Welcome to Cusco, a city where ancient history and vibrant culture meet at 11,152 feet. But the magic of Cusco isn't just in its ruins and cobblestone streets—it's in its flavors. The Andean culinary heritage is one of the richest in the world, and a trip here is incomplete without a deep dive into its most iconic dishes.
This guide will walk you through the 5 essential dishes you must try to truly taste Cusco. We'll explore the timeless classics and also show you how modern cuisine, like ours at Panzotis, is reinterpreting these traditions into something new and unforgettable.
The Classic: Perhaps the most famous and adventurous dish of the Andes. Traditionally, the entire guinea pig (cuy) is seasoned with local herbs and slow-roasted over a fire or baked in a wood-fired oven (al horno), resulting in crispy skin and tender meat. It's a celebratory dish with deep cultural roots stretching back to the Incas.
For a more refined and approachable experience, we present Cuy as a classic European-style confit. The meat is slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then pan-seared for a perfectly crispy skin. Served elegantly over a soft, creamy polenta, it's a dish that honors the traditional flavor in a sophisticated new form.
The Classic: The ultimate Peruvian comfort food and a delicious example of Chinese-Peruvian "Chifa" fusion. Lomo Saltado is a fast and smoky stir-fry of marinated strips of beef steak, onions, tomatoes, and ají amarillo, tossed with french fries and served with rice. It’s a hearty, savory, and universally loved dish.
We deconstruct the soul of Lomo Saltado and reimagine it with Italian technique. Imagine a perfectly cooked, tender beef medallion served alongside a creamy risotto that has been infused with all the smoky, savory flavors of the Lomo Saltado sauce. It’s the taste you love, elevated into a fine-dining masterpiece.
The Classic: A creamy, comforting chicken stew with a beautiful golden hue. Shredded chicken is enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from bread, milk, Parmesan cheese, and the star ingredient: ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili), which gives it a mild spice and incredible flavor. It's typically served over potatoes with rice, olives, and a hard-boiled egg.
This is one of our most celebrated fusion dishes. We take the beloved, creamy filling of the Ají de Gallina and use it as the heart of our delicate, handmade ravioli. Each pasta parcel is a burst of flavor, served in a light Parmesan sauce that complements the filling without overpowering it. It is the perfect marriage of Italian form and Peruvian soul.
The Classic: A lean, tender, and flavorful red meat that has been a staple in the Andes for millennia. It is most often served as a simple grilled steak (a la plancha) to highlight its natural flavor, often accompanied by native potatoes, corn, or a fresh salad. It's leaner than beef and has a slightly sweet taste.
We celebrate the delicate texture and flavor of alpaca by serving it as a classic Italian Carpaccio. Thinly sliced, cured alpaca loin is arranged on a plate and dressed with a vinaigrette of wild capers, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of an exquisite elderberry reduction from the Andes. It's a light, elegant starter that showcases the meat in a completely new way.
The Classic: A humble yet delicious snack found in markets and street stalls across Cusco. It consists of a large cob of boiled "choclo" (Peruvian corn with giant, starchy kernels) served alongside a slice of fresh, salty Andean cheese. It's simple, satisfying, and authentically Cusquenian.
We take the essential pairing of corn and cheese and elevate it into our creamy Risotto of Sacred Valley Corn. We use the giant choclo kernels to create a risotto with incredible texture, enriched with local cheeses and Parmesan to create a dish that is both rustic and refined, capturing the essence of the classic snack in every spoonful.
Exploring the classic flavors of Cusco is an essential part of your journey. When you are ready to see how those traditions are evolving into the future of Peruvian cuisine, we invite you to Panzotis. Book a table to experience the best of both worlds.
Reserve Your Culinary AdventureCall us for reservations at +51 948 317 469
Where Italy meets Peru on the same plate. We specialize in creating an authentic fusion of fresh Italian tradition and vibrant Peruvian flavors.
