Anticuchos in Lima: A culinary travel guide

What are anticuchos and why should you try them?

Anticuchos are skewers of marinated and grilled beef heart, considered the king of Peruvian street food. This iconic dish has its roots in the colonial era when African slaves transformed the offal of cattle into a culinary delight that is now a symbol of national gastronomic identity.

Why are they unique? Unlike other Latin American countries, in Peru, anticuchos are made exclusively with beef heart, marinated in a secret blend of ají panca, garlic, cumin, vinegar, and spices that give it that smoky and irresistible flavor that captivates both locals and tourists.

The authentic anticucho experience

When and where to find them?

• Typical hours: Mainly at night (from 6:00 PM)
• Places: Carts on street corners, family-run anticucherías, markets
• Traditional accompaniments: Boiled potatoes, corn, choncholi (intestines), rachi (udder)
• Ideal drink: Chicha morada or cold beer

How much does it cost?

• Street carts: S/ 8-12 per serving (2-3 skewers)
• Established anticucherías: S/ 15-25 for a full plate
• Restaurants: S/ 30-45 for gourmet presentations

The best places to eat anticuchos in Lima

For adventurous tourists (Authentic carts):

1. Grimanesa Vargas – Miraflores

• Location: Calle Ignacio Merino 466
• Why it’s special: The “queen of anticuchos” with over 30 years of experience
• Tip: Her anticuchos are large, juicy, and perfectly seasoned

2. Anticuchería Carmencita – Surquillo

• Location: Avenida Angamos (specific information on social media)
• Highlight: Traditional flavor, very popular with locals

3. El Rincón de Manolo – Rímac

• Location: Av. Tarapacá 485
• Specialty: Anticuchos and chicharrones with refreshing chicha morada

For more comfortable experiences (Established restaurants):

4. Anticuchos Tío Johnny – Barranco

• History: Over 60 years perfecting the recipe since 1957
• Why visit: Family tradition, marinated for hours, perfectly cooked
• Atmosphere: From cart to dining room, it maintains the traditional essence

5. Pascuala – Surquillo/Surco

• Location: Jr. Santa Rosa 854, Surquillo
• Recognition: Over 30 years, famous at the Mistura fair
• Prices: Starting from S/ 17 for personal servings, combos from S/ 24

6. Anticuchería Rosita – Surco

• Location: Av. Ayacucho 1352
• Advantage: Varied presentations and affordable prices

For typical nighttime experiences:

7. Anticuchería Marthita – Jesús María

• Location: In front of Rebagliati Hospital
• Hours: Ideal for late dinners, authentic street food flavor

8. Tío Mario – Barranco

• Locations: Jr. Zepita 214 and Av. San Martín 099
• History: A couple from Cusco since 1987, known for their “special mix”
• Atmosphere: In front of the Bridge of Sighs, perfect for tourists

How to enjoy anticuchos like a local

The anticucho protocol:

1. Arrive after 7:00 PM (traditional time)
2. Order the “mix” (anticuchos + choncholi + rachi)
3. Pair with potatoes and corn (included in most dishes)
4. Add criolla sauce if you like extra spice
5. Drink chicha morada for the complete experience

Essential anticucho vocabulary:

• Anticucho: Skewer of beef heart
• Choncholi: Grilled intestines
• Rachi: Cow udder
• Mollejitas: Chicken gizzards
• Mixed grill: Combination of all the above

Recommended anticucho route for tourists

Option 1: Traditional night tour (3-4 hours)

1. Start in Miraflores: Grimanesa Vargas (8:00 PM)
2. Barranco: Tío Johnny or Tío Mario (9:00 PM)
3. End in Surquillo: Pascuala (10:00 PM)

Option 2: Safe family experience

1. La Tribuna Carbonera (more established)
2. Anticuchería Rosita in Surco
3. Any anticuchería in shopping malls

Important tips for tourists

Safety and health:

• Choose busy places: More turnover = fresher product
• Observe the grill: It should be hot and clean
• Ideal hours: Between 7:00-10:00 PM (maximum freshness)
• Safe locations: Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, Surco

Cultural tips:

• It’s nighttime food: Peruvians rarely eat anticuchos during the day
• Eat with your hands: It’s normal and expected
• Ask for extra ají: If you like it spicy, don’t hesitate to ask
• Fair price: If it costs less than S/ 8, be wary of the quality

Special anticucho events

National Anticucho Day

• Date: Third Sunday of October
• What to expect: Festivals, special promotions, competitions
• Where to participate: Main parks, food fairs

Mistura Fair

• When: September (annually)
• Famous anticucherías: Pascuala, Doña Pochita, and other icons
• Advantage: Try several in one place

Why anticuchos are a must-try for tourists

1. 100% Peruvian experience: You won’t find anything like it in another country
2. Affordable price: Quality food at popular prices
3. Cultural immersion: Connects you with authentic Lima nightlife
4. Unique flavor: The marinade in ají panca is exclusive to Peru
5. Living tradition: Recipes passed down through generations

Alternatives for discerning palates

If beef heart isn’t for you, many anticucherías also offer:

• Chicken anticuchos: Milder for sensitive palates
• Beef anticuchos: Traditional cuts of meat
• Gourmet versions: In fine dining restaurants with modern presentations