The gastronomy of Cusco or Cusqueña is a blend of pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary influences that merge to create a variety of delicious and unique dishes.
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Typical Cusco dishes
Baked guinea pig
Cuy al horno: cuy (guinea pig) is a highly valued meat in the Andean region and can be found prepared in the oven with spices and herbs.
Chiri Uchu
Chiri Uchu: this is a cold dish that is prepared with different meats, corn and potatoes, all in a hot bell pepper sauce and spices.
Aji de gallina
Aji de gallina: a dish with shredded chicken meat in a creamy aji sauce, milk and nuts, served with potatoes and rice.
Pachamanca
Pachamanca: this is a traditional Andean dish that is cooked underground in a hot stone pot, and contains meat (pork, lamb or beef) and a variety of potatoes, beans and herbs.
Rocoto relleno
Rocoto relleno: a dish consisting of hot peppers stuffed with meat, onion and cheese, then baked and served with browned potatoes and salad.
Caldo de gallina (chicken broth)
Caldo de gallina: a chicken soup with noodles, potatoes, onion and cilantro, served with a boiled egg on top.
Queso helado
Queso helado: this dessert is a mixture of milk, cinnamon and cloves, served cold and often found on the street in small carts.
In addition, in Cusco you can find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as quinoa, kiwicha, purple corn, aguaymantos, among others, which are used in the preparation of various dishes and drinks.
In the city of Cusco, there are a large number of restaurants and street food stalls that offer a wide variety of gastronomic options, from traditional to international cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants are Chicha by Gaston Acurio, Pachapapa, Cicciolina, Limo and Kion.
Cusco Restaurants
In Cusco there are a large number of restaurants that offer a wide variety of gastronomic options, from traditional to international cuisine. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in Cusco:
Chicha by Gaston Acurio
Chicha by Gaston Acurio: This is one of the most famous restaurants in the city, run by renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio. The menu offers a variety of Peruvian dishes, prepared with local ingredients.
Pachapapa
Pachapapa: A cozy restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood, offering traditional Peruvian dishes, including alpaca, guinea pig and trout, and has an outdoor terrace.
Cicciolina
Cicciolina: An intimate restaurant in Plaza Regocijo, offering a mix of Peruvian and international cuisine, and a wide selection of Peruvian wines.
Limo
Limo: A modern restaurant in the city center, offering a mix of Peruvian and Asian cuisine, with a variety of vegetarian options.
Kion
Kion: A Peruvian-Chinese restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood, offering a variety of fusion dishes, including noodle stir-fry and lomo saltado.
Morena Peruvian Kitchen
Morena Peruvian Kitchen: A restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood, offering contemporary Peruvian cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients and creative dishes.
Bodega 138
Bodega 138: A restaurant in the Plaza de Armas, which offers a mix of Peruvian and international cuisine, and has a wide selection of wines and cocktails.
L’atelier
L’atelier: A French restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood, offering a unique gastronomic experience with a multi-course tasting menu.
Green’s Organic
Green’s Organic: A vegetarian restaurant in the city center, offering healthy and organic options, with local ingredients.
Kusikuy
Kusikuy: A restaurant in the San Blas neighborhood, offering traditional Andean cuisine, including dishes such as cuy and chicharrón de alpaca.
These are just a few of the many incredible restaurants in Cusco. The city has a wealth of dining options for all tastes and budgets that will make your stay an experience that is etched in your mind.
