Peru is the homeland of one of our favourite fictional characters, Paddington Bear – though thankfully its cuisine has a lot more going for it than just marmalade sandwiches. In fact the food of Peru is arguably some of the most diverse in all of South America having been influenced by colonisers and immigrants from around the globe. The Spanish, Italians and Germans from Europe; the Japanese and Chinese from Asia and even natives of West Africa have all left their mark on the country's gastronomy, resulting in one of the finest examples of fusion food in the world. Of course, much of Peruvian food has also been influenced by the indigenous population, perhaps most notably the Inca people, and any dishes from overseas have been significantly modified according to the produce available. Staple ingredients in the Peruvian diet include corn, quinoa, chilli peppers, legumes, and the widest variety of potatoes in the world.
Fish and seafood are the main sources of protein along the coast while in the valleys and plains of the Andes mountains alpaca and guinea pig meat is widely consumed. The most famous delicacy from Peru, which is now a celebrated dish served around the world, is ceviche; raw fish marinated in citrus juice and typically spiced with red onion aji pepper and often served with sweet potato or white corn. The juice that remains once the fish has been removed is known as leche de tigre - “tiger’s milk” - and is often downed in a shot glass or blended with Peru’s national drink, pisco.
Best Peruvian restaurants in London
Over the last few years the capital has seen a surge of Peruvian restaurants popping up to offer a taste of this lesser known cuisine, and Londoners have welcomed them with open arms. Punchy flavours, pisco sours and party vibes all round – the Peruvians certainly know how to have a good time! Here are the best Peruvian restaurants in London for you to peru-se.
Senor Ceviche
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What: This miniature maelstrom of colour, flavour and sound housed in buzzy Kingly Court is one of London’s more accessible Peruvian restaurants. Senor Ceviche’s main event is, of course, the ceviche list, which runs from sea bass via octopus and sweet potato purée to a veggie variant involving barbecued artichoke. The Pachamanca pork ribs are also fantastic!
Where: Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
Coya Angel Court
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What: Softer acoustics make for a more-relaxed mood than at the ear-splitting original on Piccadilly, but otherwise the formula at Coya Angel Court is pretty much the same: a bar serving lethal cocktails, a dining room decorated in a colour-supplement approximation of South American chic, and a menu of small sharing plates that ticks off the continent’s culinary greatest hits: ceviche and steak, tacos and tiraditos.
Where: 31-33 Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2AT
Lima
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What: As we state in our review “forget the hot barometer of Peruvian food, Lima is one of the few restaurants in London making the unfamiliar utterly delicious”. Indeed don’t be off-put by the rather baffling menu, each dish will have you scraping the plate. In particular don’t miss the pressed suckling pig and the bizarre but brilliant avocado cream and chocolate mousse dessert.
Where: 31 Rathbone Place, W1T 1JH
Floral by Lima
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What: More affordable than its sister in Fitzrovia, Floral by Lima boasts an extensive menu of unusual indigenous ingredients that are sure to appeal to the adventurous palate. We recommend the sea bream ceviche, bathed in a vibrant ginger and citrusy tiger’s milk, and topped with cassava and crispy corn. Instagrammer or not we guarantee each beautiful dish will have you reaching for your camera.
Where: 14 Garrick Street, WC2E 9BJ
Chotto Matte
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What: This large and lively two-floor restaurant in Soho champions Nikkei cuisine – a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian, with colourful platters of fanned-out sushi to match an equally colourful decor. Light hearted and fun Chotto Matte is a great place to come with a group of friends for sharing plates and an eclectic selection of cocktails.
Where: 11-13 Frith Street, W1D 4RB
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