Peru Restaurant Tips by SirRichard Top 5 Page for this destination

Coca

Coca is not cocaine. I mean, when you hear "coca" you think, oh drug, forbidden and so. No, coca plant leaf have always been well considered in this land back in the Inca times, when they used it as medicine and had an important social role. The problem is that part of that coca leaf go to produce the drug called cocaine :-((

People in Peru chew coca leaf against altitude illness, as a way to fight tiredom... and you can buy it legally in markets and stores. You can find teas in cafeterias, or people chewing it by the streets... even candies made out of coca!

Comparison: least expensive

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.qosqo.com/qosqoes/coca.html

Corn

Corn was born here, Incas had a great tradition in growing and using corn as food. In local markets you will find a wide variety of sizes, colors, species...
You will find boiled corn in kernels sold by street vendors (they call it "choclo"), sweet, soft and cheap: 1sol (about 30 cents)

Many dishes are made out of corn, specially the delicious corn soups, and you will find a lot of popcorn (huge variety here also) in streets and markets.

Comparison: least expensive

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 0

Theme: Grocery Store/Market

Maca

I finally didn't try it, as I discovered it on my last days and didn't want to take chances, but many people seem to like this "spiritual" drink to begin the day properly.
There are many street vendors offering this drink around, at least in Cuzco.

More details in the web below:

Comparison: least expensive

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 0

Theme: Breakfast

Website: http://www.intimaca.com/es/

Avocados

In Peru there is a great variety of fruits and veggies. I liked to buy a couple of avocados and keep them in the sack for in between hours. You just have to have a knife to open them and a small spoon to eat them.

Comparison: least expensive

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Street Vendor