Eating in Lima: “Panchita”

Panchita (Photo: Arquimaster.com.ar)

The fame of Peruvian food is crossing frontiers. Peruvian cook Gastón Acurio is one of the most well-known leaders of this movement; adding to his restaurants Astrid y Gastón (Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion), Cebicheria La Mar (seafood) and  T’anta (sandwiches, drinks and takeaway meals), he opened Panchita a few months ago.  The new restaurant specializes in Peruvian creole food and barbecues.

While in Lima, you really should plan on eating here, since it will give you the chance to enjoy most of the traditional Peruvian cuisine. However, remember to make a reservation in advance; preferably the day before. Otherwise you may need  to wait at the bar, or at any of the leather benches near the entrance.

We did not book in advance and found the place packed despite it not being a weekend: we had to wait for almost 30 minutes. The hostesses are really efficient to get you a table.

We tried the Conchitas a la parrilla (Grilled scallops), juicy, tasty and not overdone; we also tried Panchita’s version of an international, timeless classic such as cocktail shrimp, presented on top of a very Peruvian causa, made of grind yellow potatos. Both choices were memorable.

However, the star dish here is the traditional Anticucho, served with the traditional boiled corn, boiled and grilled yellow potatoes and rocoto (a Peruvian red hot pepper) sauce.

Anticuchos at Panchita

The decoration is excellent, and they also have a wide variety of wines and drinks. Try the pisco sour or the cocktail de algarrobina, both of them made with 100% Peruvian ingredients.

Be prepared to spend between US $20 and US $30 per person, depending on the dishes, your appetite and the drinks.

But, very specially, enjoy your meal!