Monday, April 14, 2014

Peru - A Gourmet's Paradise. Part 1: Fish and Seafood





 Peru Was Chosen The World's Leading Culinary Destination 2013 by the World Travel Awards and this is only one more landmark in the countries success story about food and gastronomy.
 Lima, the capital has become a gastronomic mecca and culinary tourism is booming.
Prestigious magazines as "The Economist" and BBC Travel published articles about Peru's Gastronomic Revolution and it's impact on the economy and social structure of the country.
Here, food cuts across all social, racial and geographic barriers.
People may literally swallow poor public administration, overpowering bureaucracy and a high crime rate but poorly prepared food is seldom tolerated.  
No matter if rich or poor, Peruvians pride themselves in eating well.
The cuisine is Fusion cuisine at is best, with a huge variety of ingredients  provided by the different geographical and climate zones of the country. The main geographical zones are the coast, the Andean Highlands and the jungle.
It is one of the ten countries world wide called "mega-diverse" regarding its bio-diversity and has one of the richest fishing grounds of our planet thanks to the cold water Humboldt Current.
The cuisine is influenced by native and foreign cuisines , brought by immigrants to the country. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and German dishes that are adapted with local ingredients go hand in hand with indigenous plates often dating from the Inca and Pre Inca period.
The Peruvian Nobel Price winner Mario Vargas Llosa calls it "one of the most inventive and refined cuisines in the world".
 But most important of all it represents Peruvian culture and identity and is a matter of national pride to all Peruvians.  
So as you can see, I'm lucky enough to live in a foodies paradise.
But I suppose we all get hungry about so much theory so let's get right to the subject and present you some of the Peruvian flagship dishes.
As already mentioned, there is a large varity of different meals, so the first part of this gourmet trip is dedicated to fish and seafood. 
Enjoy the trip!

Arroz con mariscos (Rice with seafood)


Tiradito con salsa de ajii amarillo (raw fish cut sashimi style and  marinated in yellow chilly sauce)


The shining star of Peruvian cuisine : Ceviche mixto (raw fish and seafood marinated in lime juice with chili, fresh coriander and onions served with yellow corn and sweet potato)



Ceviche de pescado (Ceviche for purists only with white fish like sea bass)


Conchitas a la parmesana (Gratinated scallops a la Parmesana)
As you can see in this pic my son couldn't wait to try :) 


Pulpo al Olivar  (Octopus in Black Olive Sauce)



Causa (cooked, mashed yellow potatoes mixed with lime juice,chili, onions and oil.)
Stuffed with a variety of foods like fish, chicken,seafood avocados or tomatoes. It is a delicious treat and everybody has his (her) favorite stuffing.  This ones are topped with fish and avocado and the other one with black olive sauce and crab meat.



Leche de pantera (Panther's milk) 
The ceviche juice that is with vodka. Tastes fantastic and after that whether you sleep for 3 days or you climb up the walls :) 


Grilled Octupus  with a spicy cheese Sauce and a glass of chilled Pisco Sour.


Still hungry? Visit the dessert selection at my FB page.
https://www.facebook.com/TheAmbassadorsTable

Wishing all of you a Happy Easter and great Holidays!





Share this article

91 comments:

  1. What an appropriate title. In my opinion Peru has some of the most delicious food in the world.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Monica,
      I agree completely, it has so many fruits, veggies, seafood and other ingredients to offer and people show a lot of creativity in preparing these delights.

      Delete
  2. Happy Easter to you too Daniela! This is a wonderful, informative and mouth watering post. I had no idea Lima was so far in front of the culinary curve. It is an awesome place for a foode to live - all that seafood is magnificent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tricia,
      yes I'm truly a lucky girl to live in a perfect place for foodies :)
      Happy Easter to you and your family!

      Delete
  3. A VERY VERY HAPPY EASTER & HOLIDAYS TO YOU TOO!!! Oh these dishes look so tempting....especially rice with seafood and parmesan crusted scallops...lovely dishes and so much to learn about Peruvian cuisine,thanks so much for sharing...Have A Great Day our friend!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi dear friends,
      so glad I could show you around in Peru at least culinarywise :)
      Have wonderful holidays and a Happy Easter to you and your loved ones!

