Peru’s Streets Are Its Tastiest Kitchens
Forget white-tablecloth dining for a moment.
To truly taste Peru, you need to head to the streets — to markets buzzing with life, to corners where carts sizzle with spices, to plazas where vendors call out today’s special.
Peru’s street food scene delivers bold flavors, deep cultural roots, and some of the most authentic culinary experiences you’ll ever have — often for just a few soles.
From the Andes to the Amazon, these dishes are portable portals into Peru’s regional traditions.
Here are 10 must-try Peruvian street foods — and exactly where to find them.
1. Anticuchos — Grilled Beef Heart Skewers
What It Is:
Tender cubes of marinated beef heart grilled on skewers over open flames.
Flavor Profile:
Smoky, savory, and slightly spicy. Typically served with boiled potatoes and corn.
Where to Try It:
- Evening food stalls at Lima’s Parque Kennedy (Miraflores)
- Cusco’s Plaza San Francisco during festivals
Tip: New to beef heart? Try the chicken version for a gentler introduction.
2. Ceviche in a Cup — Fresh on the Go
What It Is:
Mini portions of Peru’s signature ceviche (raw fish cured in lime juice), served in plastic cups for easy snacking.
Flavor Profile:
Sharp, citrusy, spicy, and incredibly refreshing.
Where to Try It:
- Lima’s Surquillo Market
- Fish stalls in Callao, near the port
Tip: Eat ceviche before mid-afternoon — the fresher, the better.
3. Papa Rellena — Stuffed Potato Balls
What It Is:
Mashed potato stuffed with ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled egg, then deep-fried.
Flavor Profile:
Crispy outside, rich and meaty inside, with a surprising touch of sweetness from raisins.
Where to Try It:
- Street vendors outside San Pedro Market in Cusco
- Barranco’s main plaza in Lima after dark
4. Choclo con Queso — Giant Corn with Cheese
What It Is:
Steamed giant corn (choclo) served with a chunk of salty fresh cheese.
Flavor Profile:
Simple, buttery, and a little sweet — a perfect mid-journey snack.
Where to Try It:
- Roadside stalls in the Sacred Valley
- Train platforms to/from Machu Picchu
5. Picarones — Sweet Pumpkin Donuts
What It Is:
Fried rings made from sweet potato and squash flour, topped with cinnamon-spiced syrup (chancaca).
Flavor Profile:
Crispy, warm, light, and not too sweet — comfort in every bite.
Where to Try It:
- Parque de la Reserva (Magic Water Circuit) in Lima
- Nighttime stalls in Arequipa’s main square
Tip: Best enjoyed hot, straight from the fryer.
6. Tamal Peruano — Cornmeal Wrapped Goodness
What It Is:
Corn dough filled with meat, spices, egg, and olives, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Flavor Profile:
Earthy, hearty, mildly spiced.
Where to Try It:
- Morning vendors at Lima’s Surquillo Market
- Sunday-only stalls in Cusco’s Plaza Tupac Amaru
7. Salchipapas — Peru’s Favorite Late-Night Snack
What It Is:
Fried hot dog slices mixed with French fries, topped with a mountain of sauces.
Flavor Profile:
Salty, creamy, crispy, and a little chaotic — in the best way.
Where to Try It:
- Late-night carts in downtown Arequipa
- Near Lima’s Plaza de Armas (after 9 p.m.)
8. Emoliente — Herbal Street Tea
What It Is:
A warm herbal infusion made from barley, flaxseed, alfalfa, and various healing herbs.
Flavor Profile:
Nutty, grassy, and slightly sweet.
Where to Try It:
- Lima street corners, especially in winter
- Cusco plazas in the evening
Tip: Many locals drink it as a daily tonic for digestion and energy.
9. Churros Rellenos — Stuffed Churros
What It Is:
Fried churros filled with manjar blanco (Peruvian caramel) or melted chocolate, sometimes dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Flavor Profile:
Crispy, gooey, sweet — an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Where to Try It:
- Jirón de la Unión in Lima’s historic center
- Cusco’s evening street carts near Plaza Regocijo
10. Juane — Amazonian Street Favorite
What It Is:
Rice mixed with chicken, spices, boiled egg, and olives, wrapped in bijao leaves and steamed — a jungle tradition.
Flavor Profile:
Savory, aromatic, and softly herbal.
Where to Try It:
- Iquitos street vendors, especially in June (San Juan Festival)
- Tarapoto’s Mercado 2
Bonus: Where to Find the Best Markets & Food Tours
| City | Top Markets & Food Spots |
|---|---|
| Lima | Surquillo Market, Barranco street stalls |
| Cusco | San Pedro Market, Plaza San Francisco |
| Arequipa | Mercado San Camilo |
| Iquitos | Mercado Belén, Malecón Boulevard at night |
Tip: Long lines = local approval. Trust the crowd.
Street Food Safety Tips in Peru
- Eat where it’s busy — turnover means freshness
- Choose hot, cooked foods over raw or lukewarm items
- Carry hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- Always drink bottled or filtered water
- Bring small change — many vendors don’t break big bills
- Trust your instincts (and your stomach)
Final Thoughts: Taste Peru, One Bite at a Time
Peru’s culinary story isn’t confined to fine dining. It’s sizzling on grills by the roadside, simmering in steaming pots in open-air markets, and drizzled onto paper napkins in plazas lit by string lights.
Eating street food in Peru isn’t just a way to save money — it’s a way to connect with history, geography, and soul.
Every anticucho, tamal, and churro carries the flavor of place and tradition.
So grab a napkin. Bring your appetite.
Because in Peru, the best meals come on wheels, with a smile, and a whole lot of flavor.
Ready to experience Peru’s tastiest traditions for yourself?
Join an Explorify Expeditions culinary adventure — from night markets in Lima to jungle bites in Iquitos.
Contact us today to plan your personalized food journey.
