Peruvian food is a staple, nowadays, of Argentine cuisine due to the number of immigrants now living in the country. Here’s a list of the restaurants you must go to for the most delicious Peruvian food and cuisine.
By Carla Chinski, Content Marketing Manager for Vamos Academy
Peruvian Immigration and Food
Ever since the advent of Peruvian, Bolivian and, more recently, Venezuelan immigration, the culinary culture and cooking began to shift towards “cocina fusión” (fusion cuisine). Fusion cuisine and gastronomy became wildly popular in Buenos Aires and throughout Argentina, and it still is. Peruvian food, because of its demography, largely combines Asian food traditions (Chinese and Japanese) with cuisine from the Andes. Here’s a little history; next time you visit one of these restaurants, you’ll get to enjoy the whole picture, and not just the food.
The Peruvian community, just like most other immigrant communities in Buenos Aires, is gathered around different institutions and cultural centers in the city and in Argentina. Just like in the case of the Venezuelan immigration surge, the Peruvian community is relatively new to Argentina when compared to others, like the Spanish and Italian masses. The community became significant during the fifties; however, during the nineties there was a second immigration wave; Argentina is currently a very common destination for the community in Perú. Peruvian immigration is related to the times when a crisis hit hard in Perú, and so people came looking for opportunities and jobs here in Argentina.
Apart from many other cultural relationships and influences in the country, food is no exception, especially in Buenos Aires and close to the Andes region. Peruvian cuisine has been on the rise thanks to its varied cuisine which caters to almost any taste–it’s likely you’ll find a buzzing spot for you here in Buenos Aires.
The correct term for Peruvian fusion food and cuisine is “Nikkei”. It’s one of the major, and first, components of fusion cuisine, and is especially popular in Argentina, as it brings together tendencies from the most renowned chefs in the country.
The Best Peruvian Restaurants in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Osaka: Gourmet and Fancy
Just like many of the restaurants on this list, Osaka is well known for its sushi and the fusion of Chinese cuisine with local, Peruvian ingredients. If you fancy a fancy night out, Osaka is the place for you, with its lush decorations and its stunning, dim-lighted ambiance.
The feel of the restaurant, and the philosophy of its dishes, tends to be quite gourmet: don’t expect large dishes for sharing with friends. You might have to order more than one per person, in fact, to be full at the end of the meal. The quality of the food is definitely worth it; when eating raw fish, quality and freshness are key.
There are some special features offered at this restaurant, like valet parking (with charge), vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a gluten-free menu.
Where: Soler 5608, City of Buenos Aires
Price range: $$$$
Reservations: +54 11 4775-6964
Perú Deli: Homemade and Delicious
Perú Deli is a relatively long-standing spot in the country. Do not be fooled by the size or the look of Perú Deli: buried in the Palermo Nuevo zone of Buenos Aires, this restaurant also offers cocina fusión, special drinks and more traditional Peruvian dishes. It’s definitely understated, but the price range is moderate, so it’s budget-friendly if you’re just looking to get food to go. There are not that many options for seating; however, the quality of the dishes makes Perú Deli totally worth it.
The anticucho, mariscos and ceviche are well worth a try. The restaurant can make accommodations for large groups, and wait times for delivery and takeout are more than reasonable. Do not expect a gourmet approach, but a homemade meal that is extremely well made and of reliable and consistent quality: it will never disappoint.
Where: Beruti 4602, City of Buenos Aires
Price Range: $$
Reservations: 4777-3862
Tigre Morado
Once again, a restaurant in the Palermo neighborhood. Tigre Morado is probably the most well-known, along with Osaka (at least for the locals.) With the COVID-19 pandemic, Tigre Morado has implemented–and strengthened–its delivery service, so it’s okay if you can’t make it to the restaurant. However, because of the captivating atmosphere, we do recommend giving the in-person visit a try!
Their ceviche is all the rage, and so is the restaurant on the whole. The restaurant is also famous for their spicy food, if you’re into sugar and spice. There is an outdoor seating option.
Where: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 1671, City of Buenos Aires
Reservations: 4777-9086
Price Range: $$$$
Also read: A Guide to the Palermo Neighborhood
Where: Honduras 5900, City of Buenos Aires
Reservations: +54 11 4775-2927
Mamaguille’s: A Restaurant With a Friendly Atmosphere
Previously known as Lúcuma (named after a native Peruvian tree from the Andes region), you won’t want to miss Mamaguille’s! It’s likely you’ll return to the restaurant; if you’re looking for the most reasonable prices and quality, this is the place to turn to (or run to, rather.) Just like other restaurants, the seafood stands out.
What makes Mamaguille’s unique is it’s wide variety of quality options to choose from: the menu features a traditional wok, papas a la Huancaína, a wonderful ceviche–and Pisco Sour for drinks! The plates have quite generous servings and the staff will be happy to tell you all about the ingredients.
Where: Francisco Acuña de Figueroa 888, City of Buenos Aires.
Reservations: 4802-5603
Budget: $$$
For more information on restaurants to visit to get to know local food, ask the staff at Vamos Spanish Academy and they will be happy to help! Impress the waiters and waitresses with your Spanish skills.
Peruvian Foods to Look For: What to Eat in Argentina
Ceviche
The ceviche will always be the most well-known restaurant (or homemade!) dish and the star of the show. It’s raw fish meat of high quality cooked with an acidic component, usally lemon-lime, and accompanied by cut-up vegetables. It’s different from other traditional ceviche, as it includes potatoes. It’s such a popular food in Peruvian cuisine, in fact, that it has been declared “national heritage” in the country.
Papas la Huancaina
Although papas a la Huancaína requires little to no effort and preparation, it can be tricky to get it just right. It features a blended onion and cream sauce–yum–with potatoes that are first roasted and then incorporated into the sauce. It’s usually accompanied by rice and a sprinkling of sauce. Of course, more often than not, the sauce includes spicy chiles.
Causa
The Peruvian causa (or “causa limeña”) is traditional from the Precolumbian era, which makes sense, because of its simple ingredients and preparations. Although the causa can take on many forms and there are lots of variants, it includes yellow potatoes–specifically, the local “papa amarilla” (yellow potato)–filled with different types of salad. Basically a stack of ingredients, not unlike a game of Jenga.
Anticuchos
Anticucho is really considered street food in Perú, but it’s delicious in its simplicity. It’s a bruschetta made up of beef or any other type of meat; the most popular variant, though, is the anticucho de corazón (heart brochette). Meat on a skewer, yes, but with a complex marinade and a myriad of flavors.
