Cusco, Peru, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and its culinary scene reflects this diversity. Here are some signature foods and drinks to taste while in Cusco:
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Ceviche: A classic Peruvian dish made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, often served with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers.
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Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry dish that combines marinated strips of sirloin with onions, tomatoes, and fried potatoes, served with rice. It’s a perfect blend of Peruvian and Asian flavors.
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Aji de Gallina: A creamy, spicy chicken dish made with shredded chicken in a sauce of aji amarillo (yellow chili), cheese, and walnuts, typically served with rice and boiled potatoes.
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Rocoto Relleno: A traditional dish from Arequipa, but you can find it in Cusco as well. It features rocoto peppers (similar to bell peppers but spicy) stuffed with a mixture of meat, nuts, and spices, often topped with cheese and baked.
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Causa Rellena: A chilled dish made from yellow potato, aji amarillo, and lime, layered with fillings like avocado, chicken, or tuna.
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Anticuchos: Grilled skewers, traditionally made with beef heart, marinated in vinegar and spices, and served with potatoes or corn.
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Pollo a la Brasa: This is a Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, marinated with spices and served with various sauces and sides.
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Sopa de Quinua: A delicious and nutritious quinoa soup that often includes vegetables and herbs.
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Choclo con Queso: Large Peruvian corn (choclo) served with a slice of cheese. It makes for a simple and tasty snack.
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Inca Kola: A popular Peruvian soft drink that is bright yellow and sweet, often enjoyed with meals.
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Pisco Sour: The national cocktail of Peru, made with pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.
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Olluquito con Charqui: A traditional Andean dish made with ollucos (a type of root vegetable) and charqui (dried and seasoned meat, usually beef or lamb).
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Alpaca Meat: Lean and flavorful, alpaca is a common meat option in Cusco and can be found in various dishes. It’s often grilled, stewed, or served as a steak.
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Buñuelos: Sweet fried dough balls, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert, sometimes sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with syrup.
Make sure to explore local markets, street food stalls, and traditional restaurants to fully experience Cusco's culinary delights!