Arequipa, known as Peru's "White City," is located at the base of three volcanoes in the southern Andes. Its old town, constructed with white volcanic rock, is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. The city mixes old Spanish-style buildings with a lively modern vibe.

Home to about a million people, Arequipa has nice weather all year. It's a starting point for nearby spots like Colca Canyon and is popular for outdoor activities and cultural events.

• Arequipa, Peru's second-biggest urban center, is famous for its unique mixed-heritage cooking
• The city's classic food spots offer genuine local meals and experiences
• In 2019, UNESCO picked Arequipa as a Creative City for Food

Why is Arequipa's food scene noteworthy

Arequipa's food world is quite different from Lima's. While the capital gets global praise for its new-style eateries, Arequipa sticks to its old ways. Here, you'll taste filling stews, unique meat dishes, and flavors that tell the area's history.

The city's food culture is closely tied to its picanterías. These old-school eating spots, often run by women who get recipes from their moms, are central to Arequipa's cooking. They serve food that mixes native and Spanish influences, creating a truly one-of-a-kind cuisine.

In 2019, UNESCO noticed Arequipa's food importance by naming it a Creative City for Gastronomy. This title shows the city's rich food history and its effort to keep old cooking methods alive.

Which foods should I try in Arequipa

When you come to Arequipa, get ready for a taste trip. Here are some local foods you shouldn't skip:

1. Rocoto Relleno: This famous dish has a spicy rocoto pepper filled with meat, cheese, and spices, then cooked in the oven.
2. Chupe de Camarones: A thick shrimp soup that's common in local picanterías.
3. Ocopa: Cooked potatoes with a smooth sauce made from cheese, nuts, and herbs.
4. Adobo: A pork stew soaked in chicha (corn beer) and spices, usually eaten for breakfast.
5. Queso Helado: Despite its name meaning "cheese ice cream," this sweet treat has no cheese. It's a cold dessert with cinnamon and coconut flavors.

These foods show off the special tastes and ingredients of the area, from the hot rocoto peppers to the river shrimp used in chupe.

Where can I eat the best classic food in Arequipa

To taste real Arequipa cooking, go to one of the city's classic picanterías. These simple eating spots often open only for lunch and have a changing menu of local foods.

Some popular picanterías are:

• La Nueva Palomino
• Picantería Victoria
• La Benita

These places give you more than just food; they show you Arequipa's cooking history. You'll often see locals here, talking over plates of hot food and glasses of chicha.

For a fancier meal that still respects local traditions, try Chicha, a restaurant by well-known Peruvian cook Gastón Acurio. It serves modern versions of classic Arequipa dishes.

How is Arequipa's food culture changing

While Arequipa is proud of its old food ways, the food scene isn't standing still. A new group of cooks is finding ways to honor the past while looking ahead.

At Picantería Victoria, owner José Falcón has made what he calls a "picantería 2.0." He offers a "history menu" that takes eaters on a trip through 3,500 years of Arequipa's food past.

Other restaurants are putting new spins on old dishes. At Mumis, for example, you can try rocoto relleno turned into cappelletti pasta.

This mix of old and new is helping to keep Arequipa's food culture alive and important in the 21st century.

What drinks should I taste in Arequipa

No food trip in Arequipa is complete without trying the local drinks. Here are a few to taste:

• Chicha de Guiñapo: A corn beer that's been enjoyed in the area for hundreds of years.
• Pisco Sour: While not only from Arequipa, this national cocktail takes on local flavors here. Try versions made with area fruits.
• Kola Escocesa: A local soft drink that's been made in Arequipa since 1950.

These drinks go well with the strong flavors of Arequipa cooking.

How can I learn more about Arequipa's food culture

To really get into Arequipa's food world, think about taking a food tour. Several local companies offer trips that include market visits, cooking classes, and meals at classic picanterías.

You can also plan your visit during one of Arequipa's food festivals. The Fiesta de la Chicha, held every year in November, celebrates the area's traditional corn beer.

For a hands-on experience, look for cooking classes that teach you how to make local foods like rocoto relleno or chupe de camarones.

When's the best time to visit Arequipa for food fans

Arequipa has nice weather all year, giving it the nickname "City of Eternal Spring." But for food fans, the best time to visit is between August and November.

During these months, several food festivals happen, showing off the best of local cooking. The weather is also great for eating outside and checking out the city's markets.

Remember that December to March is the rainy season, which might affect some outdoor food experiences.

Is eating out in Arequipa good for my wallet

One great thing about Arequipa is that you can eat amazing food without spending too much. Classic picanterías often have set lunch menus (menú del día) at very good prices.

For those watching their money, the local markets are full of cheap eats. San Camilo Market, near the city center, is a great place to try local street food and fresh produce.

Even at fancier restaurants, prices tend to be lower than what you'd find in Lima or other big tourist spots.

FAQs

How is Arequipa's food different from other parts of Peru?

Arequipa's food is different from other areas of Peru because of its unique mix of native and Spanish influences. It tends to be heartier and spicier than food from Lima or Cusco. Arequipa is known for dishes like rocoto relleno and chupe de camarones, which you won't often find in other parts of the country.

Can vegetarians eat traditional Arequipa food?

While many traditional dishes have meat, vegetarians can still enjoy Arequipa's food. Dishes like ocopa (potatoes in a cheesy sauce) and solterito (a fresh corn and cheese salad) are good for vegetarians. Many picanterías also have vegetable-based soups and stews.

Is the food in Arequipa very spicy?

Arequipa is known for using spicy rocoto peppers, but not all dishes are very hot. If you don't like spicy food, tell your server, and they can often make it less spicy. Many restaurants also have milder options along with their spicier food.