage is from the Afro-Peruvian communities.

It’s the Peruvian version of refried beans and rice. And, it was created as a way to use leftover rice and beans in a simple and savory combination.

The ingredients are usually mixed together to form a patty and may be served with protein like a cheap cut of beef steak or a fried egg on top.

As one of the signature dishes of Criollo cuisine, Tacu Tacu reflects the ingenuity of Afro-Peruvians to create a new dish using leftover rice and beans.

The name Tacu Tacu means “mix” or “mash,” and in general, the rice and beans used need to be from the day before.

Today, you’ll find many contemporary variations of the dish. Some variations use yellow chili, different types of beans, and vegetables like asparagus and leeks.

While in Peru, we had Tacu Tacu at a Cevicheria, prepared with seafood. The portion was humongous and large enough to be shared by three people. 

A tasty delight and a Peruvian Criollo food worth savoring.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: A world-leading culinary destination, Peruvian cuisine has been honored for multiple years in a row, as one of the best cuisines in the world. If you are interested in diving deeper into the country’s gastronomy, we recommend taking a 10-day Peru real food adventure. Starting in Lima and ending in Cusco, you’ll learn about the cuisine on tours, cooking classes, and local producer visits. You’ll also visit important landmarks in the country including Machu Picchu. 

6. Salsa Criolla, Sarza Criolla –  Red Onions, Ají Amarillo and Cilantro Salsa

Salsa Criolla Red Onions Ají Amarillo and Cilantro by Authentic Food Quest
Salsa criolla is often served with ceviche

Salsa Criolla, also known in Peru as sarza criolla, is a dish that’s part salad and part relish. 

It is traditionally prepared as an accompaniment to many Peruvian dishes. It adds spicy and acidic flavors and only a little bit is needed with a meal.

An integral part of Peruvian cooking, Salsa Criolla is made with thinly cut julienned red onions, thinly cut aji peppers, and cilantro. It is seasoned with lime, salt, and pepper for an additional kick.

On the tables of every local and traditional restaurant we ate at in Peru, this ubiquitous salsa was always present.

It is added to sandwiches, grilled meats, Peruvian tamales, and a variety of dishes.

RELATED: 7 Surprising Amazonian Foods to Try From the Peru Rainforest

7. Suspiro a la Limeña – Lima’s Signature Poetic Dessert

Criollo dishes suspiro a la limena
Popular and subtle criollo dessert

Suspiro a la Limeña is a 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 dessert’s unusual name translates to “sweet sigh of a woman.” This romantic name is said to have been coined by Peruvian poet Jose Galvez, who was reacting to the dessert invented by his wife Amparo Ayarza. 

Delighted by its flavors and textures, he described it as being as sweet and soft as a lady from Lima.

This iconic dessert combines ingredients and techniques brought over from Spain, with Peruvian Manjar or dulce de leche.

This popular Lima dessert is extremely sweet. We ate it sparingly, only a few times while in Lima, and each time delighted in its flavors.

RELATED: 10 of The Most Authentic Peruvian Desserts You Want To Know

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In Summary

When you sit down for a meal in Peru, you are not just eating. You’re tasting a fascinating mix of foods and cultures with long histories. 

The Criollo dishes are a result of the new flavors and ingredients which combine the flavors of Africa, Europe, and Asia,  all with a Peruvian twist.

When in Peru, do yourself a favor and try these must-eat criollo dishes. Be prepared for a culinary and historic journey that reveals the enduring Spanish influence in Peru. 

With fresh, flavorful ingredients, it’s no wonder these dishes are considered everyday comfort foods.

Have you tried any of these Peruvian Criollo foods before? Please let us know in the comments below.

Savor The Adventure!

More Peruvian Local Food Experiences

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Peruvian Criollo Food Guide by Authentic Food Quest

60 Comments on “Peruvian Criollo Food Guide: Top 7 Dishes to Devour”

    • If Peru is on your travel plans, be prepared for a delicious experience. The cuisine is amazing and very fresh. Glad you enjoyed reading about Criollo cuisine. There is so much to discover and enjoy. Thanks Tiffany!

      Reply
  1. Potatoes make up my favorite comfort foods. Didn’t know it was so universal. Need to add some of these yummy dishes to my comfort meals. We’re supposed to get rain this week so it’ll be perfect.

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    • Highly recommend Peruvian cuisine….definitively worth getting exposed to 🙂 Look for a restaurant in you local area and order one of the dishes listed in the article. Don’t forget to come back and let us know what you think. Cheers Julie.

