Looking for an authentic culinary experience in Cusco? Look no further than the bustling street food scene that this historic city has to offer. Cusco’s street food is a unique and exciting way to explore the city’s diverse culinary heritage. Whether you’re in the mood for savory snacks, sweet treats, or refreshing drinks, Cusco’s street food vendors have got you covered. From traditional dishes like anticuchos (grilled skewers of meat) and empanadas, to more modern takes on classic flavors, Cusco’s street food scene is a feast for the senses.
Anticuchos
This dish is made from beef heart and is served by piercing pieces of beef through a small wooden stick. The anticuchos are cooked on the grill with a sauce made of oil, vinegar, cumin, aji panca sauce, salt and oregano. This mix of ingredients makes the flavor spectacular, making the anticucho a worthy street food.
Choclo con queso
Choclo con queso is one of the simplest street foods. It is a Peruvian corn that differs from others due to the large size of its grains. This cholo is boiled until the grains are soft, before being served a portion of cheese is added on top and this meal is ready to be enjoyed.
Huevos de codorniz
If the corn was easy to prepare, then I don’t know how to describe this. In the streets of Peru it is very common to find people selling quail eggs. The eggs are boiled until they are completely hard and are served with chili sauce or salt. For one dollar you get about 10 eggs.
Tamales
Tamales are exquisite. There are green and brown tamales. The green ones are prepared with conventional corn and a lot of coriander is added to the preparation, which is what gives it the green color. On the other hand, brown tamales are prepared with a type of corn called “mote”. To any of these tamale varieties you can add pieces of pork, chicken, cheese or simply nothing. This street food is the favorite of Peruvians for a breakfast or a weekend.
Churros
Churros are a Spanish heritage. They are made mainly of flour and are served with a lot of sugar. Unlike Spanish churros, Peruvian churros have a hole in the center and are filled with majar or chocolate, making them delicious and easier to eat.