Peruvian Food & Drink: What to Eat, Safety Tips, and Local Dining Customs
Peru’s food scene is one of the richest in the world, blending Indigenous traditions with Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences. From iconic dishes like ceviche to hearty Andean soups and Amazonian specialties, eating in Peru is a major part of the travel experience. This FAQ covers what to try, what to avoid, and how to stay healthy while enjoying local flavors.
You’ll also find references to our Culture & Etiquette guide, where you can learn more about dining customs and how Peruvians typically eat in different regions. If you’re still planning the broader aspects of your trip, the Peru Essential Travel FAQ page can help you connect food choices with destinations, climate, and itinerary planning.
What is the national dish of Peru?
Ceviche is Peru’s national dish.
Ceviche consists of raw fish cured in lime juice, chili, and onions. Each Peruvian region has local variations, but Lima stands out as the ceviche capital with numerous acclaimed cevicherías and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Ministry of Culture, Peru
What is the number one food in Peru?
Ceviche tops the list, followed by lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) and aji de gallina (creamy chicken stew).
Peruvian cuisine blends Incan, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, featuring ingredients such as native potatoes, corn, and chilis. These fusion dishes have brought global recognition to Peruvian gastronomy.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- National Gastronomy Festival communications
What do people in Peru eat for breakfast?
Typical breakfast includes bread with butter and jam, coffee, and fruit juice.
In the Andes, breakfasts are heartier with quinoa porridge, tamales, or eggs with plantains. Street vendors sell items like pan con chicharrón (pork sandwich) for a quick meal.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Local cultural food studies
What is the most popular drink in Peru?
The Pisco Sour, made from Peru’s national spirit, is the most popular alcoholic drink.
Pisco Sour blends Pisco brandy, lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters. Non-alcoholic favorites include Inca Kola (a sweet yellow soda) and chicha morada, a spiced purple corn drink.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Ministry of Culture
What is the national drink of Peru?
The Pisco Sour is Peru’s national drink.
Peru celebrates National Pisco Sour Day on the first Saturday of February annually. Best enjoyed in family-run bars in Lima’s Barranco and Cusco’s San Blas neighborhoods.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Ministry of Culture
Is food expensive in Peru?
No—Peru offers great value for dining.
Meals range from 20–40 soles ($5–10) in typical restaurants, while high-end dining averages 100 soles ($25). Street food and market meals are inexpensive. Tipping is customary but not obligatory, usually around 10%.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Peru Ministry of Commerce
Is coffee good in Peru?
Yes—Peru produces some of the world’s best organic coffee.
High-altitude coffee-growing areas such as Chanchamayo, Cajamarca, and Cusco are known for award-winning Arabica beans. Lima and Cusco feature specialty coffee shops serving single-origin brews.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Ministry of Agriculture Peru
What to avoid eating in Peru?
Avoid uncooked street food, unwashed produce, and tap water-based ice.
Traveler’s diarrhea is common. Stick to reputable restaurants and bottled water. Avoid raw salads from small eateries, and be cautious with ceviche outside coastal areas.
Sources:
- CDC Traveler’s Health
- Ministry of Health Peru
Are salads and fruit safe to eat?
Yes, if they’re washed in purified water.
Most tourist restaurants and hotels use filtered water for preparation. Avoid unpeeled fruit or street salads; in rural areas, focus on cooked vegetables.
Sources:
- Ministry of Health Peru
- CDC
What are must-try dishes in Peru?
Ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, anticuchos, and causa are must-try dishes.
Other regional favorites include rocoto relleno from Arequipa and cuy (guinea pig) in the Andes.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Ministry of Culture
What is ceviche, and where to try it?
Ceviche is raw fish cured in lime juice and spices—best tried in Lima or coastal towns.
Typical fish is corvina, with ají limo chili for spice. Lima’s Miraflores and Barranco districts feature top cevicherías like La Mar and El Mercado.
Sources:
- PromPerú
What are traditional Peruvian desserts?
Popular desserts include suspiro limeño, mazamorra morada, and picarones.
Desserts use native ingredients like purple corn and pumpkin. Queso helado, a frozen milk dessert, is a local specialty from Arequipa.
Sources:
- PromPerú
What are the best regions for Peruvian gastronomy?
Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco are Peru’s top culinary destinations.
Lima is world-renowned for fine dining (Central, Maido), Arequipa for spicy hearty dishes and soups, and Cusco for Andean fusion cuisine featuring quinoa and alpaca. Each region reflects unique culinary heritages.
Sources:
- PromPerú
- Ministry of Culture Peru
Exploring Peruvian cuisine is one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting the country, and with a few basic precautions, you can try everything from street snacks to fine dining with confidence. Once you’ve reviewed the essentials here—what to eat, how to stay safe, and which drinks are most popular—you can continue preparing your trip with our guides on Money & Tipping, Culture & Etiquette, and Safety & Health. These resources help you understand food costs, local manners, and how to dine safely throughout your journey. With the right knowledge, Peru’s culinary traditions will be a highlight of your travels.
