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Cuisine of Peru and BoliviaPeruInternational cuisine is popular and available in the larger restaurants of Peru, but make sure you try the local dishes in the chicherías and picanterías. Spicy foods are arequipeña or a la criolla,and ethnic cooking is more prevalent in the highlands.Coffee and tea are served in mugs at the table, and you add your own milk or water. Order bottled water, either carbonated, or sin gas, non-carbonated. Imported and local soft drinks are popular. Try Inka Cola, a very sweet, golden colored soda. Juice is popular, and order it as jugo puro, plain juice. Peruvian beer is very good. Wines are not as good as Chilean or Argentine wines, but Pisco is superb. Chicha is usually home-made and varies in potency. Aguardiente is good, very potent and an acquired taste. Try these Recipes from Peru. While in Peru, try these specialities:
BoliviaThe cuisine of Bolivia is suited to the high, cold climate in the altiplano: lots of peppers, aji, and food served picante, spicy hot, although you can request medio picante or poco picante for medium or less hot. In the altiplano, cuisine relies on carbohydrates and protein from potatoes and meats, plus trout, trucha, from Lake Titicaca. In the lowlands, freshwater fish, vegetables, fruits are more popular. Note: meat and eggs from endangered species are often on the menu in lowland restaurants. If the demand for these is lessened, perhaps these species will stand a chance at survival.
In addition to the usual tea and coffee, try maté de coca, coca leaf tea, which helps you get used to the altitude and apí which is a sweet breakfast tea made from corn, lemon, cloves and cinnamon. There are local and imported soft drinks, plus licuados, fruit shakes made with milk or water. Bolivian wines are worth a try, but not comparable to Argentine or Chilean varieties. A byproduct called singani, which when mixed with lemon, a lemon flavored soft drink and ice, is a favorite drink. Bolivian beer is popular, but the most favored local drink is chicha cochabambina, a very potent corn drink. Other forms, some non-alcoholic, are also available. Try some of these Recipes from Bolivia. Try these favorites when you're in Bolivia: Enjoy the No matter where you travel in South America, or make a South American recipe at home, enjoy! You might want to browse through the selections and perhaps try the recipes in Our Latin Table : Celebrations, Recipes, and Memories (direct buy) for a taste of Latin American cuisine. Buen provecho! |
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