The 15 Best Street Foods in Peru You Can't Miss

Get ready for a flavor explosion! Peruvian street food is a true culinary gem that reflects the country’s cultural diversity. From carts steaming with freshly grilled anticuchos to fresh ceviche stands on street corners, every bite connects you with a unique gastronomic tradition.

\Here, local ingredients, ancestral recipes, and cultural fusions come together to offer an experience that satisfies the palate and tells a story. Ready to discover Peru’s street food treasures?

1. Anticuchos
2. Picarones
3. Mazamorra morada
4. Arroz con leche
5. Papa con huevo
6. Choclo con queso
7. Tamales
8. Churros
9. Ceviche de carretilla
10. Emollients
11. Papa rellena
12. Salchipapa
13. Papa a la huancaina
14. Causa
15. Mostrito
Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Peru
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1. Anticuchos

Anticuchos are one of the most iconic jewels of Peruvian street food. Traditionally beef heart, these marinated meat skewers are grilled and served with golden potatoes and a delicious spicy sauce.

Ingredients: Anticuchos are made with beef hearts, aji panca, garlic, vinegar, and spices that give them a unique smoky flavor. They are often accompanied by corn or boiled potatoes.
Where to try them? Peru is famous for its carts, which sell anticuchos at dusk. In the historic center of most cities, you’ll also find vendors offering this delight to locals and tourists.
Tips: To enjoy anticuchos at their best, pair them with aji sauce and a squeeze of lemon. Also, try versions with chicken, sausage, hearts, and more for a different experience.

2. Picarones

Picarones are the Peruvian version of donuts, but with a delicious twist: they are made from squash and sweet potato, giving them a slightly sweet taste and a fluffy texture.

Ingredients: They are made with squash, sweet potato, flour, sugar, and yeast and served drenched in chancaca syrup, a dark and thick molasses that enhances their flavor.
Where to try them? You can find picarones in parks and squares in Lima, especially in Parque Kennedy in Miraflores or Plaza de Armas, as well as in Arequipa, Cusco, and other cities. Many markets also have stalls with freshly made picarones.
Tips:
- Eat them hot to enjoy their crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Pair them with honey for an enhanced flavor experience.
- Combine them with a cup of coffee or tea to balance their sweetness.

Picarones: A Traditional Cusco Street Food

3. Mazamorra morada

Mazamorra morada is a classic Lima dessert made from purple corn, dried fruits, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Its thick texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect choice for those seeking something more than a simple dessert.

Ingredients: Purple corn, pineapple, apple, quince, cloves, cinnamon, and sugar. These ingredients combine to create a rich and intensely colored mixture.
Where to try it? Local markets like Mercados Centrales are ideal for enjoying good mazamorra morada. You’ll also find it at street stalls and traditional cafes.
Tips: Pair mazamorra morada with rice pudding for a complete experience known as “combinado,” a traditional dessert that mixes the best of both worlds.

Mazamorra morada | Photo by @gastronomicusmaximus

Mazamorra morada | Photo by @javier_ampuero

4. Arroz con leche

Arroz con leche is one of Peruvian cuisine’s most straightforward but comforting desserts. With a base of rice cooked in milk, sugar, and cinnamon, its sweet and creamy flavor makes it a favorite for many.

Ingredients: Milk, rice, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a little vanilla or lemon peel for a unique aroma.
Where to try it? Arroz con leche is easy to find at any market or fair in Peru. Street vendors often offer it alongside mazamorra morada, making it the perfect combination for those seeking something traditional.
Tips: If you want a creamier version, look for stalls that serve it with condensed milk. Remember to sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an extra special touch.

Arroz con leche | Photo by @ceciliatupac

5. Papa con huevo

Papa con huevo is a simple dish combining essential Peruvian ingredients: boiled potatoes and a hard-boiled egg. While it is a straightforward street food, its popularity lies in its comforting taste and ability to fill the stomach without spending much.

Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, hard-boiled egg, salt, and often a touch of aji or mayonnaise for extra flavor.
Where to try it? This classic can be easily found on any corner in major cities, especially near markets or public transportation stations. Street vendors often have it ready for quick and nutritious snacks. It is a dish you can easily find in the mornings.
Tips: Ask for aji or mayonnaise to give it a different touch. You can also pair it with a serving of corn or a refreshing drink like chicha morada.

