Peru is a true paradise for foodies, thanks to our wide variety of ingredients, techniques, and traditions. Among our traditional Peruvian dishes, seafood marks an instrumental part of Peruvian food. With more than 2,400 kilometers of coastal regions along the Pacific Ocean, Peru has a bounty of fresh fish and shellfish available every day.
Peru features many delicious seafood dishes, so in this article, we’ll look at the best seafood dishes in Peru. We’ll share their interesting histories, highlight the key ingredients, and suggest top restaurants to enjoy them. Prepare yourself as we embark on this Peruvian culinary adventure together, let’s dive in!
Arroz con Mariscos: A Seafood Party in a Dish
This vibrant dish is full of seafood like shrimp, squid, mussels, and scallops, just like the Spanish Paella. People cook it with rice in a tasty broth. The broth is rich with garlic, aji amarillo (a bright yellow Peruvian chili), and spices.
Arroz con Mariscos is a festive dish that brings together the flavors of the ocean with the warmth of a home-cooked meal. Influenced by Spanish cuisine, Arroz con Mariscos reflects the blend of cultures in Peru.
Fun Facts
Celebration Dish: Often prepared for family gatherings and festivals, it’s all about sharing good food with good company!
Vibrant Colors: The bright hues from the aji amarillo and fresh seafood make this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Best Places to Try It
Punto Azul (Lima): Renowned for its rich flavors and generous portions.
El Kapallaq (Lima): Offers a creamy, luxurious version of this seafood rice.
Canta Rana (Barranco, Lima): A local favorite in the bohemian district of Barranco, perfect for an authentic taste of Peruvian seafood.
Parihuela: Peru’s Powerful Seafood Soup
Parihuela is a robust, spicy seafood soup filled with fresh ingredients like fish, crab, shrimp, and mussels. The thick, flavorful broth is enriched with tomatoes, garlic, and a variety of chili peppers. Parihuela started in coastal communities where fishermen created it to warm up on chilly mornings.
Today, it’s a symbol of comfort and tradition in Peru, and this hearty soup promises to activate your taste buds.
Fun Facts
Cure-All Soup: Many Peruvians believe that a bowl of parihuela can cure a hangover or soothe a cold.
Best Places to Try It
El Gato (Lima): A family-run restaurant where the recipe has been passed down for generations.
Mi Barrunto (Lima): Famous for its bold and intensely flavorful parihuela.
Mercado de Surquillo (Lima): A bustling market spot where you can taste parihuela just as locals do—simple, honest, and full of flavor.
Tiradito: The “Peruvian Sashimi”
Tiradito is a dish that resembles ceviche but is prepared like Japanese sashimi. Instead of being cut into cubes, the raw fish is sliced thinly and arranged beautifully on a plate. It’s drizzled with a tangy sauce of lime juice, aji amarillo, and a hint of ginger, creating a delicate and vibrant flavor.
Tiradito is a shining example of Nikkei cuisine—a Peruvian fusion with local ingredients and Japanese culinary techniques. Japanese immigrants brought new ways to enjoy fresh fish when they settled in Peru. This led to the creation of tiradito, connecting two rich culinary traditions.
Fun Facts
Art on a Plate: The thin, precise slices of fish make tiradito look like a colorful work of art.
Modern Favorite: Its focus on the natural flavors of fresh fish has made it a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world.
Best Places to Try It
Maido (Lima): A top Peruvian and world-renowned Nikkei restaurant where traditional flavors meet innovative techniques.
El Mercado (Lima): Not only famous for its ceviche, but also for a delicious tiradito.
Costanera 700 (Lima): Where Peruvian ingredients blend beautifully with Japanese presentation.
Chupe de Camarones: The Ultimate Shrimp Soup
Chupe de camarones is a rich and creamy shrimp soup from Arequipa City. This comforting dish blends tender river shrimp, potatoes, corn, and milk with a hint of aji panca (a mild red chili) for a gentle kick. The result is a hearty, indulgent soup that feels like a warm hug.
Chupe de camarones was born during the colonial era in Arequipa. This dish blends indigenous ingredients with Spanish cooking methods, creating a lovely mix of flavors and traditions.
