Picarones from Lima: The most authentic sweet treat of Lima

What are picarones and why are they special?

The picarones are golden fried rings made from a unique dough of sweet potato and squash, drizzled with chancaca honey (sugar cane molasses). This traditional Peruvian dessert, which originated during the colonial period, represents a perfect fusion of pre-Hispanic ingredients and Spanish techniques, creating a completely original sweet treat that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

What makes them unique? While Spanish buñuelos only use flour, eggs, and yeast, Peruvian picarones incorporate sweet potato and cooked squash, giving them a fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior, along with a natural sweet flavor that sets them apart from any other dessert.

The authentic picarones experience

When and where to enjoy them?

• Best time: Afternoons and evenings (especially on cool, cloudy days)
• Places: Street carts, public parks, traditional sweet shops
• Ideal temperature: Freshly fried, warm
• Presentation: 4-5 rings generously drizzled with chancaca honey

How much do they cost?

• Street carts: S/ 5-7 (4-5 picarones)
• Established sweet shops: S/ 8-12 per serving
• Traditional restaurants: S/ 15-20 with gourmet presentation

The best places to eat picarones in Lima

Iconic and traditional places:

1. Picarones Mary – Parque Kennedy, Miraflores

• Location: Parque Kennedy (over 20 years in the same spot)
• Why it’s special: Featured on Netflix’s “Street Food South America”
• Price: S/ 7 (5 rings)
• Hours: Afternoons and evenings
• Tip: They also have a location at Jr. Preciados 106, Surco

2. Alameda Chabuca Granda – Downtown Lima

• Location: Historic center of Lima
• Atmosphere: Traditional and authentic, panoramic view of the city
• Specialty: Picarones along with other criollo sweets
• Advantage: Complete experience of traditional Lima

3. Parque Castilla – Lince

• Location: Av. César Vallejo, Lince
• Style: Traditional carts popular with locals
• Price: Very affordable
• Recommended: For tourists seeking an authentic local experience

Established restaurants and sweet shops:

4. José Antonio (Multiple locations)

• Locations: Av. La Floresta 124, San Borja / Bernardo Monteagudo 200, San Isidro
• History: Over 42 years of experience
• Quality: Premium ingredients, excellent honey
• Advantage: Comfortable and safe atmosphere for families

5. Tío Mario – Barranco

• Locations: Jr. Zepita 214 / Av. San Martín 099
• Specialty: Combines picarones with anticuchos
• Price: S/ 8 per serving
• Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Atmosphere: Near the Bridge of Sighs

6. Marabunta (3 locations)

• Locations: Chorrillos, Jesús María, Surquillo
• Specialty: Respects the traditional recipe of chef Neemías Pomachagua
• Price: S/ 10 (4 rings)
• Quality: Homemade honey with fig aromas

Creative and innovative options:

7. Picarones Lina – Callao

• Location: Av. Tomás Valle with Bertello, Callao
• Innovation: Quinoa and purple corn flours
• Special honeys: Passion fruit and chicha morada
• Price: S/ 5 (4 units), S/ 18 (16 units)
• Delivery: 952 144 635

8. Puntito Dulce – Jesús María

• Location: Av. Horacio Urteaga 1399
• History: Over 21 years, traditional sweet shop
• Specialty: Wrapped in metallic paper, arrive warm
• Price: S/ 5.50 (4 picarones)
• Delivery: WhatsApp 953 798 294

Recommended picarones route for tourists

Traditional route (half-day):

1. Morning (11:00 AM): José Antonio in San Borja (calm atmosphere)
2. Afternoon (3:00 PM): Parque Kennedy with Mary (iconic experience)
3. Evening (7:00 PM): Alameda Chabuca Granda (traditional atmosphere)

Bohemian night route:

1. 6:00 PM: Tío Mario in Barranco (near the Bridge of Sighs)
2. 8:00 PM: Stroll through Barranco
3. 9:00 PM: Marabunta to compare styles

How to recognize quality picarones

Characteristics of the perfect picarón:

• Shape: Uniform rings, not too thick
• Color: Intense golden, not pale or burnt
• Texture: Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
• Flavor: Natural sweetness from sweet potato and squash
• Honey: Thick, amber-colored, with a chancaca flavor

Signs of quality:

• Clean oil: Should not have a rancid smell
• Fresh preparation: You can see how they are made
• Homemade honey: Ask if it is made in-house
• Temperature: Served warm

Best time to enjoy picarones

Ideal times:

• Cloudy afternoons: A classic Lima tradition
• After meals: As the perfect dessert
• Cool evenings: Especially during Lima’s winter

Special days:

• Palm Sunday: Religious tradition
• October: Month of the Lord of Miracles
• Cold days: When they are most craved

How to eat picarones like a local

The picarones etiquette:

1. Use a spoon: To scoop up the extra honey
2. Eat warm: The ideal experience
3. Don’t waste honey: It’s the most special part
4. Share: Portions are usually generous
5. Pair with coffee: The perfect Lima combination

Practical tips for tourists

For street carts:

• Check cleanliness: Clean oil, clean utensils
• Busy places: More turnover = fresher products
• Ask prices: Avoid surprises
• Bring cash: Most don’t accept cards

For safety:

• Recommended areas: Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, San Borja
• Avoid: Carts in very remote or deserted areas
• Best time: Before 10:00 PM

Varieties and pairings

Types of honey:

• Traditional: Pure chancaca (the classic)
• With fig: Fig leaves for aroma
• Innovative: Passion fruit, chicha morada
• Spiced: With cinnamon and clove

Modern pairings:

• Lúcuma ice cream: Cold-hot contrast
• High-altitude coffee: A Lima tradition
• Mazamorra morada: A duo of criollo desserts

Special experiences with picarones

Gastronomic tours:

• Lima Food Tours: Include picarones stops
• Nocturnal walking tours: Through traditional areas
• Cooking classes: Learn to make them

Annual events:

• Mistura: The most important gastronomic fair
• Criollo sweets festival: October
• Holy Week: Special consumption tradition

Why you can’t miss picarones

Picarones represent the essence of Peruvian criollo ingenuity: taking native American ingredients (sweet potato and squash) and European techniques (frying) to create something completely new and delicious. Each bite is a journey through Lima’s colonial history, where cultures blended to create traditions that endure to this day.

For the tourist: Eating picarones is not just about trying a dessert; it’s about participating in a centuries-old Lima tradition, feeling the warmth of authentic street food, and understanding why locals eagerly await cloudy afternoons to enjoy this delight. It’s the most authentically Lima sweet experience you can have.