      Delete
  4. I am not familiar with Peruvian food, but my sister went to a dinner party, the hosts were Peruvian and she is still talking about it. Guess I need to research and this looks like the place to start.

    Madonna
    MakeMineLemon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Madonna,
      so nice to hear that your sister enjoyed the food at her friends place.
      Thanks for your kind comment and Happy Easter to you!

      Delete
  5. Oh, I love seafood. Great for Easter. Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy Easter to you Yummy and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  6. A very Happy Easter to you!
    All the food looks gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Asmita, have a Happy Easter and great Holidays as well!

      Delete
  7. Thanks for sharing this informative post about Peruvian Cuisine. I'm planning a trip to Lima this summer... this spot is spot on for me! Great pics, now I look forward to trying all these recipes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Daniela,
      if you need any further info about don't hesitate to contact me, it will be my pleasure.
      Happy Easter to you!

      Delete
  8. You are so fortunate to be living in such a wonderful, culinary hub! Each dish looks delicious but the seafood with the creamy sauce over rice is making my mouth water :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan,
      I really feel fortunate and the rice with seafood is my favorite too :)
      Susan wanted to tell you as well that I tried several times to leave a comment at your blog but there seems to be no comment box. Pls. Advise. Thank you and Happy Easter to you!

      Delete
  9. Interesting post. I enjoyed reading about Peruvian food. I hope you have a Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dawn, I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the post about Peruvian food.
      Happy Easter to you!

      Delete
  10. I've never tasted Peruvian food but have to admit that it looks very impressive. I'll have to refer back to your article when I feature Peru for my Earth Eats. Thanks, Daniela!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nancy,
      glad to hear that you discovered Peruvian food through this post.
      I'll be more than happy to contribute for your article for your Earth Eats.
      Have a happy Easter!

      Delete
  11. Liebe Daniela, die Fischgerichte sehen alle ziemlich verführerisch aus, aber ich glaube ich würde mir den "Grilled Octopus with spicy Cheese Sause" aussuchen. Das hast du dir ja eine unglaubliche Auswahl an Rezepten ausgesucht - über Peruanisches Essen wußte ich bis jetzt eigentlich nicht allzu viel.
    Vielen Dank für den tollen Post und dir und einer Familie ien wunderschönes Osterfest!
    Liebe Grüße aus Bonn!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liebe Andrea,
      Freue mich, daß ich Dir eine kleine Auswahl an peruanischen
      Gerichten vorstellen konnte.
      Wünsche auch Dir und Deiner Famile ein frohes Osterfest!
      Liebe Grüße aus Lima.

      Delete
  12. Happy Easter to you too Daniela!
    I am drooling over those gratinated scallops a la Parmesana!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Angie,
      I can highly recommend the gratinated scallops :)
      Happy Easter to you and your family!

      Delete
  13. Everything looks wonderful but the seafood with rice is calling my name!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Pam and Happy Easter to you and your family!

      Delete
  14. I really want to visit there someday! What an amazing array of food -- it all looks so terrific. Such good stuff! Thanks, and Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John,
      hope you will visit one day, I'm sure you would enjoy it.
      Happy Easter to you and Mrs. K.R. As well!

      Delete
  15. Happy Easter to you too. All the dishes look so amazing. I enjoyed my food experiences when I was in Peru but it was not as pretty as yours. The seafood and fish was great, roasted baby pig. Oh and the cream and pastries.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Evelyn,
      I remember you mentioned that you visited Peru some time ago.
      Now food and food presentation has evolved and become more sophisticated.
      Yes I know the Guinea Pig dish , it shocked me when I first saw it because I had one as a much beloved pet when I was small.
      But so could people say about many countries where for example bunnies are eaten as delicacy. It's all a question about culture and traditions I suppose.
      Have a Happy Easter and great Easter weekend!

      Delete
  16. Great food! I'd love to visit thi scountry and taste its specialities.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rosa,
      Hope you will visit one day, I'm sure you would enjoy it
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  17. I'd love to visit Peru. All of the dishes look wonderful - but the octopus ones especially!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amy,
      You are so right the Octopus is delicious.
      Hope you will visit one day!