Fun Facts
Hearty and Filling: Originally, this soup was a meal in itself, nourishing families and workers with its rich flavors.
Local Pride: Every family in Arequipa often has its own special version of chupe, making it a dish that varies from one kitchen to another. The chupe de camarones is probably the most traditional soup in Arequipa Gastronomy.
Best Places to Try It
La Nueva Palomino (Arequipa): A top spot to sample authentic chupe de camarones in its hometown.
Sol de Mayo (Arequipa): Known for a recipe that brings out all the depth and creaminess of this classic soup.
Jalea: Peru’s Crispy Seafood Delight
Jalea is a mouth-watering plate of crispy, deep-fried seafood. Picture a tasty blend of fish, shrimp, and squid which are fried until crispy. Then, they get a fresh “sarsa criolla” on top or the side. This traditional and typical salad has red onions, lime juice, and cilantro.
The word “jalea” comes from a Moche technique in which fish was cut into long pieces and then left to dry in the sun. The next step was to cook these pieces of fish over embers, and finally, it was served with onion sauce, lime juice, and boiled yuca.
The jalea we know today started in the 19th century, inspired by this ancient dish. This dish featured large grilled fish pieces. They were served with a sauce made of onion, chili, sweet potato, and corn. The current recipe’s most important variation is that the pieces of fish are shorter and fried with a batter of flour and egg which makes it crispy.
Fun Facts
Street Food Favorite: Jalea is commonly enjoyed as a snack by locals and visitors alike, with many street vendors serving up these crispy delights.
Perfect Pairing: The contrast of hot, crunchy seafood with cool, tangy salsa criolla makes every bite irresistible.
Best Places to Try It
La Red (Lima): A renowned spot for tasting authentic, fresh, and crispy jalea for years
Cevichería María Pastor (Lima): Praised for its fresh ingredients and perfectly fried seafood.
Mi Barrunto (Lima): Known both for its excellent parihuela and its crowd-pleasing jalea.
Ceviche: Peru’s National Treasure
What else can we say about ceviche. Peruvians consider it the star of Peruvian cuisine and a culinary journey for itself. Besides its vast history and tradition, this refreshing dish is made by marinating fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and chili peppers which “cooks” the fish with its natural acidity.
It’s mixed with salt and fragrant cilantro. Traditionally, it’s served with sweet potato and corn, creating a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Historians believe that the pre-Columbian Mochica civilization—dating back more than 2,000 years—prepared fish in a similar way using chicha, a fermented corn drink.
When the Spanish arrived, they introduced limes and onions, refining the recipe into the ceviche we love today. Although countries such as Ecuador or Mexico have their own versions, the Peruvian ceviche, or just ceviche is authentic Peruvian and recognized by UNESCO.
Fun Facts
Freshness Is Key: The quality of the fish makes a great ceviche. In Peru, fishermen bring in their catch early in the morning to ensure it’s as fresh as possible.
Regional Variations: While the classic recipe is most popular in Lima, every region of Peru adds its own twist!
Best Places to Try It
La Mar (Lima): Famous for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious ceviche.
El Mercado (Lima): Chef Rafael Osterling’s restaurant offers a modern take on the classic dish.
Pescados Capitales (Lima): Known for creative ceviche variations that keep the tradition alive with a twist.
Final Thoughts: A Seafood Lover’s Dream Come True
Peruvian seafood is a vibrant celebration of the ocean’s bounty and a living legacy of Peruvian rich traditions and culture. When you visit Peru, you’re not just eating a meal—you’re experiencing a piece of tasty history.
Whether you’re a lifelong foodie, a curious traveler, or a young explorer, there’s something for you to taste and enjoy. Which dish will you try first? Perhaps a refreshing ceviche on a sunny beach, or a warm bowl of chupe de camarones on a cool evening? It’s up to you!
For your trip to Peru, Viagens Machu Picchu can help you. Feel free to contact our consultants, so they can give you details about our tours, packages, and best deals! The land of the best seafood in the world is waiting for you!
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