STREET FOOD. A TRAVELER’S GUIDE
Street Food in Peru: A Traveler’s Guide
When traveling through Peru, one of the most memorable experiences is tasting the incredible street food. From the bustling plazas of Lima to the quiet corners of Cusco, vendors serve up quick, affordable, and flavorful dishes that reflect Peru’s rich culinary heritage. Street food isn’t just a snack, it’s a window into daily life, culture, and tradition.
What Street Food Can You Find in Peru?
Peru’s street food scene is diverse and varies from city to city. Some of the most common options include:
Anticuchos: Skewers of grilled beef heart (sometimes chicken or beef cuts), seasoned with garlic, cumin, and vinegar. Smoky, savory, and often served with potatoes or corn.
Picarones: Deep-fried dough made with sweet potato and squash, drizzled with syrup. Peru’s answer to doughnuts.
Choclo con queso: Giant Andean corn on the cob paired with fresh white cheese. A simple but filling snack.
Papa rellena: Mashed potato stuffed with meat, onion, and spices, then fried to a golden crisp.
Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with chicken, pork, or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks.
Ceviche (street-style): In coastal cities, you’ll often find small stalls offering quick ceviche, though many tourists prefer to try this dish at restaurants for freshness.
Sandwiches: From pan con chicharrón (fried pork with sweet potato and salsa criolla) to butifarra (ham sandwich with salsa), quick bites are everywhere.
What to Look Out For
Street food is delicious, but travelers should take a few precautions:
Check cleanliness: Look at the stall. Does it look organized? Are ingredients covered or exposed to dust and flies? Are the vendors using gloves or utensils?
Go where the locals go: A busy stall with locals in line is a good sign the food is fresh and safe.
Watch cooking methods: Food cooked thoroughly in front of you (like anticuchos on a grill) is usually safer than dishes sitting out.
Be cautious with raw dishes: Street ceviche is tempting, but it may not always meet refrigeration standards. Safer to enjoy ceviche at a trusted restaurant.
Water and ice: Avoid drinks with unfiltered ice or juices mixed with tap water. Stick to bottled water.
Does It Look Safe?
A good rule of thumb: if it looks freshly cooked, smells good, and locals are happily eating, it’s likely safe. Avoid food that looks like it’s been sitting out too long or isn’t served hot.
What to Do If You Get Ill
Even careful travelers can sometimes experience stomach issues when eating street food. If it happens:
Stay hydrated: Drink bottled water or rehydration salts (suero packets are sold in Peruvian pharmacies).
Eat bland foods: Stick to rice, bread, bananas, or soups until your stomach settles.
Visit a pharmacy: Local pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter remedies for stomach upset (pastillas para el estómago).
Seek medical help if needed: If symptoms are severe (high fever, persistent vomiting, or dehydration), visit a clinic or hospital. Major tourist cities like Cusco and Lima have international-standard facilities.
Final Thoughts
Eating street food in Peru can be one of the highlights of your trip. It’s affordable, authentic, and gives you a taste of everyday Peruvian life. With a little caution, choosing busy vendors, sticking to freshly cooked items, and being mindful of hygiene, you can safely enjoy some of the best flavors Peru has to offer.
So next time you’re wandering through a local market or plaza, don’t hesitate to try a skewer of anticuchos or a plate of picarones. Street food is not just a meal, it’s part of the adventure.