      Delete
  18. What a wonderful line up - delicious looking dishes. I've never been to Peru - what a wonderful place it looks!
    Mary x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mary,
      so glad to hear that you enjoyed the post about Peruvian gastronomy.
      Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  19. wonderful meal. i love to visit Peru too. I heard is very beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Candy,
      hope you will visit, I'm sure you would enjoy!

      Delete
  20. I'm emailing the link to my sister for this! She loves to try new foods, especially seafood. I'm not quite so adventurous as she is in that respect. I wish I could be! I'm just an old Missouri girl married to beef! :-) She has traveled the world and has a much more sophisticated palate. (Actually, I'm pretty sure she was in Peru for a summer a few years back.)

    Beautiful photos! The food looks so appealing!!! I can see why your son had trouble holding off!!!

    Happy Easter to you! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alycia ,
      Thank you so much for forwarding the post to your sister, hope she will enjoy it!
      My son was quite embarrassed when he saw the pic , but then he laughed and said :" It was sure worth it :) "
      Cheers.

      Delete
  21. Replies
    1. Thank you so much Ashley, have a Happy Easter and a great Easter weekend too!

      Delete
  22. Everything looks wonderful. I've been reading about Lima's new restaurants and exciting culinary scene. I hope to make it there someday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Beth,
      Hope you will travel, I 'm sure you would enjoy it !
      Happy Easter to you and your family!

      Delete
  23. I should have visited Peru when living in Brazil...now it seems so far.
    Everything looks so good Daniela...I would love to try them all...awesome pictures.
    Happy Easter :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Juliana,
      Hope you can make a trip to Leu ones, it's never too late even now you are not living so near any longer.
      Glad to hear you enjoyed the food presented in this post!
      Happy Easter to you my friend!

      Delete
  24. WOW, that seafood looks amazing!! I would love to visit Peru!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristy,
      hope you will visit one day, I'm sure you would enjoy!

      Delete
  25. I m agree I love peruvian food and we have here amazing restaurants from Peru.
    Also I have in my labels one to Peruvian recipes!
    Happy Easter Daniela!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gloria,
      so nice to hear that you have tried and like Peruvian food.
      I will take a closer look at the labels of your blog.
      Happy Easter to you and your family as well, Gloria!

      Delete
  26. Peru looks like a destination I need to put on my bucket list. I have not ever seen seafood with cheese before but wow those scallops baked on the half shell with parmesan looks amazing. Happy holidays to you. Take care, BAM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bam,
      hope you can visit one day, I'm sure you would enjoy and not only for the food :)
      Cheers.

      Delete
  27. Oh boy! Everything looks so delicious and exotic to me!
    I have not tried any Peruvian food before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and I hope that now, that you have heard and seen more about Peruvian food, you will try!

      Delete
  28. Es verdad, nos gusta comer, bueno, a todas las personas les gusta comer bien, pero a nosotros además nos gusta comer comidas con sabores fuertes y sobre todo, cuando es abundante...ja,ja,ja...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hola Nydia,
      Es muy cierto: nos gusta comer y nos gusta comer bien :)

      Delete
  29. My brother's GF has been back in Lima and I've seen some pictures she posts on Facebook. It's been fun learning about Peruvivan food culture from you and her. I love Peruvian food so much (one of my most favorite foods!), but I only know "good" ones here in the U.S. One day I hope to enjoy eating real food there. I love octopus and I wish we can get more octopus dishes here in the U.S! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nami,
      I remember you mentioned your brother's GF is Peruvian.
      For sure the Peruvian food you have tried in the US is nice but I hope you can visit Peru one day to try " the real thing" and I promise you won't be disappointed.
      Just let me know so that I can invite you some octopus :)
      Cheers.

