The so-called “white city” offers visitors like you adventures, attractions, and the best of their cuisine. There are so many reasons to visit this beautiful city and food is one of the most important. In this guide, we’ll learn more about the food culture in Arequipa. We assure you you’ll end up mouthwatering. Let’s dive in!
Best Arequipa’s Dishes
Chupe de Camarones
The word chupe comes from the Quechua term “chuwa misa”, which means “soup dish.” This tasty soup was traditionally made during the Huarachicuy or Warachikuy festival. At this celebration, young Incas marked their journey into adulthood.
Today, this substantial soup is one of the most typical dishes of Arequipa. made from the city’s river shrimp, which is its main ingredient. The base includes milk, native spices, sliced potatoes, eggs, beans, etc. The result is a fragrant thick and delicious soup, served in a clay pot dish.
Chicharron
Chicharron is a deep-fried pig dish whose taste and technique vary across Peru. What defines Arequipa’s chicharron is its seasoning and preparation. Thanks to the Spanish conquest, the Spaniards brought techniques and supplies that people later applied to Peruvian cuisine. You won’t be able to resist the tender, juicy pork.
Rocoto Relleno
The stuffed rocoto is one of the most cherished dishes not only for Arequipeños but also for Peruvians in general. This dish features a spicy Peruvian chili pepper called “rocoto” stuffed with a delicious filling. The filling often includes ground beef, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and sometimes raisins.
After being filled, the rocoto is topped with cheese and baked until it becomes tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown. You can eat it with “pastel de papa”, a favorite combination in picanterías (traditional Arequipa restaurants) and during festivals.
Adobo
Although some consider this dish a breakfast, we think it’s more than that. This hearty meal is a delicious and spicy pork stew, which is the main ingredient. The secret to a great adobo is how people marinate the meat: The marinade includes chicha de guiñapo, a tasty, fermented corn beer from Arequipa.
Adobo includes vinegar, garlic, onions, and native spices. People often enjoy adobo in the morning, especially on Sundays. Because of its strong flavor and pleasing ingredients, many people believe it works well at easing hangover symptoms. You can eat it with fresh bread, which is ideal for soaking up the delicious stew.
Pastel de Papa
This delightful potato casserole pairs with spicy dishes like rocoto relleno. This dish features thinly sliced boiled potatoes, layered with eggs and fresh Andean cheese, all mixed with milk or cream. It bakes to a lovely golden color, resulting in a creamy inside thanks to the melted cheese with a slightly crispy top.
The variety of Andean potatoes adds a special flavor and texture that makes it unique. You’ll often find it served alongside rocoto relleno in local picanterías. This makes it a delightful comfort food that everyone can enjoy together!
Cuy Chactado
Cuy, or guinea pig, is a cherished traditional meat in Peruvian cuisine, and Cuy Chactado truly shines in Arequipa. People carefully marinate and flatten the guinea pig with a blend of tasty herbs and spices. It’s then fried until it’s just right, resulting in a crispy skin that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy meat inside
Trying cuy is a special experience in Arequipa, people often enjoy it during festivals and celebrations. It’s usually served whole, which might catch some visitors off guard, but locals hold it dear as a traditional treat. This dish is often accompanied by Andean potatoes and ají sauce.
Ocopa
Ocopa is a traditional dish from Arequipa, and it has a fascinating history that goes back to the Inca empire which began as a spicy sauce for special occasions. Today, we enjoy Ocopa as a tasty green sauce poured over boiled potatoes, with slight variations depending on the region.
People use dried yellow hot pepper to capture Arequipa’s unique flavor. Other tasty ingredients include garlic, peanuts, paria fresh cheese, and evaporated milk.
Desserts and drinks
Chicha de Guiñapo
Chicha de Guiñapo is a chicha made from purple corn, known as guiñapo in the Quechua language. Arequipeños love it, where it shines at festivals and family gatherings. This drink has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor with a mild alcohol content. It goes well with the Arequipa’s food, or simply sip it as a refreshing drink
Queso Helado
This dessert literally means “iced cheese”, but it’s actually a delicious frozen dessert made from milk, sugar, cinnamon, and coconut. This tasty mix creates a wonderfully sweet and creamy flavor. The name comes from its look, which can resemble cheese, especially when it’s molded and served traditionally.
In Arequipa, you’ll often see vendors serving this treat in small portions, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon to add even more sweetness. It’s a favorite during the warm months and offers a refreshing way to end a meal while giving you a taste of Arequipa’s dessert culture
Kola Escocesa
While many people in Peru love Inca Kola, Arequipeños have a special fondness for this “Scottish Cola,” made in nearby Yura, a district outside Arequipa since the 1950s. Its fruity black cherry flavor and lower sugar content make it a wonderful choice that reflects Arequipa’s local pride. Kola Escocesa has a unique and refreshing flavor, ideal for battling Arequipa’s heat.
Picanterías: The Heart of Arequipa’s Food Culture
“La Picanteria Arequipeña is a lively and welcoming place that celebrates both Andean and Spanish food traditions. Since the 16th century, these picanterías have evolved, and now are popular places to enjoy delicious dishes and chicha de güiñapo, a derivation of chicha de jora. In 2014, picanterías were recognized as Peru’s Cultural Heritage, highlighting their importance.
They are known for four traditions: serving chicha, a daily lunch menu, spicy dishes, and a sense of community. Popular dishes include all the meals we discussed on this list and more. A traditional picantería stands out for three main reasons.
Picanterias Today
First, it offers a wonderful mix of ingredients gathered from the coast and highlands of the region. Second, its cuisine beautifully blends indigenous and Hispanic traditions. Finally, the people of Arequipa have a strong sense of community. It brings everyone together to enjoy their meals in a friendly, welcoming place. A “picantera” is an expert female chef in charge of the kitchen, she creates magic in the dishes thanks to her experience.
Arequipeños have special terms related to food like “picantear” ( enjoy Picanteria food) and picanteada (a visit to a picantería). These show how important these places are to the local social and culinary scene. When in Arequipa you should definitely visit one. To have good places to eat, you can have more info here.
We hope you can eat the best of Arequipa’s cuisine on your trip to Peru! Don’t forget that Viagens Machu Picchu can help you in setting up your dreams in Peru. We offer the best experiences thanks to the expertise of our staff ready to meet your interests and needs. Contact us to take the first step in your Peruvian journey!
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