Gastronomic experiences in Lima, Peru: the “ceviche”

Lima is a paradise for cuisine lovers. Travelers can find here a wide variety of options that cover international gastronomy and typical foods as well, in a large number of restaurants that cover from the most economic ones until luxury, five-fork fancy places.

Average consumption per person at a classy restaurant can range between US$ 30 and US$ 50, while in a medium-category place it can be between US$ 15 and US$ 30.

However, there is also a great number of smaller, economic places where you can enjoy a complete meal, consisting of appetizer, main course, dessert and a soft drink, for only US $10.

Don’t let external appearances fool you. Some quite rustic places can offer you the most memorable culinary experiences, spending US $5 or less. Be open minded and listen to other travelers’ recommendations, as well as locals’ suggestions.

After these general recommendations, one of the most typical culinary specialties in Peru is the ceviche. You definitely need to give it a try.

Ceviche’s origins are lost in ancient history, but basically it is considered as a fishermen’s creation. Basically, ceviche de pescado is prepared from raw fresh fish fillets marinated in lime juice, served with ají (hot pepper), onion, lettuce leaves, seaweed, boiled corn and sweet potato: if it includes some other seafood like scallops, shellfish, octopus, crawfish, etc, it is then called ceviche mixto.

Peruvians are used to enjoy very spicy ceviches, but you always have the chance to ask for a non-spicy one.

On the Peruvian coast you will find local versions of ceviche anywhere, each one with a slightly distinctive ingredient that adds some local flavor: toasted corn, fried yucca, potato, cilander, celery, tomato, etc.

Almost every Peruvian claims he or she has a secret for prepare the best ceviche. You may try a very tasty ceviche at a friend’s home, or exploring the neighborhood asking for recommendations. However, there are certain fancy places that are acknowledged as offering the best ceviches in Lima.

If you have been walking by Lima Downtown, a good and inexpensive choice is Cordano, located near Government’s Palace, and also La Muralla (inside the Parque de la Muralla, by the Rimac River, Tlf. +51 1 426-6113).

If you are in Miraflores, which is very likely since many hotels and accomodations are located here, some good options could be La Mar, Punta Sal, El Pez Amigo, Costanera 700 or La Rosa Nautica, which are very nice and classy places so be prepared to spend some  money.

In or near San Isidro, we recommend Segundo Muelle, while in Barranco a good choice is El Muelle; not very far away, in Chorrillos, Sonia is definitely the best place. Keep in mind that in Barranco and Chorrillos you will also enjoy of a lovely, spectacular ocean view.

Bon appetit!

(Text: Isabel Guerra – Photo: Alobos Iphotos)