Publicado por Team Tunupa / 27 de julio del 2025
Tasting traditional dishes in Cusco is much more than eating—it’s diving into the living history of the Andes. Each recipe is the result of centuries of tradition, where ancestral ingredients like quinoa, corn, and chili peppers blend with modern techniques that enhance their flavors without losing authenticity. Each bite tells stories of native peoples, local markets, and the deep connection between the Cusqueñan people and their land.
If you’re planning a trip to the Imperial City, you can’t miss these 7 traditional dishes that capture the essence of its culture. They are a unique Andean gastronomic experience that will let you discover the soul of Cusco through its flavors.
1. Andean Trout Ceviche
Fresh trout cubes marinated in leche de tigre with green rocoto chili, crispy corn, Sacred Valley herbs, sweet potato purée, and crispy trout crust.
✅ Perfect for: fish lovers and those looking for something light and healthy.
✅ Best enjoyed: on sunny or warm Cusco days, as a refreshing starter before a hearty dish.
2. Grilled Alpaca with Four-Cheese Risotto
Tender, lean alpaca served with creamy Italian cheese risotto, sautéed Andean mushrooms, caramelized onions, crispy tubers, and parmesan foam.
✅ Perfect for: culinary adventurers looking for authentic yet sophisticated flavors.
✅ Best enjoyed: on cool nights or during the cold season, when you crave something rich and comforting.
3. Tunupa Trout with Herb Butter
Grilled trout fillet drizzled with huacatay herb butter, creamy corn purée, fresh chalaquita salsa, and cilantro quinoa.
✅ Perfect for: fish lovers and those seeking low-fat but flavorful options.
✅ Best enjoyed: at lunchtime on mild days, after exploring the historic center or the Sacred Valley.
4. Traditional Crispy Guinea Pig – Tunupa Style
Deboned guinea pig, oven-roasted until golden and crispy, served with stuffed rocoto pepper, potato cake with yellow chili, and criolla salad.
✅ Perfect for: travelers seeking an exotic and authentic cultural experience.
✅ Best enjoyed: at lunch or dinner on cold days when a hearty dish is most satisfying.
5. Lomo Saltado
A Peruvian classic: wok-seared beef strips with onions, tomatoes, and yellow chili, served with crispy fries and rice. In Cusco, it’s prepared with tender Andean beef, achieving an intense, juicy flavor.
✅ Perfect for: lovers of traditional Peruvian food and those wanting a hearty, family-style dish.
✅ Best enjoyed: year-round, ideal for lunch or dinner when you need a warm, energy-packed meal.
6. Anticucho-Style Beef Tenderloin
Juicy beef marinated in Andean spices and ají panca chili, grilled anticucho-style, with golden native potatoes and Cusco corn. Smoky and spiced, simply irresistible.
✅ Perfect for: grilled meat lovers craving bold, criollo flavors.
✅ Best enjoyed: at dinner on cool nights, when a dish with character hits the spot.
7. Lamb Shank
Slow-cooked lamb shank until melt-in-your-mouth tender, served with native potato purée, red wine sauce, and Andean herbs. A dish combining elegance and tradition.
✅ Perfect for: meat lovers and those who enjoy haute cuisine techniques.
✅ Best enjoyed: on cold days or for special dinners, thanks to its rich, comforting flavor.
Enjoy Cusco’s Best Traditional Dishes at Tunupa
If you want to experience all these flavors in one place, Tunupa is the ideal restaurant. With its privileged location, live music, and a menu honoring Andean tradition, it’s the best place to try authentic traditional dishes in Cusco.
⬇ Book your table and live an unforgettable gastronomic experience ⬇