      Reply
    • The food in Peru is definitively worth the trip. Hope you can get there soon, beyond Criollo dishes there are many other cuisines worth indulging in. Poke around the Peru section of this website and get inspired by the other dishes. Do let us know if you need any tips when you plan on visiting the country. Appreciate your comments Annemarie.

      Reply
  2. This does look like a fascinating mix of food and I would like to try it all. It all looks so great but I really would love to try the Suspiro a la Limeña first. It looks divine and I love the name.

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    • Thanks Pam for your comments and so glad to read that you enjoyed the article and the dishes highlighted. Yes, the Suspiro a la Limena is quite divine and incredibly sweet. To be eaten in moderation 🙂 Cheers.

      Reply
    • If Peru is in your travel plans, do make a point of giving any of these delicious dishes a try. Alternatively, you can always check out a Peruvian restaurant in your area. Give it a try and let us know what you think 🙂 Cheers!

      Reply
    • So glad to read that this has inspired you to open up to new tastes and flavors. That’s our mission with Authentic Food Quest!!! Do let us know what you end trying that is new and out of the ordinary for you. Cheers.

      Reply
    • Thanks Kristina and so glad that you enjoyed about the food. Learning about the food does make it much more appealing. Appreciate your comments about the article and pictures and hope you can go to Peru soon and taste these delights for yourself. Cheers.

      Reply
  3. I spent 2 months in Peru a few years back, I think it has some of the best food in the world. My favourite thing to do everyday was look for the Menu of the Day, such a deal with 3 courses for a few bucks, Aji de Gallina was one of my faves!

    Reply
    • You are right Sheena, you can’t go wrong with Aji de Gallina, a favorite of ours as well 🙂 The menu del dia is quite a good way to go…everything is fresh and as you said for a few bucks you get a delicious 2-3 course meal. Love Peru for that!!

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  4. Mmh, they all look very good and interesting!
    I would definitely try some, especially #5 looks very good. I love calamaris, so that one seems the best fit for me!

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    • Thanks Crissy. Peruvian Criollo food is indeed delicious. The mix of cultures really makes for innovative dishes. They are all good and hope you can make it to Peru to give them a taste!! Appreciate your comments.

      Reply
  5. I haven’t been to Peru (yet) but did spend quite a bit of time in Bolivia so got to sample many ( many) varieties of potatoes. I would especially love to try Suspiro a la Limeña. I love the history of the name and its seems very unique!

    Reply
    • That’s right Michele, both Peru and Bolivia do have an incredible amount of varieties of potatoes. Did you find a favorite kind? The Suspiro a la Limena is worth the trip to Lima. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions when you go to Lima, Peru. Thanks for your comments.

      Reply
    • The funny thing Shane, is when the food is so fresh, healthy with no preservatives, you actually do not gain the 20 pounds. Instead, you savor incredible and delicious flavors. Yes, the Causa Limena is a favorite. Cheers.

      Reply
  6. I’m not familiar with Peruvian cuisine, but I always want to try something new and this looks delicious. I am going to save this for when I have the chance to eat Peruvian.

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    • Awesome Krysten, so glad this article intrigued you. Check out a Peruvian restaurant in your local area and they are bound to have a couple of these dishes. Do let us what you end up tasting. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  7. Yummmm I just got really hungry reading that! I would love to try causa and suspira de limeña! Looks so good and very interesting to see all the different cultural influences in the cuisine.

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    • Yes, indeed Ivy, Aji de Gallina is like a curry because it is creamy, however it is NOT spicy like a curry. Many Peruvians make it at home and it is a simple, delicious everyday meal. Thanks for your comments!

      Reply
  8. I really love how you incorporate historical and cultural explanations when describing what you’re eating, it just makes my heart sing. Always love seeing your posts, I learn about so many new dishes!

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  9. Wow, I honestly had no idea what meals were eaten in Peru, thanks for the info! That dessert though, oh my God I wish I had Suspiro a la Limeña right now!! Haha ?

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  10. Wow! I have to admit, even though I just ate a few of those would tempt me to eat more. I’m a little upset with myself. I went to Peru a few years ago, and I don’t think I had any of those dished, because I had no idea what to eat. I find it difficult to find “criollo” food or food you would eat in the home in restaurants. They always want to be too touristy.

    Reply
    • Thanks Corinne…it’s too bad we didn’t have our blog ready a few years ago…we would have highlighted the places to check out 🙂 Nonetheless, glad you tried some of the dishes before. Keep the rest for your next trip and be sure to check out our post about Ceviche where we talk about “Huariques” which is home style cooking at “secret” restaurants.

      Reply
  11. This post was so informative! I’m ready to go to Peru and get my eat on lol. I have heard about Lomo Saltado before but the other dishes were new to me.

    Reply

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