Peruvian cuisine continues to win admirers year after year—and its street food is no exception. In fact, one of the country’s best-kept secrets lies in Cusco’s irresistible snacks.
This time, we’ll introduce you to some treats you can only find in the ancient Inca capital. Also, we’ll explain why they’re a must-try on your next visit. So, let’s dive in!
Empanada
To begin with, the first item on our Cusco street food is the empanada. However, this is not your typical empanada, I mean, savory and with filling inside.
In Cusco, we also call it “empanada,” a small, rectangular pastry with sprinkles and an egg yolk adorning it.
These pastries date back to colonial times. Cloistered nuns in Cusco’s convents made them using available ingredients.
Over time, the recipe spread throughout the city and became a symbol of Cusco’s Holy Week. The traditional recipe calls for beating flour and powdered sugar.
Also, add lard and mix for about 30 minutes, until you form a smooth dough. The dough is then rolled out, cut, decorated, and baked for about 20 minutes. The result is a crisp, delicate, and flavorful empanada.
If you visit Cusco during Holy Week, don’t miss the chance to taste these sweet empanadas. You’ll find them in restaurants, street stalls, and even in family homes that continue the tradition. Sweet empanadas are more than tasty treats, as they connect Cusco to its history, faith, and cultural identity.
Choclo con queso
In Cusco and throughout the Sacred Valley, it’s common to see women sitting on street corners with huge pots, offering one of the most traditional Andean snacks: choclo con queso.
This simple yet delicious dish consists of a hearty piece of boiled giant white corn paired with a slice of fresh cheese.
The combination is irresistible, and if you add a spoonful of uchucuta sauce (a spicy Peruvian chili herb sauce), you’ll truly be in heaven.
The secret lies in the unique variety of corn known as “choclo” or giant white corn, famous for its oversized kernels, starchy texture, and mild flavor. It’s the perfect example of how Peruvian cuisine elevates simple ingredients into unforgettable flavors.
Tamales
People everywhere in Peru, but in Cusco, call it “humitas” as they’re small, compact, and sweet, but let me tell you that the flavor is something really different.
Although they’re popular in almost all of Latin America, Cusco’s tamales have raisins and cinnamon on them. Savory ones have red onion, some olives, and pieces of meat on them.
You can find “tamaleros” almost everywhere around, but we recommend the ones next to the Plaza de Armas.
They’re considered by many to be the most traditional and delicious tamales in the city. Don’t forget to pick some when you’re wandering around the historic core!
Papa con huevo
Another simple yet delicious Cusqueñan snack is “papa con huevo”—boiled potatoes served with a hard-boiled egg.
Beloved by many locals, it’s the perfect bite to start the day with something in your stomach or to enjoy as a quick snack before lunch.
What makes it truly special is not only the freshness of the egg but also the type of potato used. As you may know, Peru is the home of potatoes, home to more than 3,500 varieties.
If you get the chance to try this snack with native or specialty potatoes, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. To elevate the flavor, you can pair it with different sauces:
huacatay sauce (a mint-like herb sauce), uchucuta (a spicy herb blend), picante, or even simple mayonnaise.
Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this humble yet unforgettable Cusqueñan snack.
Mana
Mana is one of Cusco’s favorite snacks, loved by people of all ages. They make it from pisanquella corn, which they press in special high-pressure machines, lightly sweeten, and sometimes color with food dye.
The process is almost as fun as the snack itself: after the corn is slightly moistened, it’s placed in the machine, where it suddenly pops and bursts—almost like a small explosion. Once you sift the sugar, you add it, giving it its signature crunchy sweetness.
Best of all, mana is affordable and easy to find. For just 1 sol, you can pick up a bag from almost any street vendor or corner shop in Cusco. Simple, crunchy, and nostalgic, it’s a true Cusqueñan classic.
Fruit juices
Peru is blessed with an abundance of native, exotic, and fresh fruits that will fascinate you from the very first taste.
Imagine fruits with names you’ve never heard of, unusual flavors, curious shapes, and endless combinations—that’s exactly what you’ll discover in Cusco’s bustling markets.
One of the best places to experience this is San Pedro Market, a traditional hub where food and culture meet.
Beyond the irresistible Peruvian street food, the market is famous for its juguerías (juice stalls), where you’ll find every juice imaginable.
These juices are favorites not only among locals but also among visitors, who can enjoy a refreshing, nutritious drink at an excellent price.
Vendors proudly claim that their juices are 100% natural, with no added water or sugar. Choices range from a simple fresh orange juice to more adventurous blends that may include milk, honey, maca, pollen, or even beer!
A visit to Cusco wouldn’t be complete without stopping by San Pedro Market to sip on one of these vibrant creations.
Better yet, let your imagination guide you to create your own unique fruit juice combination—you’ll surprise yourself with how good it tastes!
Tocto
Pig is one of Peru’s all-time favorites, so in our vast cuisine, we have lots of dishes with pork being the protagonist, such as the pan con chicharron, or pork sandwich, which contains sarsa criolla and, mainly, sweet potato.
Although this Andean snack is not as filling as pan con chicharrón, it’s loved by many for its price and convenience.
People know it for its crunchy texture and bold flavor. You can enjoy it both as a snack on its own and as a topping that adds crispiness to soups and stews.
More than just snacks
Food in Cusco does not have anything to envy if we compare it to other regions in Peru. Although the ones on this list are the most popular ones, in holy week, you can try other typical Cusco snacks and desserts.
Likewise, Peruvian street food is filled with many other flavors that you must discover. In addition, in that article, you can see some tips to enjoy street food to the best.
To learn more about Peruvian flavors, stories, places, and culture, stay tuned! Also, keep in mind that Viagens Machu Picchu is our best ally for your Peruvian trip.
So, please, feel free to contact us, so you can get information about our tours, promotions, and best deals! The adventure in Peru awaits, don’t be late!
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