Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 07-11-2022
Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru! This country has a long history, including being ruled by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, several devastating earthquakes, an occupation by Chilean forces during the War of the Pacific, and finally, gaining independence from Spain after the Peruvian War of Independence. Like its history, Peruvian cuisine is also a mix of indigenous influences, with imports from immigrants, over time. Lima is famous as a hot spot for foodies and lovers of exciting cuisine. The city is a world leader in the international gastronomic scene and has been crowned the best culinary destination multiple times by various institutions. If you are in Lima, a culinary tour should be part of your travel plans to immerse yourself in local culture via its cuisine.
Peruvian Ceviche
Traditional Peruvian gastronomy is characterized by delicious culinary creations and a wide range of historical and cultural influences. Peru's cuisine originates from the Inca culture and has been influenced by the Spanish and enslaved Africans and immigrants from Asia. This characteristic mixture is what makes Peruvian cuisine so unique. Lima's markets offer products from all over the country, and there is always some fruit or vegetable for you to spot that you have never seen! A visit to the central market to purchase all the food and ingredients for the class. You will find fruit that is seldom seen in other parts of the world at a local market, such as mini avocados, chirimoya, and lucuma. Your guide will also give you a crash course on some of the Andean spices and vegetables, but don't worry if you can't remember all the 300+ species of chili peppers on display! Peru is known for a wide variety of vegetables including 3000 kinds of potatoes!.... that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the world. During your market tour, you will purchase a wide range of ingredients typical of Peru, and after the market tour, which will last about 45 minutes, you will begin your authentic Peruvian cooking class.
Peruvian Market
After the market visit, our chef will teach you the quintessential basics of Peruvian gastronomy in an exciting cooking class. Here, your guide will teach you the secrets to making some staple Peruvian dishes and a special corn drink called Chicha Morada, which is made from purple corn and seasonings like pineapple, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar. This drink was made and consumed in Peru before the Inca empire, and the purple pigments of the corn are said to have extensive health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties! Your hands-on Lima cooking class will last about two and a half hours, and you will learn to cook several Peruvian dishes from scratch. Enjoy learning about the tips and techniques involved in Peruvian cooking before you sit down and let the expert chef take over. They will prepare a traditional Peruvian dish for you to savor as you contemplate the different traditional cooking methods employed and the different aromas and sensations experienced in the local market for a truly immersive culinary experience in the capital!
Peruvian Cooking Class
Book this wonderful Taste of Peru Culinary Experience in Lima with Valencia Travel and leave with great memories of the food, the culture, and the people!