      Delete
  30. Looks like I'll have to hop onto the next plane to Peru! Forget about Paris or Italy- looks like Peru is the place to be. I especially like the looks of Causa- this gives me a new idea to try with mashed potatoes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Fran,
      when you hop onto the pane to Peru just let me know , would be my pleasure to
      show you around :)

      Delete
  31. What a beautiful roundup of delicious Peruvian dishes.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am not familiar with Peruvian fare at all so it's really nice to learn new things here! The seafood selection looks amazing. I will have to research Denver to see if we have any Peruvian places so I can go and try out some of this stuff. Thanks Daniela!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nazneen,
      glad to hear that I could present something that is new for you.
      I don't know if there are any Peruvian restaurants in Denver, hope a good one.
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  33. So much delicious food in this post!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joanne,
      glad to hear you enjoyed the presentation.
      Ah, must tell you-when mi son came here for a visit he tried all of this:)

      Delete
  34. Thank you for all your history on Peruvian cuisine, Daniela. I'm happy to hear that all Peruvians take pride in their food. I hope you had a wonderful Easter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kitty,
      glad to hear that you enjoyed reading about Peruvian cuisine.
      Have a great week ahead and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  35. Hi Daniela, Happy Easter to you and family. Great posting, learn something new from you. Thank you for sharing with us. Wow... wow... all the food look really superb and delightful. You're very lucky.
    All your pictures are very spectacular, very well taken.

    Have a lovely week ahead,regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amelia,
      thank you so much for good wishes!
      I'm glad to hear I could present something that is new for you.
      We have all to be very watchful here, if not the scale shows us how good food really is in Peru :))
      Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

      Delete
  36. I surely need to make a trip in the near future. All the dishes look amazing...hard to choose a favourite. Love your passion for your local produce and food.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sonali,
      Hope you can make this trip one day, I'm sure you would enjoy it and not only culinary wise.
      Have a wonderful week ahead!

      Delete
  37. Love the look of that food, so authentic. I have a feeling I would enjoy Peruvian cuisine a lot. Hope you had a nice Easter, Daniela! :) ela@GrayApron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ela,
      so nice to receive your great feedback.
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  38. the spread looks amazing... Hope to visit one day :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa,
      hope you will visit one day, I'm sure you would enjoy the trip.
      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  39. I think I will come to Peru to meet you and eat all this food! Maybe I'll be able to squeeze sightseeing in, but I'm not sure! This looks fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Abbe,
      would be so nice if you could come for a visit and I would love to meet you and show you around :)
      Cheers

      Delete
  40. After reading your post I know for certain that I need to go to Peru asap. Thank you for the great inspiration Daniela!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mike,
      your very welcome!
      Hope you can make this trip one day, I'm sure you would enjoy it!
      Cheers.

      Delete
  41. yum! everything looks sooo delicious! i think we have one peruvian restaurant in the city. will have to check it out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Sarah and Arkadi, glad to hear that you enjoyed the post!

      Delete
  42. Wow!
    This food looks amazing! I hope to visit some day.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you so much, Asmita, hope you will visit one day!

    ReplyDelete
  44. wow, what a seafood fest menu,
    i adore the rice with seafood!!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I can see why this is a favorite post. I hope your "construction" is going well.

    ReplyDelete
  46. In the post you have written, what you have to tell and explain is very unique, along with your beautiful post, your recipe is very tasty, it tastes great and the way to make it is excellent.
    Escorts in gurugram
    Faridabad Call Girls

    Greater Noida Escorts
    Udyog Vihar escort

    ReplyDelete
  47. The less your post is praised, the less such a post gets to see so that I get to learn something, I am very happy to see your post and I will also go to write good posts in life like you. Inspired.

    Call Girls In Surazkund
    Bhiwadi Escorts Service
    Call Girls Huda City Center
    haryana Escorts Service
    Call Girls Dlf Cyber City
    Call Gierls Golf Cource Road
    Manesar Escorts Service
    Call Girls Imt Manesar
    Call Girls Noida Sector 13

    ReplyDelete
  48. Today, when I saw your article, I felt that we are in a different world. It seems like this is a dream, I love articles like this, I also feel that I should do it too but I can't do it 'Your article is really amazing.
    Imt Manesar Escorts Service
    Call Girls Bhiwadi
    Call Girls Faridabad
    Call Girls Subhas Chowk
    Russian Call Girls Gurugram

    Call Girls Gurugram
    Call Girls Aerocity
    Call Girls In Gurugram
    Call Girls Noida

    ReplyDelete

 
Copyright © 2014 The Ambassador's Table • All Rights Reserved.
back to top