What to eat Peru? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Peruvians eat at all hours! It is not uncommon that as early as 6am, the street vendors are at their post for a breakfast at the corner of the street. Restaurants usually serve from 12 to 2pm and from 6 to 9pm. In Lima and the larger cities, you can find options outside of these hours, but generally have lunch or dinner early. Weekends are busier and some restaurants close on Mondays to compensate, but this is an exception.

All price ranges can be found here. There are many ways to find small snacks or hearty meals at street vendors, markets or small popular restaurants. On the other hand, if you stop at a cafeteria, a good quality coffee and a sandwich or cake will easily cost S/25 to S/30, the price of a full menu elsewhere. It's all a matter of taste and desires.

Meals up to S/ 30. It is possible to eat for less in many establishments within the cities. The most touristy places are not always the cheapest. For the cheapest restaurants, check the hygiene conditions. They rarely accept payment by credit card. Many restaurants offer a set menu at lunchtime with suggestions on the slate, but desserts are rare.

Meals range from S/ 30 to S/ 100. A la carte, you will find happiness in this price range for quality products. We eat well and generously in Peru, do not worry. Certain small hotels will also carry out dishes on request. Be careful, the bill rises quickly if you add alcohol, a dessert or a coffee

It is possible to ask to take away an uneaten portion "para llevar".

Tipping is more than welcome here. In small restaurants with menus, it is not customary, but not unwelcome either. In restaurants or cafeterias, it is not uncommon to be asked if you want to add your "tip" on the credit card for example, so that the color is announced. This is not an obligation, you can also leave some coins

Drinking water carafes as well as bread baskets are absent from the tables, you have to order them separately. Water is often still bottled. Menus often come with a glass of refresco, lemonade or other fruit-flavored water, which is usually very sweet.

For ceviche, you should remember to indicate the level of spiciness you want "bajo en aji", "medio en aji" or "bien picante". It is rare that meats are served in blue or red, except in specialized restaurants where you will be asked to choose. It is not a bad idea to order several dishes and share them, especially since the portions are generous. There are also dishes served in fuente made to be shared, especially in cevicherias. There are also many dishes made with boiled meats or soups served in the Sierra. In these popular cuisines, everything is valued. It is not uncommon to see a chicken leg floating on the surface of a stew. Watch out for the little pot on the table which is often theaji to spice up the dish.

You will often be asked if you want to drink your drink "helada" (cold) or "sin helar" (at room temperature).

In some bars where cocktails or other items are sold, children are not welcome. Everywhere else, no problem.

All establishments are non-smoking except on the terrace (ask permission, it depends on the type of establishment). It is rare to smoke during the day or during meals in Peru.

As everywhere, trust the clientele. Hustlers are more common in the village below Machu Picchu and are specialists in getting the final bill wrong. Some foreign specialties can only be eaten in specialized restaurants, in local restaurants it is better to eat local.

Cafés are generally open throughout the day, bars from 7 or 8 pm and more lively from Thursday to Sunday. Happy hour is rarely practiced except in tourist areas.

The small breaks are a budget to be planned in addition. Indeed, if you can have a cheap lunch, coffees, desserts or cocktails when they are of quality have a higher cost. Let's say from S/15 approximately. But you can also take into account the place, the time spent and the service received. A good idea is to try the desserts of the street vendors: mazamora (compote), arroz con leche (rice pudding) or picarones (fried doughnuts).

As the legal drinking age is often 18, it is sometimes controlled, but it is not uncommon to turn a blind eye.

In the sierra, people drink hot alcoholic beverages such as the tee piteado or thicker herbal drinks such as the emoliente. You can find emoliente carts on the street corners. In the selva the herbs are aphrodisiacs and the spirits all have provocative and very colorful names. In either case, take it easy. Even the pisco sour (the local religion, especially on the coast) goes to your head rather quickly, especially in its pisco catedral or double version.

Children are not welcome in alcohol-only establishments or other clubs.