Discover the Flavors of Peruvian Cuisine in Thailand

Peruvian cuisine is quickly gaining popularity all over the world, and Thailand is no exception. With its vibrant fusion of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, Peruvian cuisine offers a unique and unforgettable taste experience that is sure to delight your senses. In this article, we will explore the different flavors of Peruvian cuisine that you can discover in Thailand, from savory ceviches and empanadas to spicy rocoto relleno and tangy causa.

Ceviches: A Refreshing Delight

Ceviche is a quintessential Peruvian dish that has become a global sensation. It is made by marinating raw fish or seafood in citrus juices, chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. The acidity of the lime juice “cooks” the fish, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. In Thailand, you can find several restaurants that serve Peruvian-style ceviche with a Thai twist. For example, Tanta Peruvian Restaurant in Bangkok offers a succulent salmon ceviche with mango and rocoto sauce, while La Parrilla Restaurant in Phuket serves a delightful octopus ceviche with leche de tigre, a milky and spicy marinade.

Empanadas: A Hearty Snack

Empanadas are another Peruvian staple that you can find in many Thai restaurants. These baked or fried turnovers are usually filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or fruits, and are perfect as a snack or a light meal. Some popular empanadas in Thailand include:

• Beef empanadas with aji amarillo sauce at Limoncello Restaurant in Bangkok
• Chicken empanadas with huacatay sauce at La Vista Peruvian Kitchen in Phuket
• Spinach and cheese empanadas at La Cevicheria Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Rocoto Relleno: A Plant-Based Delight

Rocoto relleno is a spicy and filling dish that showcases the unique flavors of Peruvian peppers. It consists of stuffed rocoto peppers with a mixture of beef, pork, raisins, olives, and cheese, and is served with potatoes and a peanut sauce. While rocoto peppers are not common in Thailand, some restaurants have adapted the recipe using local ingredients, such as Thai bird’s eye chili. For example, Los Amigos Restaurant in Bangkok offers a delicious chicken-stuffed spicy chili with potatoes and creamy sauce.

Causa: A Satisfying Appetizer

Causa is a Peruvian dish that combines mashed potatoes with a variety of fillings, such as seafood, chicken, avocado, or vegetables. The potatoes are often seasoned with lime juice, chili peppers, and aji amarillo, a flavorful Peruvian yellow pepper. Causa is usually served cold as an appetizer or a light lunch. In Thailand, many restaurants offer their own take on causa, such as:

• Shrimp causa with avocado at El Mercado Restaurant in Bangkok
• Crab causa with rocoto sauce at Sabor Latino Restaurant in Chiang Mai
• Vegetarian causa with beetroot and goat cheese at La Brasa Rotisserie & Grill in Phuket

Conclusion

Peruvian cuisine has a vibrant and diverse range of flavors that blend indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences. In Thailand, you can discover the different tastes of Peruvian cuisine in many restaurants that offer ceviches, empanadas, rocoto relleno, causa, and other dishes. Whether you are a fan of spicy, sour, or savory food, Peruvian cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds.

FAQ

1. Is Peruvian cuisine spicy?

Yes, Peruvian cuisine is known for its spicy flavors, which come from a variety of chili peppers, such as aji amarillo, rocoto, and panca.

2. Can I find vegetarian or vegan options in Peruvian cuisine?

Yes, many Peruvian dishes can be adapted to vegetarian or vegan diets, using ingredients such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, beans, and vegetables.

3. What is leche de tigre?

Leche de tigre is a milky and spicy marinade that is used in ceviche. It is made with citrus juices, chili peppers, onions, garlic, and fish stock.

4. What is aji amarillo?

Aji amarillo is a yellow Peruvian chili pepper that is used in many Peruvian dishes. It has a fruity and slightly spicy flavor.

5. Is Peruvian cuisine healthy?

Peruvian cuisine is generally considered healthy, as it features a variety of fresh ingredients and lean proteins, such as fish, chicken, and quinoa. However, some dishes may be high in sodium or fat, so it is important to choose wisely.

6. What are some popular Peruvian desserts?

Some popular Peruvian desserts include suspiro limeño, a sweet and creamy caramel dessert, churros, crispy fried dough served with dulce de leche, and alfajores, buttery cookies filled with dulce de leche.

7. Where can I find Peruvian cuisine in Thailand?

You can find Peruvian cuisine in many restaurants in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and other cities in Thailand. Some recommended Peruvian restaurants include Tanta Peruvian Restaurant, Limoncello Restaurant, and La Brasa Rotisserie & Grill.

References

1. “Peruvian Cuisine.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Web. 27 Apr. 2021.

2. “15 Best Peruvian Restaurants in Bangkok.” The Culture Trip. Web. 27 Apr. 2021.

3. “10 Best Peruvian Restaurants in Phuket.” The Culture Trip. Web. 27 Apr. 2021.

4. “8 Best Peruvian Restaurants in Chiang Mai.” The Culture Trip. Web. 27 Apr. 2021.