Papa con Huevos | Photo by @rossana_del_pilar

6. Choclo con queso

Choclo con queso is a typical street food from the Peruvian highlands that has gained popularity throughout the country. Peruvian corn, known for its large and tender kernels, is accompanied by a generous portion of salty fresh cheese, creating the perfect sweet and salty contrast.

Ingredients: Choclo (giant white corn), fresh cheese, and sometimes a touch of aji or aromatic herbs like huacatay.
Where to try it? This delicious snack can be found in local markets, bus terminals, and tourist areas in Cusco and Arequipa. It is also expected to see street vendors at local festivals and fairs.
Tips: For an authentic experience, pair it with a spicy sauce made with yellow aji or rocoto. You can also enjoy it with butter.

7. Tamales

Peruvian tamales are a traditional dish that combines corn dough filled with meat, olives, and egg, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed. There are two main types: green tamales (with cilantro) and yellow tamales (with aji panca), each with a unique flavor.

Ingredients: Corn dough, meat (usually pork or chicken), olives, hard-boiled egg, aji panca or cilantro, and spices like cumin and garlic. All this is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Where to try them? Tamales are a classic in Lima breakfasts, so that you can find them in carts on almost any corner in popular neighborhoods like San Juan de Lurigancho or Villa El Salvador. They are also sold in markets like Surquillo. The Cusco tamal differs from the Arequipa tamal, with each region adapting it to its customs and traditions.
Tips: Pair your tamal with a hot coffee or an herbal tea to balance the intense flavors. For a fresh and spicy touch, ask for an extra serving of salsa criolla (onion, lemon, and aji). Explore all the tamales available in different regions of Peru.

8. Churros

Peruvian churros are an irresistible dessert that has won everyone’s hearts. These strips of fried dough, filled with significant blanco (dulce de leche) or coated in sugar, are perfect for a sweet craving during a walk through the streets.

Ingredients: Dough made from flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and, in the most famous Peruvian version, filled with significant blanco.
Where to try them? The best street churros are in the Center of Lima, near Plaza de Armas or on Avenida Larco in Miraflores. Several street carts offer freshly fried churros at any time of day. You can also enjoy this delight in different cities across Peru.
Tips: For the best experience, buy them hot, straight from the fryer. If you want something different, look for churros filled with chocolate or fruit, which are also very popular.

Peruvian churros at street food carts | Photo by @quechurrotpp — Churros | Photo by @quechurrotpp

9. Ceviche de carretilla

Ceviche de carretilla is a street version of Peru’s most iconic dish. Prepared at small mobile stalls, this ceviche is made to order with fresh fish, lime juice, aji limo, red onion, and sweet potato. Its freshness and speed make it a perfect option for those seeking a light and flavorful lunch.

Ingredients: Fresh white fish (like sole or mackerel), lime juice, red onion, aji limo, boiled sweet potato, cancha serrana (toasted corn), and cilantro.
Where to try it? Ceviche carts are standard in coastal districts like La Punta or Chorrillos in Lima. Also, vendors guarantee fresh fish daily in northern Peru cities and famous square markets.
Tips: Be sure to eat ceviche early; the best carts sell it only until lunchtime. Remember to ask for a portion of cancha serrana to add a crunchy touch to each bite.

10. Emollients

Emoliente is a traditional hot drink in Peru, perfect for cold nights or as a companion at any time of the day. This beverage, which blends herbs, flaxseed, and barley, has digestive and revitalizing properties, making it a healthy and tasty option for passersby.

Ingredients: Flaxseed, barley, horsetail, boldo, lemon, honey, and sometimes alfalfa.
Where to Try It? You can find it on street carts on almost every corner in Lima and other cities like Arequipa, Cusco, and more. Vendors commonly serve emollient from the afternoon until night.
Tips: Ask for additional herbs like nettle or cat’s claw for a more complete version. You can also sweeten it with natural honey and add lemon for a refreshing touch. Ideal for a cold night.

11. Papa rellena

Papa Rellena is a favorite of Peruvian street food. This delight is made with mashed potatoes filled with meat, onion, olives, and spices, then fried to achieve a golden, crispy crust. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty snack.

Ingredients: Mashed potatoes, ground meat, onion, ají panca, olives, hard-boiled egg, and raisins.
Where to Try It? The best papa rellena can be found in neighborhood markets and streets of famous districts in different cities in Peru. You can also find it at food fairs and local events.
Tips: Enjoy a fresh criolla sauce made with onion, ají, and lemon juice. It’s common to accompany it with ají or a portion of tartar sauce for an extra flavor boost.

