Food in Southern Peru
With its altitude and cool weather, southern Peru is famous for its hearty and savory soups, often served in picanterías (simple, traditional restaurants).
Seafood
In coastal towns, you'll dine in cebicherías and more upscale marisquerías (seafood restaurants). In addition to those along the coast, there are a few good spots in Puno.
Cebiche: Fish or shellfish, served just after marinating (in lime juice, cilantro, onions, and chilis) and usually accompanied by canchas, toasted corn kernels.
Cebiche mixto: A mix of shellfish and fish and is best along the coast.
Escabeche: Usually features fish (or chicken) marinated in a vinegar mixture with onions and other ingredients; found in Arequipa and has Spanish origins.
Meats
Cuy chactado: Deep-fried guinea pig.
Filet de cuy: A Novo Andino style of cuy cut in fillets instead of whole; found in Arequipa.
Lomo a la huancaina: Beef strips with egg and a cheese-and-yellow-pepper sauce.
Rocoto relleno: Baked spicy red peppers stuffed with ground beef, olives, and queso fresco (creamy white cheese).
Soups and stews
Chupe de camarones: Spicy shrimp chowder; found on the coast.
Chupe verde: Potatoes, cheese, eggs, and herbs; found in Arequipa and the canyon country.
Créma de quinua: Creamed soup made of quinoa. Found in mountainous areas near Lake Titicaca and the canyon country.
Hualpa chupe: Chicken, chilis, and spices; found in Arequipa.
Mollejitas: Chicken innards; a specialty in Arequipa.
Sopa a la criolla: Beef, onions, peppers, and potatoes; found in Arequipa.
Desserts
Alfajores: Shortbread with a filling of manjar de leche (caramel).
Buñuelos: Fried dough sprinkled with sugar.
Cocadas al horno: Macaroons.
Mazamorra morada: Pudding made from purple corn, cinnamon, milk, and sugar—a specialty from small street stands in Arequipa.
Queso helado: The signature ice cream of Arequipa. Creamy coconut ice cream with cinnamon.
Refreshments
The fizzy red Cola Esococia is the local soda brand in the Arequipa area. Regional beers include Cusqueña and Arequipeña. Chicha (a fermented corn drink) is the national beverage for fiestas and celebrations, not to be confused with chicha morada (a nonalcoholic drink made from purple corn). Vino calliente is hot-mulled red wine, served across the country but especially in the highlands and in Puno.
