Traditional Cusco Food Guide

Cusco isn’t just about ancient ruins and cobblestone streets — it’s also one of the most flavorful cities in Peru. Traditional food here is rich, earthy, and deeply connected to the Andes and its people. If you love exploring local culture through food, this guide will help you discover the dishes you can’t miss while visiting Cusco.

1. Choclo con Queso

This simple yet delicious snack combines giant kernels of Andean corn with a slice of fresh local cheese. You’ll find it sold on the streets, especially near markets and bus stops. The kernels are huge and slightly sweet — a true taste of the Sacred Valley.

2. Chiri Uchu – The Festival Dish

Chiri Uchu is the traditional dish served during Cusco’s Corpus Christi festival. It’s a mix of cold ingredients: guinea pig (cuy), chicken, sausage, corn, cheese, seaweed, and even fish roe. Each bite represents a mix of Andean and coastal flavors — a symbol of Peru’s diversity on one plate.

3. Cuy al Horno (Roasted Guinea Pig)

This one might surprise visitors, but cuy has been part of Andean cuisine for centuries. In Cusco, it’s often served whole, roasted, and accompanied by potatoes and ají sauce. If you want to try it, look for family-owned restaurants in the San Blas or San Cristóbal areas rather than tourist traps.

4. Adobo Cusqueño

A comforting pork stew cooked in chicha de jora (fermented corn beer) with garlic, cumin, and Peruvian chili. Traditionally eaten on Sunday mornings — yes, morning! — it’s the locals’ favorite hangover cure. Try it at a traditional picantería in the San Jerónimo district.

5. Chicha de Jora and Frutillada

No food guide to Cusco is complete without mentioning these drinks. Chicha de jora is a mildly alcoholic beverage made from fermented corn, while frutillada is its pink, fruity version made with strawberries. They’re both refreshing and part of the city’s rural traditions.

Where to Try Local Food in Cusco

• San Pedro Market: For authentic street-style food and local juices.
• Plaza San Blas: For cozy, small restaurants serving traditional meals with a local twist.
• Tipón: Known for its rustic picanterías — a short drive from Cusco and worth the trip!

Exploring traditional food in Cusco isn’t just about eating — it’s about experiencing the local way of life. Each dish tells a story about the Andes, its people, and their connection to the land.