Peru holds several celebrations between October and November, such as Señor de los Milagros, the Creole Song Day, or All Saints Day. As you know, there’s no celebration or party in Peru without our loved cuisine. One of the dishes that can not be missed is the Anticucho de Corazón (Beef heart skewer)
This humble yet flavorful dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a living piece of Peruvian history, culture, and creativity. In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of anticucho, and guide you to the best spots in Peru to savor this iconic dish.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious, get ready to embark on an educational and fun culinary adventure!
The Origins and History of Anticucho
Aida Tam Fox, who wrote Vocabulario de la Cocina Limeña, suggests that the term comes from the Quechua words “Anti” (Andes) and “Cuchu” (to cut). This means “cut from the Andes.” An article called El criollísimo anticucho from El Peruano suggests another idea.
It says the name comes from joining “uchu” (chili) and “anti” (Andes). Historical Origins In pre-Hispanic times, ancient Peruvians in the Andes ate small bits of llama meat seasoned with native spices and chili peppers. The Spanish colonizers introduced the idea of seasoning meat with wine and spices and cooking it on skewers.
However, they often discarded less desirable cuts, like offal and organ meats, which became staples for enslaved Africans. Later, they would marinate the meat with chicha, later switching to vinegar, and grilling it over an open flame.
Over time, they began using sugarcane skewers to make it easier to eat. And that’s how the dish we know today as traditional Peruvian food came to be. It’s typical to enjoy anticucho with aji sauce, boiled potato and chicha morada.
Common Variations
Today, people enjoy anticucho throughout Peru, but its preparation and presentation can vary by region. In Lima, street venfors usually sell anticucho, whose open-air grills fill the city with an irresistible aroma.
It may change a bit in Cusco, Arequipa, other Andean cities, or even in the Peruvian Amazon. Let’s explore the different variations that have come up in recent years:
Octopus and Fish
Popular in coastal areas, octopus or fish anticuchos are the favorite among many locals, following the original seasoning recipe, but with lime juice and olive oil touch. Obviously, the aji sauce will always be on the menu, but some restaurants make it less spicy.
Chicken
Chicken breasts are cut into even pieces and marinated with a tasty mix of salt and pepper, garlic, cumin, and ají panca. This seasoning is like what is used in traditional anticuchos. When grilled, the chicken develops a crispy outside while staying tender inside.
Suri
From the Peruvian Amazon comes an exciting version of anticucho: suri anticucho. Suri, a larva you can find in aguaje or palm trees, is an important part of jungle cuisine. People carefully clean the larvae and then marinate it in salt and garlic before grilling it.
This method gives them a crispy outside and a soft inside, offering a unique taste experience compared to other anticuchos. This exotic dish in Peruvian cuisine is starting to gain popularity in other parts of Peru
Locals and visitors like you, looking for something extraordinary will be amazed by this exotic and bizarre anticucho. Restaurants serve suri anticucho with fried plantains or yuca. It highlights Peru’s cultural diversity and gives a fun twist to traditional anticucho.
Rachi and Choncholi
Rachi is fried beef tripe, its texture is often somewhat firm, but its concentrated flavor appeals to many. It becomes even more enticing when paired with rocoto sauce. Choncholí is an appetizing name for a dish made from beef small intestines
While it may not sound particularly appealing when we describe it that way, taking the first bite reveals a particular burst of flavors, a testament to Peruvian street food creativity.
Best Places to Try Anticucho
Anticuchos de la Tía Grimanesa Located in Lima’s Miraflores district, this eatery is renowned for its unparalleled authenticity and flavor. With over 50 years of tradition, it has become a must-visit spot for anticucho enthusiasts. The restaurant operates from Monday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and serves customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Panchita Also situated in Miraflores, Panchita offers a modern interpretation of anticuchos. The restaurant is known for its innovative approach to traditional Peruvian cuisine, providing a contemporary twist while preserving classic flavors.
El Tío Mario In the Barranco district of Lima, El Tío Mario stands out for its commitment to pure tradition. This establishment is celebrated for its classic preparation of anticuchos, offering diners an authentic taste of Peruvian culinary heritage.
Pachapapa Located in Cusco, Pachapapa provides a unique dining experience in a historic setting. The restaurant blends traditional Andean recipes with a lovely atmosphere. It’s a great spot for anyone wanting to enjoy anticuchos in the vibrant culture of Cusco.
Restaurant La Parra Situated in Chiclayo, Restaurant La Parra is an emblematic venue in Peru’s northern region. Known for its regional specialties, the restaurant adds its own distinctive touch to the classic anticucho, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of northern Peru.
You Must Try the Anticucho
Food in Peru is on its way to becoming the greatest in Latin America, thanks to its irresistible flavor, vast tradition, and rich cultural background. As proof, we have the anticucho. Peruvians and foreigners have been enjoying this humble dish for generations, and we’re sure this tradition will continue.
When you get to Peru, the anticuchos will become a must-try in your gastronomic adventure in Lima, Cusco, or even the Amazon. After trying it, we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do! Keep in mind that, for more content about Peruvian food, culture, traditions, and more stay tuned to our blog!
Viagens Machu Picchu also invites you to discover the best of Peru. Feel free to contact our consultants so they can give you details about our packages and best deals! Don’t wait too long, the land of the anticucho and the best food in the world awaits!
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