The gastronomy of the Peruvian jungle is a fascinating experience, full of exotic aromas, intense flavors, and unique products from the Amazon. Its colorful and nutritious dishes reflect the rich biodiversity and ancestral culture of this region. Below, we present a list of the 10 most representative Amazonian dishes, those you cannot miss trying on your next visit to the Peruvian jungle.
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1. Juane
Probably the most emblematic Amazonian dish, juane symbolizes the culinary culture of the jungle. Prepared with rice, regional chicken seasoned with Amazonian spices, olives, hard-boiled egg, and wrapped in bijao leaves, it is steamed and offers an incomparable aromatic experience. It is typical during the San Juan festivals.
2. Tacacho con Cecina
This Amazonian classic consists of tacacho, made from roasted green plantain mashed with pork lard, accompanied by cecina, jungle-style smoked pork. A hearty and flavorful dish that reflects the Amazonian culinary identity.
3. Patarashca
It consists of fresh fish seasoned with local spices (sweet chili, jungle cilantro, sacha culantro, garlic, and onion), wrapped in bijao or plantain leaves and grilled or cooked over coals. It is one of the healthiest, most aromatic, and delicious dishes offered by the Peruvian jungle.
4. Inchicapi
It is a delicious creamy soup made with ground peanuts, regional chicken, corn, yuca (cassava), and Amazonian spices like sacha culantro. Its smooth texture, combined with its intense flavors, makes Inchicapi a comforting dish, especially on rainy days.
5. Ensalada de Chonta (Palmito)
Chonta, or Amazonian hearts of palm, is the core of the palm tree, appreciated for its delicate flavor and crunchy texture. It is usually served in fresh salads with lemon, tomato, avocado, and olive oil, constituting a light, refreshing, and nutritious option.
6. Caldo de Carachama
Carachama is a highly prized Amazonian fish, especially for its white and soft flesh. Prepared in a broth with plantains, chilies, and local herbs, it is considered by indigenous communities as a source of strength and vitality.
7. Sudado de Doncella
This exquisite Amazonian dish consists of doncella fish, slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, Amazonian chilies, jungle cilantro, and citrus juice. The result is tender flesh that melts in the mouth, enveloped in an aromatic broth.
8. Chicharron de Lagarto
An exotic specialty from the Amazon. The flesh of the white lizard is fried until crispy, usually accompanied by fried yuca (cassava) and cocona sauce. It has a flavor similar to chicken but with a slightly firmer and juicier texture.
9. Humitas Amazónicas
Sweet or savory, Amazonian humitas are prepared with freshly ground corn mixed with lard, wrapped in corn or plantain leaves, and steamed. Sweet versions are accompanied by sugar cane honey or chancaca (panela), while savory ones contain Amazonian cheese.
10. Mazamorra de Aguaje
Aguaje, an Amazonian fruit rich in vitamin A, is the base for a sweet, creamy, and nutritious mazamorra (pudding). It is cooked mixed with tapioca or corn flour, sweetened with panela (unrefined cane sugar), offering an emblematic dessert with a tropical flavor, typical of the Peruvian jungle.