Peruvian cuisine can delight its guests. You would expect that it would look similar to other Latin cuisines. Then you get a plate of ceviche and the flavors so fresh and bold hit you in a way you didn’t expect. Honestly, a good first impression of the right dishes can make a meal that sticks with you for weeks.
Core Takeaways
- Always start with Ceviche as it’s more than just an appetizer. It sets the tone for everything else.
- First-timers can try Lomo Saltado and Pollo a la Brasa as the safest dish. This is something familiar but distinctly Peruvian
- Peruvian food doesn’t really hit you with spice. There’s some heat in a few dishes, sure, but nothing crazy. And places usually keep the sauce separate anyway, so you add as much or as little as you want.
- Get a Chicha Morada. It’s made from purple corn and tastes like nothing else you’ve had
The Best Dishes to Order as a First Timer
If you really want to understand Peruvian food these are the dishes you can’t miss. Order any one of them on your first visit and you won’t regret.
Ceviche
This dish is the classic as it is fresh fish, marinated in lime juice, Aji Amarillo, and cilantro which is served cold, with sweet potato and corn on the side. The lime juice actually “cooks” the fish which gives it a tangy flavor. At a Peruvian restaurant in Astoria, when the ceviche’s good, the rest of the menu almost always holds up.
Lomo Saltado
This dish actually shows the Chinese influence in Peruvian food which gives it an amazing taste. It has beef, onions, tomatoes and French fries which are stir-fried in a wok with soy sauce, cumin and Aji Amarillo. It is served on a bed of white rice.
Pechuga a la Plancha
If you’re looking for something lighter without sacrificing flavor, Pechuga a la Plancha is a great choice. This dish features a tender chicken breast seasoned and grilled until perfectly juicy. Then served with white rice, beans, sweet plantains and a fresh salad.
The combination is balanced & satisfying. That’s what makes it one of the best options for diners who want grilled dishes over heavier entrées.
Bandeja Paisa de Entraña
For guests with a big appetite, Bandeja Paisa de Entraña offers the ultimate Colombian dining experience. This hearty platter starts with grilled skirt steak and includes white rice, beans, crispy pork pancetta, sausage, avocado, a fried egg, fresh salad, and a traditional corn cake.
Pollo a la Brasa
It’s actually a Rotisserie chicken marinated in cumin, oregano, garlic and annatto then roasted until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. It is served with fries, salad and two sauces, Aji Verde for heat and Aji Amarillo for something milder. The best Astoria Peruvian restaurant will have a version of this that makes it clear why Peruvian rotisserie chicken has its own dedicated following.
What to Order as a Side or Starter
The starters at a Peruvian restaurant are not filler. A few of them are genuinely worth ordering on their own merits.
Yuca Frita
Aji Amarillo or Huancaina sauce goes perfectly with fried yuca. Each piece has a crisp outside and a dense, slightly sweet inside, it’s not at all like a potato. Honestly, if you’ve never tried yuca frita, you’ll probably wish you had started sooner. It works great as a side for anything off the grill, or just serve it up as an appetizer
Papa a la Huancaina
Boiled yellow potatoes smothered in Huancaina sauce. This sauce is creamy, and it’s made from Aji Amarillo peppers, queso fresco, milk and crackers, so it has this mellow, slightly bright vibe. It comes served cold with a few olives mixed in and like, a couple thin slices of boiled egg.
At the best Peruvian restaurant in Astoria the Huancaina is made fresh and the difference from a jarred version is immediately obvious. If you have never tasted Huancaina before, this dish is probably the easiest first bite to understand it.
What to Drink at a Peruvian Restaurant?
What about drinks? The choices are worth getting excited about, too. On a first visit, try at least one of these.
Chicha Morada
This one’s made with purple corn, simmered together with pineapple, cinnamon, cloves, and a splash of lime juice. They serve it cold and sweet, so it’s got this fruity, slightly spicy kick that’s perfect when you need something refreshing. Even if you’re eyeing something else, give this a shot at least once.
Inca Kola
Here’s Peru’s famous soda, bright yellow and wild, with a flavor that hits somewhere between bubblegum and cream soda. Locals absolutely love it, especially with heavier favorites like Lomo Saltado or Pollo a la Brasa. If you want to drink what Peruvians actually reach for at mealtime, this is the classic.
Read Also: What are the best casual Peruvian dining spots in New York?
Conclusion
Your first visit to a Peruvian restaurant doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a fresh ceviche if you enjoy seafood. Try Lomo Saltado if you want a classic that’s both familiar and uniquely Peruvian.
Looking for something lighter? Pechuga a la Plancha is a great choice. If you’re vegetarian, Arroz Chaufa de Vegetales delivers plenty of flavor without the meat. And if you’re ready for a truly hearty meal, Bandeja Paisa de Entraña brings together some of the best flavors of Colombian cuisine in one plate.
The best part about Peruvian food is its variety. Every dish tells a different story, influenced by cultures from around the world while remaining distinctly Peruvian. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, grilled meats, comfort food, or vegetarian options, there’s something on the menu worth discovering.
Planning your first visit? One thing many guests appreciate is how easy it is to get here. Unlike many restaurants in New York, Inca Paisa’s Astoria location offers a dedicated customer parking lot while our Bayside location has convenient street parking available. Whether you’re dining with family or simply don’t want the hassle of circling the block for a parking spot, getting to your meal is just as stress-free as enjoying it.
