Peru is a country that excites the imagination, from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant culture of Lima. Its culinary scene is a major draw, celebrated worldwide for its complexity and unique ingredients. But if your family includes a selective eater, the prospect of eating Peruvian food with a picky eater might feel like scaling a different kind of mountain. With dishes featuring ingredients like ají peppers, cilantro, and unfamiliar seafood, it’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive. Yet, Peruvian cuisine also offers simple, comforting elements that can be perfect for cautious palates, making it possible for the whole family to enjoy the incredible tastes of this diverse country.
Exploring Peruvian Flavours Through a Picky Lens
Peruvian food is incredibly regional, influenced by its coast, Andes mountains, and Amazon jungle. However, common threads run through the cuisine. You’ll find rice, beans, corn, and a staggering variety of potatoes (Peru is home to thousands of types!). Chicken, beef, and fish are popular proteins. While many dishes feature flavourful sauces and the ubiquitous ají pepper (which brings heat!), there are often simpler preparations available. Focusing on the individual components rather than complex stews is key when eating Peruvian food with a picky eater.
Practical Tips for Eating Peruvian Food With a Picky Eater
Navigating restaurants and food options in Peru can be an adventure. Here are some tips to help your picky eater find something they’ll enjoy:
Pollo a la Brasa: The Potential Win
One of Peru’s most popular dishes is Pollo a la Brasa (rotisserie chicken), often served with chips (papas fritas) and a simple salad. The chicken is typically well-seasoned but not overly spicy, and its familiarity (it’s chicken!) makes it a potentially excellent option for picky eaters. Dedicated Pollerías (chicken restaurants) are found everywhere.
Potatoes, Potatoes, Everywhere
Peru is the birthplace of the potato, and they come in countless shapes, sizes, and colours. While some potato dishes are complex, you can often find simple boiled or roasted potatoes offered as sides. Look for papas sancochadas (boiled potatoes) or ask if plain roasted potatoes are available. Chips (papas fritas) are also widely available.
Rice and Simple Grains
Rice (arroz) is a staple served with many main courses and is usually plain. Quinoa, though often part of mixed dishes, can sometimes be found prepared simply, offering another nutritious grain option.
Navigating Meats and Skewers (Anticuchos)
Besides Pollo a la Brasa, look for simply grilled beef or chicken. Anticuchos (marinated and grilled skewers, often beef heart) are popular street food and restaurant items. While the marinade can vary, some places might offer plainer chicken skewers that could work. Always check what cut of meat is used and ask about the marinade.
Asking for ‘No Ají’ or ‘No Picante’
Ají peppers are central to Peruvian cooking and provide varying levels of heat. Politely asking for your child’s dish to be prepared ‘sin ají’ or ‘no picante’ (without chilli/not spicy) is essential. Learn these phrases or have them ready on a translation app.
Exploring Side Dishes
Simple sides like plain boiled corn (choclo), sometimes served on the cob, can be familiar and appealing due to its large kernels and mild flavour. Plain beans (frijoles) might also be available as a side.
Fruit and Juices
Peru has an incredible abundance of fruits, many of which you might not have seen before. Fresh juices (jugos) and smoothies (extractos) are widely available and delicious. Trying a jugo made from a familiar fruit like mango or orange, or a new but sweet fruit like lucuma or maracuya (passion fruit), is a low-pressure way to explore new tastes.
Two unique fruits you will find in Peru are Lúcuma and Chirimoya, the latter having been called “the most delicious fruit known to man” by Mark Twain – a good shout for a picky eater with a sweet tooth. If you’d like to learn more about the abundant variety of fruits available in Peru, here’s a helpful overview.
Finding Familiarity & Backup Options
Having a plan for when local options don’t work is always wise.
Supermarket Staples
Pop into a Peruvian supermercado. You’ll find familiar items like bread (pan), cheese (queso), yogurt (yogurt), milk (leche), and various biscuits (galletas) and snacks. This provides reassurance and easy backup meals or snacks.
Tourist-Friendly Spots
In major tourist centres like Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa, you’ll find restaurants catering to international tastes, including pizza, pasta, and burgers, offering a fallback meal option if needed.
Gentle Exposure to Peruvian Ingredients
Even if your child mainly sticks to rice and chicken, you can offer tiny, pressure-free exposures to other Peruvian elements. Let them try a single kernel of choclo, smell a piece of ají amarillo (from a safe distance!), or dip a chip in a tiny amount of mild sauce if they are willing.
Conclusion
Travelling and eating Peruvian food with a picky eater is definitely manageable and can even be a rewarding experience. By focusing on adaptable dishes like Pollo a la Brasa, utilising staples like plain rice and potatoes, being mindful of spice, and being prepared with backup options, you can navigate the culinary landscape successfully. Remember to keep mealtimes positive and focus on the incredible cultural experiences Peru offers beyond the plate. Enjoy the journey!
For more help managing meal times while exploring the world, check out our posts on Picky Eating Solutions for Family Holidays and How to Get Picky Eater to Eat New Foods.
