Anticuchos: A Taste of Peru – History, Recipe, and Where to Try Them

Anticuchos are one of Peru’s favorite street foods! These delicious, smoky meat skewers have been enjoyed for centuries.

The origin of anticuchos dates back to the days of the great Inca empire. At that time, they were prepared with llama hearts, cut into pieces. These pieces of llama heart were seasoned with chili and some aromatic herbs.

Once the Spanish conquerors settled in Peruvian territory, the meat and heart of cattle began to be used in anticuchos. Garlic also became part of its ingredients. The Spanish themselves adopted the way of skewering pieces of beef or the heart of a cow or calf on sticks. And in addition to the native herbs, they added spices and red wine to marinate the anticuchos.

The traditional recipe for anticuchos

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• An immaculate beef heart cut into small cubes.
• Two dried panca chili peppers, without veins or seeds, blended
• Half a cup of red wine
• Three ground garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil
• For the accompaniment (optional):
• Cooked corn
• Cooked potatoes
• Chili sauce or rocoto sauce

Preparation: In a bowl or large bowl, mix all the ingredients until a homogeneous paste forms. Then add a slight vegetable oil and mix everything again.

Dip the pieces of beef heart into this mixture. There, let them marinate for at least three hours and much better overnight.

On slightly moistened wooden sticks, thread the pieces of heart without joining them too much so that they cook evenly.

On a grill at low heat, place the skewers and turn them from time to time. This cooking can vary between 3 and 5 minutes or until you consider that they are ready.

Where to try anticuchos in Peru

Like so many other delicacies of Peruvian cuisine, there are many places in the country where you can enjoy them. Below we recommend some of them, famous for the quality of their anticuchos.

Lima

• Tío Mario: Located on San Martín Avenue 099, Tío Mario pleases its diners with great care and dedication in the preparation of its anticuchos and all its services. It is known that their anticuchos are among the best in the whole country and are very popular in Lima and its surroundings for their particular seasoning and their accompaniments.
• La Grimanesa: The most famous and renowned anticucho restaurant in Lima which owes its name to its foundation. Grimanesa Vargas began its successful career with a grill and a second-hand brazier. Over time, due to its prestige and the quality of its anticuchos, it has been in a pleasant location on Merino 466, Miraflores 15074, for years. Should I choose chicken or heart anticucho? Their antidúos, which are anticuchos made of heart and chicken meat, are highly appreciated.

Cusco

• Anticuchería El Cortijo: After you tour the historic center and other places of interest in Cusco, you can visit this restaurant. Its typical food from the Cusco region is judged to be excellent. Their anticuchos are one of the great delights of El Cortijo, and you will enjoy them in a festive and friendly atmosphere. The careful attention of their staff is another of their points in favor.

Arequipa

• Anticuchería Gaby: The famous anticuchería Gaby, for a long time, sold its products on the corner of La Recoleta street with Grau bridge. But today you can enjoy their delicious anticuchos with pure heart in their location on La Marina Avenue 14, Arequipa 04001.

Puno

• Víctor & Victoria…Brasas Peruanas: Located on R. Arequipa 852 in the city of Puno, this restaurant specializes in grilled meats. And when it comes to this specialty, anticuchos are an emblematic part of their menu. And you can enjoy them in a calm, comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, where the good and punctual service of their staff also stands out.