Peru has 1,500 miles (2,415 km) of ocean coastline, so it should come as no surprise that many of the country's favorite foods can be caught in a net. The list of tasty sea treats is almost endless, but there are a few dishes that everyone should try at least once during a Peru vacation.
1. Peruvians are proud of many things, but they are especially proud of their food, and at the top of the list is ceviche. Ceviche is found throughout Latin America, but only in Peru is it officially declared part of a country's natural heritage. This fresh dish is right out of the sea, consisting of chunks of raw white fish coated with a light and tangy dressing of sliced onions, lime juice, and chili and is usually served with a side of large corn kernels called canchita.
2. Similar to ceviche is tiradito, which has gained popularity in the past 20 years. This dish features white fish sliced into long, thin strips. Like ceviche, it is served raw. Tiradito can be complemented by various sauces or spices, but differs from ceviche by the lack of onions. Some theorize that tiradito's creation and popularity originates from Peru's relatively large Japanese and Asian population, a demographic that tends to consume a large amount of uncooked seafood.
3. Also credited to Peru's blend of cultures is chaufa de mariscos. This meal is rice based with chunks of seafood (sometimes breaded and fried), seasoned with small bits of fried egg and onion. This dish can be found almost anywhere, but especially at Chinese restaurants, locally called chifas.
4. Another popular dish mixes seafood with Peruvian potatoes. Causa takes many different forms, but is distinguished by its yellow mashed potato base with a creamy filling. The filling can consist of almost anything. Restaurants along the coast will tend to include seafood in the mix, though more economical choices could be tuna fish, chicken, or vegetables.
5. The seafood for non-sea food lovers is chicharrón de pescado. Small pieces of fish are deep fried and served with chili, lemon, and mayonnaise. Yum!
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