Delightful Eats for the Fiestas Patrias
Any excuse is a good one for eating delicious food. Why not take advantage of our holiday for the Fiestas Patrias to do so.
Our food in Peru is varied and delicious. We have three different regions where the smells and scents are each distinct and unique. The coast, highlands, and jungle each give us dishes and desserts that represent them for us to discover and enjoy.
Here are delights that every Peruvian should thrill their palate with and share with others during these fiestas when we celebrate our Peru. We can only mention here a few plates of the vast gastronomic repertoire that will be ordered during this long holiday.
As a first required dish we have this exquisite treat of fresh fish in lime juice. It is consumed throughout the country, especially on the coast and in the north of our country. You can order it with just fish or mixed with shell fish. It always comes with sweet potato, toasted or boiled kernels of corn. These two are the most popular.
A skewer of tender pieces of chicken or beef heart packed with flavor right off the grill, these are a classic for these holidays. You can find them in restaurants, at the entrance or exits to the football stadium, or on the corners of main streets in every neighborhood. They are always available and yet never cease to please.
One of the most consumed dishes during the fiesta in the city of Cusco is oven baked guinea pig, cuy al horno. Our mamachas, traditional women, prepare cuy in many ways and it without doubt is the most asked for in the Peruvian highlands.
This mountain of food that is a symbol of al of Peru since it brings together cuy al horno, torrejas, chicken, chorizo, sea weed, parched corn (canchas), cheese, fish eggs, and dried meat, among others is eaten cold and is a traditional festive food in Cuzco with an ancient past.
This classic Peruvian liquor is distilled from certain varieties of grapes and it is one of the most asked for of all alcoholic beverages during the present feasts. People are happy to raise their drinks in salute to each other and our country with a shot of pisco, or a cocktail made from it, such as chilcano, pisco sour, or an algarrobina, among many others.
The fried rounds with amazing flavor are also in great demand during this holiday. Made from squash, sweet potato, and a chancaca (raw cane sugar) syrup they are exquisite and tempt all.
This amazing drink made from purple corn and fruit is an elixir and it is a perfect companion for a dish of ceviche, arroz con pato (Rice with duck), or any other Creole dish. It is enjoyed throughout Peru and all Peruvians know it, recognize its quality, and recommend it.
These are just a few of the enormous variety of wonderful dishes found in Peru. They ensure all Peruvians have a wonderful experience during our Fiestas Patrias when our country stands foremost in our minds.