12. Salchipapa

Salchipapa is the quintessential fast food dish in Peru. This mix of French fries and slices of sausage has become a popular choice for a quick and tasty meal. Though simple, it can be accompanied by various sauces like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or golf sauce.

Ingredients: French fries, sausages (chicken or beef), and a selection of sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, and ají.
Where to Try It? Salchipapa is a classic of Lima’s nights. The best stalls are usually near recreational centers and nightclubs in districts like Miraflores, Barranco, or San Miguel. In almost every city in Peru, you can enjoy a good salchipapa on the go. You can also find it in small street carts almost anywhere in Peru.
Tips: Try a “complete” version with fried eggs and coleslaw, or dare to try the gourmet version with chorizo or artisanal sausages.

13. Papa a la huancaina

Papa a la huancaína is a cold dish known for its delicious sauce made with yellow ají, fresh cheese, and milk. It’s ideal as a starter or side dish, and while traditionally served at family events or restaurants, it’s also a favorite on the streets.

Ingredients: Yellow potatoes, yellow ají, fresh cheese, milk, crackers or bread, and black olives for decoration.
Where to Try It? Although it’s more commonly found in restaurants, some street stalls offer it as a quick starter at food fairs or local markets. The Surquillo Market is an excellent place to find this delicacy in Lima.
Tips: Accompany papa a la huancaína with a portion of boiled corn or hard-boiled eggs to add texture and contrast to the dish. Don’t forget a good dose of olives and fresh lettuce.

Papa a la huancaina | Photo by @barpikate

14. Causa

Causa is one of the most versatile dishes in Peruvian cuisine. It is made with a base of yellow mashed potatoes seasoned with ají, lemon, and oil and filled with chicken, tuna, or seafood. It’s a cold dish often served as a starter but is also a street food favorite.

Ingredients: Yellow potatoes, yellow ají, lemon, oil, and fillings of chicken, tuna, or seafood. It is also garnished with hard-boiled eggs and olives.
Where to Try It? You can find causa in local markets, food fairs, and street food stalls in different cities in Peru, including Lima, in neighborhoods like Magdalena and Jesús María.
Tips: Try different versions like shrimp or crab causa. Pair it with criolla sauce for a fresh and spicy contrast.

15. Mostrito

Mostrito is a trendy option among young Peruvians looking for a quick, tasty, and hearty meal. It consists of a generous portion of rice, fried chicken, and French fries, usually served in large portions and accompanied by sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, and ají.

Ingredients: White rice, French fries, fried chicken, and various sauces.
Where to Try It? You’ll find it at the most popular fast food chains in Lima and other cities, especially at fast food carts near universities and schools. It’s trendy in districts like San Juan de Lurigancho or Comas in Lima.
Tips: Be sure to order a portion with salad to balance the amount of carbohydrates and protein. Request extra sauces for more flavor, and don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing drink like Inca Kola, a yellow soda of Peruvian pride.

Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Peru

Explore Regional Variants: Many Peruvian street food dishes, like causa or tamales, have different versions depending on the region or vendor. Dare to experiment and discover new flavor combinations!
Choose High-Turnover Stalls: Freshness is critical, especially for dishes like ceviche from carts. The busiest stalls ensure fresh and quality ingredients, a sign of trust among locals.
Arrive Early for the Best Dishes: Some delicacies, like ceviche or mostrito, run out quickly, mainly before noon. Arriving on time ensures you get the best of the street food offerings.
Pair with Local Drinks: Elevate the experience by combining the dishes with traditional Peruvian beverages like refreshing chicha morada or classic Inca Kola. The perfect pairing highlights the flavors and enriches the experience.
Please don’t Underestimate the Sauces: Sauces in Peru are an art form in themselves. Don’t hesitate to ask for a touch of ají, criolla sauce, or even tartar sauce to boost the flavor of each bite. Sauces are essential for bringing out the intensity of the dishes.

Peruvian street food reflects the country’s cultural and culinary diversity. Each dish has its own personality and flavor, from crispy salchipapas to the delicious and refreshing causa. The 15 highlighted dishes, such as emollients, papa rellena, papa a la huancaína, and mostrito, satisfy hunger and connect diners with Peru’s rich culinary history and tradition.

Fun Fact: Salchipapa has become a symbol of popular culture in Peru, and many cities hold competitions to prepare the most creative version of this dish.

What are you waiting for to come to Peru and explore this side of gastronomy?