A little bit about the food

They said that peruvian food is famous in the world, so I think it deservers for a few words. Here when you meet new people beginning of conversation almost always looks more or less like that:

- what's your name?

- what? what's your name again?

- where are you from?

- how long have you been to Lima?

- how long are you staying?

- do you like Peru?

- do you like peruvian food/cebiche/pisco sour/chicharron?

Pisco

Peruvians are really proud of their food and even more of Pisco (sometimes even too proud :P). It's kind of brandy distilled from fermented grape juice. It has been made in Peru since at least early 17th century. The distillation process of Pisco, created many centuries ago and transmitted from generation to generation, is also typical and unique.

Personally I'm not a big fun of pisco, but of course I had to try Pisco Sour and Maracuya Sour. I tried both good version and free version which is served for ladies in some clubs and the difference is huge.

Pisco Sour  of course include pisco as the base liquor and the addition of lime (or lemon) juice, syrup, ice, egg white, and Angostura bitters. Maracuya sour is similar, but with maracuya juice instead of lime.

Rice, potatoes, corn and ají
In general in my opinion this things you can find almost in every dish. Rice is served almost with everything and amount of rice eaten by peruvians is unbelievable for me. You can find more than 400 kinds of potatoes here and of course they eat potatoes with rice (I slowly start getting used to that). Corn with cheese (choclo con queso) is sold by street vendors on every corner.  Ají is a really spicy souce. Actually almost everything is more spicy here.

Ceviche

There will be a lot of things which I will be missing after coming back and cevicvhe for sure will be one of them. Peru cannot exist without it.

This dish is made of raw fish marinate in lime juice with ají, served usually with corn, sliced onion and sweet potatoes. 

First time I tried ceviche in the orphanage and I couldn't understand why it's so popular, because it was just a really seasoned (as everything there) marinated fish. But then I tried it in the good restaurant and I felt in love, totally. 

Funny fact: peruvians don't eat ceviche at night, they said it's bad for your stomach.

Pollo a la brasa

The most common and simple dish, which you can find everywhere, even in Pachacamac ;) This is nothing more than a roasted chicken served with french fries and salad. Simple, good and fast :)

 Chifa

Chifa is a food prepared in Chinese style, but from ingredients available in Peru. Chinese emigrants in Peru didn't have they typical products, so they had to adopt their kitchen. Now chifa is promote as essentional part of peruvian culture. Chifa is also the name of chinese resturants here, which are really popular.

My favourite chifa is lomo saltado containing strips of sirloin marinated in vinegar, soy sauce and spices, then stir fried with red onions, parsley and tomatoes.

Anticuchos


Small pieces of grilled skewered meat. I still didn't try it, because the most popular are anticuchos de corazon, which is marinated beef hearts grilled on a stick. But Karin tasted it and said it was really good, so probably at some point I will try it as well.

Chicharrones de Lurin

Pieces of pork, usually with the fat and rind still attached, which is then fried in lard until the outer rind is golden and crispy. Traditionally served with onion, corn and camote (sweet potatoes). In Lurin main street is full of small restaurants. Owner tries to convince you to go in by giving free samples of meat. Really really good.