Arequipa’s cuisine: One of the best food in Peru

Arequipa´s cuisine has become popular for its variety, delicious taste and high quality.
Among the dishes there are soups, seafood, and various meats. In its preparation it includes condiments, hot sauce, strong flavors and a mixture of andean products. Keep reading to know more about the different types of dishes from Arequipa.

Investigations said that there are 194 varieties of dishes. The gastronomic tradition of this city is known for serving each dish according to the day. This is a tradition that still remains but of course not all the people from there do it. Here we’ll list the main dishes from Arequipa and its description.

Rocoto Relleno

The rocoto relleno (stuffed rocoto pepper) is a dish originally from Arequipa and is one of the fundamental foods of Peru. It’s made from hot chilli peppers, minced meat, minced red onion, ground red panca pepper, roasted or ground peanuts, eggs, cheese, milk and other ingredients. In most Arequipa restaurants it is served with baked potato pie (pastel de papa) and sometimes with mashed potatoes. It is recommended that the ají panca be ground with fuller..

Ocopa

The ocopa is the most recognized dish of Arequipa in Peru and abroad. It’s prepared with a branch of huacatay, mirasol pepper, yellow pepper, peanuts, vanilla cookies or bread, evaporated milk, fresh cheese, garlic and seasonings. In the villages they grind the ingredients using a fulling mill, in most restaurants they use a blender.It is served with boiled potatoes, a hard-boiled egg and an olive. In its preparation it is very similar to the huancaína potato. It is accompanied with a chicha morada.

Adobo arequipeño

The adobo arequipeño is usually prepared in a clay pot to feel its powerful flavor. It’s a dish made with pork, red hot pepper, chicha de jora, red onions, pepper, garlic and salt. The preparation is simple. It can be served with sweet potato and white rice.

It’s a powerful soup that is prepared with the aim of replenishing energy because it has a variety of nutritional products. In some towns of Arequipa it is consumed on Tuesdays.

Solterito arequipeño

It is a colorful, tasty and aromatic dish. It is prepared with broad beans, corn, chopped onion, chopped hot chilli pepper, fresh cheese, chopped olives, diced tomato. The beans must be cooked, the other ingredients are added and everything is mixed with vinegar, a spoon of chopped parsley, salt and pepper to taste. It can be accompanied by a lettuce if you wish. It is an excellent entry.

Chupe de camarones

Shrimp chupe is a Creole soup originally from Arequipa. It is a very nutritious, powerful, substantial and delicious dish. It is prepared with river shrimp from the southern coast of Peru. The preparation includes various ingredients: large shrimp, onions, tomatoes, ají panca, beans, peas, potatoes, corn, evaporated milk, garlic, minced onion, eggs and ingredients depending on the place. It is served accompanied by a hot pepper sauce or with pieces of fried bread.

Cuy chactado

This is a traditional dish of southern Peru. It’s prepared in the regions of Arequipa, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Cusco and Puno. It is a dish rich in nutrients and proteins. It is made with a guinea pig fried in abundant oil, accompanied by boiled potatoes, salad and toasted corn. In order for it to brown evenly, the specialists of the region usually place a stone on top.

So if you are visiting the White City don’t be shy and give a try to the delicious dishes that the beautiful Arequipa has to offer. You’ll get to know another style of peruvian food and enjoy one of the tastiest peruvian dishes.

If you want to find out what else you can do in Arequipa city, read our Arequipa Travel Guide 2024 and start planning your trip to this wonderful destination.