Food in Cusco

Journey through the delicious culinary landscape of Peru’s historic city with our ultimate guide to food in Cusco. From ancient traditional dishes from the time of the Incas to contemporary Peruvian delicacies, explore the flavors that define Cusco cuisine.

In addition to the fact that the food in Cusco is really cheap, it has one of the oldest gastronomic histories in the world and is one of the best cuisines in South America. Peru is always on the list of the best restaurants in the world, so you may want to include food as part of your travel itinerary, If you have been to different parts of Peru, you will notice that the food in Cusco is quite different as it is more culturally and historically diverse.

1.- Cuy al Horno or Cuy Chactado.

It is one of the most emblematic dishes of the Peruvian highlands, especially in Cusco. “Cuy al Horno” refers to a baked guinea pig, while “Cuy Chactado” is a preparation where the guinea pig is flattened and fried in hot oil. Both versions are usually accompanied by potatoes or Peruvian corn. Historically, guinea pig has been a crucial source of protein in the Andean regions and has been consumed for thousands of years.

Its flavor is very pleasant, similar to rabbit or chicken meat, and offers a rich and distinctive flavor. For those who want to try this traditional Cusco food.

2.- Chiri Uchu.

It is the traditional dish of Cusco and also considered the main culinary art of Corpus Christi and the city of Cusco. Chiri Uchu means cold or spicy cold dish in Quechua. This food is a mix between the cuisine of the coast, the mountains and the jungle, having its origins in the time of the Incas in Tahuantinsuyo. The ingredients used to prepare it are: toasted white corn, cheese, guinea pig, chicken, jerky, cured meat, seaweed, fish roe and hot pepper.

3.- Quinoa Soup (Sopa de Quinoa).
There is a great variety of soups in Cusco. Many of them are made from Andean grains such as: Wheat, quinoa and/or pumpkin. One of the most popular among tourists who visit the city of Cusco is quinoa soup, which is a very light and delicious soup, recommended for cold seasons. In addition, quinoa is a type of food that has been gaining popularity around the world for its great contribution to nutrition.

4.- Pork Feet Sauce (Zarza de patitas).

Zarza de patitas It is an exquisite dish from the navel of the world as the City of Cusco is considered. It can be easily found in the Picanterías (restaurants specializing in spicy food) around Cusco. The main ingredient for its preparation is pig’s feet. This dish also has onion, garlic, bay leaf, canchan potato (potato variety), tomato, vegetable oil, parsley, mint, pepper and oregano to taste.

5.- Roasted pork (Lechon).

Lechon Unlike chicharrones, this dish is smaller. In Cusco, this is a traditional dish that is offered in all the restaurants in the city. The preparation consists of seasoning the pork inside and out with salt, pepper, cumin, crushed garlic, mustard, oregano, chichi de jora, fresh yellow chili, ground dried mirasol chili and ground sun-dried red chili. chili (aji panca). Then let it rest overnight and the next day put it in the oven.

6.- Kapchi-style Mushrooms (Kapchi de Habas).
Mushrooms were a food highly respected by the Incas and even today they continue to conquer the most demanding palates around the world. This dish is eaten during the winter season to protect us from the cold of the mountains. It is a nutritious dish, considered a good option for vegetarians. Its ingredients are mushrooms, beans, onion, dried red chili, potato, olive oil, milk, cheese and black mint.

7.- Picarones.

This delicious dish considered a dessert is made with sweet potatoes and pumpkins and then fried. Picarones are traditionally served with a splash of syrup made with chancaca (unrefined cane sugar). It is a delicious treat that echoes the culinary diversity of Cusco, mixing native ingredients with Spanish dessert traditions.