Cusco's Culinary Delights: 10 Must-Try Local Dishes and Where to Find Them
Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, is not just a treasure trove of ancient Incan history—it's also a culinary destination where rich traditions meet the freshest Andean ingredients. From vibrant street food to high-end restaurants, Cusco offers a range of dining experiences that allow visitors to sample the unique flavors of Peru’s Andean highlands. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or looking for classic comfort, here are ten must-try local dishes and where to find them in Cusco.
1. Cuy al Horno (Roast Guinea Pig)
Cuy (guinea pig) is one of the most iconic dishes in Peru, especially in the highlands where it has been consumed for centuries. While it might seem unusual to many travelers, cuy is considered a delicacy and a special-occasion meal in Cusco. Traditionally roasted and served whole, the meat is tender, flavorful, and often compared to rabbit or poultry.
Where to try it:
Pachapapa – This traditional restaurant in the San Blas district serves a beautifully roasted cuy, complete with Andean potatoes and corn. The presentation is as impressive as the flavor.
Tipón – For an authentic, rural experience, head to the nearby village of Tipón, known for its cuy restaurants.
2. Chiriuchu
A historic dish with roots in Cusco’s Inti Raymi festival, chiriuchu is a cold plate that showcases a variety of flavors and textures. It typically includes roasted guinea pig, chicken, dried meats, cheese, seaweed, and corn cake, all served with a side of spicy rocoto pepper. This dish is a true reflection of the region’s diverse culinary heritage, combining ingredients from the coast, highlands, and jungle.
Where to try it:
La Chomba – This traditional picantería offers an excellent version of chiriuchu and other authentic Andean dishes.
Kusikuy – Known for its high-quality interpretations of classic Cusqueñan cuisine, Kusikuy offers a beautifully plated chiriuchu.
3. Lomo Saltado
While lomo saltado originated on Peru’s coast, it’s become a beloved dish in Cusco as well. This stir-fry of tender beef, tomatoes, onions, and soy sauce blends Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions (known as chifa cuisine). It’s typically served with rice and crispy fries, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Where to try it:
Cicciolina – A popular restaurant near the Plaza de Armas, Cicciolina offers a gourmet version of lomo saltado, perfectly balancing the smoky stir-fry flavors.
Limo Cocina Peruana – With a more contemporary take on traditional dishes, Limo serves lomo saltado with a slight fusion twist, making it one of the best in town.
4. Aji de Gallina
One of Peru’s most comforting dishes, aji de gallina is a creamy, mildly spicy chicken stew made with shredded chicken, aji amarillo (yellow chili), walnuts, and bread crumbs. This flavorful dish is served with rice, boiled potatoes, and a hard-boiled egg on top. The blend of spices, combined with the richness of the sauce, makes it a must-try for visitors.
Where to try it:
Incanto – Located just off the main square, Incanto offers a delicious version of aji de gallina, with a refined presentation.
Café Morena – A cozy spot in the heart of Cusco, Café Morena serves an authentic aji de gallina with the perfect balance of flavors.
5. Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Rocoto Peppers)
Spicy, savory, and incredibly flavorful, rocoto relleno is a Cusco favorite. This dish consists of a rocoto pepper (similar to a bell pepper but much spicier) stuffed with minced meat, onions, peas, carrots, and spices, then topped with cheese and baked. The result is a delightful mix of heat, heartiness, and creamy texture.
Where to try it:
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse – Known for its creative takes on Peruvian cuisine, Uchu serves a delicious rocoto relleno with a side of quinoa or mashed potatoes.
La Feria – Located in the San Blas district, La Feria offers a home-style version of rocoto relleno that is perfect for those who love a little spice.
6. Anticuchos
If you're in the mood for street food, anticuchos are a must-try. These skewers of marinated beef heart (though other cuts of meat are also used) are grilled to perfection and served with potatoes and a spicy aji sauce. The marinade, typically made with garlic, cumin, vinegar, and aji, gives the meat a smoky and slightly tangy flavor.
Where to try it:
San Pedro Market – One of the best places to find anticuchos is at San Pedro Market, where vendors grill skewers fresh and serve them with traditional sauces.
La Casona del Cuy – Specializing in Cusqueñan street food, this small eatery serves some of the best anticuchos in town.
7. Chicharrón
For a taste of traditional Peruvian comfort food, you can’t go wrong with chicharrón, which consists of crispy fried pork served with Andean corn, potatoes, and a side of spicy salsa. The combination of juicy pork and crunchy textures makes it a favorite in Cusco.
Where to try it:
Chicharronería El Buen Gusto – This local favorite near Cusco’s Wanchaq district is famous for its tender and flavorful chicharrón, served fresh with large kernels of choclo (corn).
Chicharronería La Esquina – Located in San Jerónimo, just outside of Cusco, this rustic spot serves some of the most authentic chicharrón in the area.
8. Quinoa Soup
Quinoa, the ancient grain of the Incas, is a staple in the Andean diet and features prominently in many Cusqueñan dishes. A warm bowl of quinoa soup is perfect for warding off the chilly high-altitude air. Made with vegetables, potatoes, and herbs, the soup is both nourishing and flavorful.
Where to try it:
Green Point – This vegetarian restaurant in San Blas is a favorite for its healthy and hearty quinoa soup, packed with fresh local vegetables and Andean spices.
Jack's Café – A popular spot for both locals and tourists, Jack’s Café offers a flavorful, comforting bowl of quinoa soup with a modern twist.
9. Caldo de Gallina (Hen Soup)
This hearty soup, made with chicken (or hen), noodles, potatoes, and boiled eggs, is a local favorite often enjoyed as a restorative meal. Caldo de gallina is rich, filling, and packed with flavor, making it the go-to dish for anyone seeking comfort food in the highlands.
Where to try it:
Polleria Don Tito – Known for its flavorful soups and rotisserie chicken, this local spot serves a delicious caldo de gallina, perfect for warming up after a day of exploring.
Picantería La Cusqueñita – One of Cusco’s most famous traditional restaurants, La Cusqueñita offers a hearty, homemade version of this soup.
10. Olluquito con Charqui
A traditional Andean stew, olluquito con charqui is made with olluco, a tuber native to the Andes, and charqui, which is dried, salted meat (usually llama or alpaca). This savory dish has a unique flavor and texture, blending the earthiness of olluco with the richness of the charqui.
Where to try it:
Pachapapa – Located in the heart of San Blas, Pachapapa serves an excellent version of olluquito con charqui, offering a taste of authentic Andean cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting.
Café Tinku – A small, rustic eatery known for its traditional dishes, Café Tinku serves this Andean classic with a homemade touch.
Conclusion: A Taste of Cusco’s Culinary Heritage
Cusco’s food scene is as rich and varied as its history, with dishes that reflect the region’s blend of ancient Incan traditions, Spanish influence, and local ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a roasted guinea pig at a fine dining restaurant or savoring street-side anticuchos, the city offers something for every palate. Make sure to try these ten must-try local dishes to get a true taste of the Andes while you explore the cultural and natural wonders of Cusco.