Lima, Peru
Food is an integral part of Peruvian culture and is becoming recognised as one of the world’s best for its flavour and creativity. In fact, four of the world’s top 10 restaurants are in Lima, including ‘Central’, a restaurant that was named No.1 among the World’s Best 50 Restaurants according to Forbes – arguably the most influential list in the industry! This makes Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, an unmissable stop on any foodie’s tour of Latin America.
If Peruvian cuisine had a national fish, it would be ceviche! Seafood is incredibly popular given the bounteous nature of the nearby Pacific Ocean, and tiradito, a version of ceviche without onion and parihuela, fish soup with shellfish, are typical seafood dishes to be enjoyed. Seafood and sushi lovers should also try Nikkei cuisine, a delicious combination of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines! In fact, tiradito was made popular by Japanese cooks, the influence of Japan clearly seen in this all-new imagining of sashimi.
Another staple dish in this region is cuy, which goes by another more recognisable name in other countries: guinea pig. The importance of this dish cannot be overstated – a replica of Da Vinci’s Last Supper hangs in a cathedral in Cusco, in which the dish served is cuy! Usually baked or barbequed, this dish has a gamey taste.
Peru is also known for its (hundreds of) varieties of potato and piles of avocados! Causa, a traditional dish, layers these two ingredients into a delicious stack which is then sliced and served cold. Wine lovers should also try Borgoña wine for a powerful and delicious accompaniment to their meals!
Don't forget other cities like Chiclayo and Arequipa, which are also known for their amazing gastronomic scenes, great eateries and local specialities.
Mexico City, Mexico
What can we say about this wonderful country? Awarded with the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, Mexican cuisine is among the world's most renowned and consumed gastronomies. Apart from its addictive and colourful dishes, it has a great variety of ingredients.
While you're in Mexico City, make sure to try out the well-known burritos, tacos and quesadillas, as well as other options like the corn and pork-made soup called ‘pozole’, tamales, and many other chilli-based recipes. Speaking of chilli, whenever you order a dish containing this spice, make sure to ask for the level of spiciness you want. It can become your worst nightmare if you don't communicate your preferences!
Mexico City is of course unmissable when it comes to the scope of food on offer (you won’t ever be bored!) but there are plenty of other amazing gastronomic destinations around Mexico such as Guadalajara, Cancún, and Mérida.
Not just fusion...
Nikkei cuisine is a result of the firmly integrated Japanese-Peruvian community forged during the 19th century! Nikkei is an established part of Peru's eating culture and its popularity stretches far beyond the Japanese diaspora in Latin America. Nikkei is not simply a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines; it uses Peruvian ingredients prepared through a Japanese lens to create dishes which are distinct.