Even though photos of our adventures always include some kind of food photos, we do not really consider ourselves foodies. Yes, we love food and love trying new things, but the focus of our travels is generally on the whole experience. Although there have been many wonderful dining experiences, there is only one destination that had food so incredible that it could take center stage along with visiting one of the Wonders of the World. That destination was Peru. If you are a true foodie, or would just like to have the food equivalent of going to Nirvana, then Peru needs to be on your wish list. I’m not sure it is even possible to get a bad meal in Peru. For those who have never been or dreaming of returning, we’d like to share our most amazing food experiences in Peru.
Sampling Food in Peru
Colorful Veggies & Fruit
After arriving in Peru, we did what we usually do when traveling. We took a million pictures of where we were staying, talked to locals to get information about the area, then set off to explore. The first stop was the markets.
First Stop in the Market
Delicious food can be found around every corner of Peru. The endless abundance of colorful fruits, vegetables, mixed with the delicious smells of food being cooked by local vendors will make you want to sample everything.
Tender Beef Kababs with Fresh Veggies
The freshness of ingredients picked or prepared that day is hard to beat. We couldn’t wait to try some local favorites starting with churros.
Irresistible Street ChurrosÂ
The smell of freshly made churros was out of this world. With the sweet-tooth that we have, churros were the perfect way to start. From there we sampled other local favorites. It was all amazing.
Obsessed with Cerviche
Cerviche is Addictive
One dish that we were very eager to try was ceviche. For the food-novice like me, Cerviche is a Latin-American (Peru may actually be the origin) typically made from fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices and spiced with ajÃ, chili peppers or other seasonings including chopped onions, salt, and coriander. The Peruvian version generally comes with their special hardy roasted large kernel corn.
Cerviche from the Fallen Angel
We initially held off being experimental in our food tasting until later in our trip. Our first love will always be an adventure. We had gone on a grueling 9-day hike of the Chocoquerio Trail when we first arrived in Peru. It is a bad idea to take chances with food before a difficult hike. After we completed the trek though, it was time to have some fun. We became so obsessed with ceviche, that we ordered every time it was on the menu.
Exotic Food was a Stretch
We do have to confess that although there were opportunities to try some local dishes like Cuy (guinea pig), llama, or alpaca, we just couldn’t. They were just too cute. Cathy did however have lots of fun petting alpacas every chance she got. And she got lots of chances.
Posing with Alpacas
Alpacas Too Cute to Eat
Although we may have not been as brave in trying exotic meat, we did many Peruvian meals. While on our trek, we were fortunate enough to have two cooks that prepared amazing meals for us. With only a knife and some extreme skills, the level of food (even in the remotest locations) was far beyond anything we could have imagined.
Artwork by Cooks with Only a Knife
Most Special Dinner
Lobby of the Fallen Angel
Dining in Peru is never dull and always special. Despite all the great food we tried, there was one night that stood apart. After our trek had ended, we went to a restaurant for a special meal.
Fermented Olives and Cheese Appetizer
Delicately Seared Mahi-Mahi with Avacado Yogurt Topping
We had heard about a place where you could dine amongst interesting art. This was about the biggest understatement ever.
Unique Guest Room at the Fallen Angel
Can’t Resist Posing with the Angel Wings
Touring the Rooms of the Fallen Angel
The Fallen Angel in Cusco was simply the most unique dining experience in Peru. The restaurant sat inside an artist inspired and designed boutique hotel.
Television Sink
Each room was an artist’s canvas filled with one of a kind decorations. We were fortunate enough to get a tour of the hotel prior to our dinner. It was so much fun.
Artistic Decorations
Shrimp & Beef on Polenta
Peruvian Trout with Sweet Green Chile and Yam
Not to be overshadowed by the surroundings, the meals at Fallen Angel were out of this world. Besides having the best ceviche I have ever had, everything was a masterpiece in presentation and taste.
Home Made Mango Sorbet with Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
Delicious Dessert Creations
It was the best dining experience of our trip. Sadly, we have since heard that Fallen Angel has closed, but there is hope that they might reopen at some point in the future.
Impressive Sculpture in Fallen Angel
Peru is for Food Lovers
Bourbon Infused Milk and White Chocolates
The food in Peru is everything you could imagine and more. The fusion of cultures and cooking from all over the world seems to melt in a perfect mix of tastes that few places in the world could provide. We came for the adventures Peru could provide but stayed for the food. Hopefully, there will be more adventures in Peru someday. Peru is for food lovers…like us.
Bonus – Not to Miss
No review of Peru can be complete without mention of its most famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour. During our visit to Peru, we stopped by a Pisco Shop to sample the many varieties of this brandy made from fermented grape juice. Stop by a Pisco Shop for loads of fun and tastings of this Peruvian drink.
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About
Frank is the creator of the RoarLoud website, go to guy for gear reviews and Cathy’s IT guy. I know that stands for information technology but Cathy calls him her “IT” guy because he is everything! A lover of nature and a curious soul he tries new adventures eagerly. Fortunately he is also the voice of reason to level out Cathy’s wildcat side.
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