Las Fiestas Patrias (or Peruvian Independence Day), is one of the most important national holidays in Peru. A two day celebration that takes place every year on July 28th and 29th, commemorating Peru’s independence from Spain. During this time, every city and town in Peru is filled with delicious food, electrifying fun, and incredible festivities.
Those celebrations don’t just stop in Peru though. Hosting their first ever Peruvian Independence Day celebration, Bib Gourmand Llama Inn bringing a slice of Peruvian culture to the Big Apple. A market-style event that’s inspired by the street-vendors of Peru, the celebration brings together some of the top Peruvian chefs (and dishes) in New York City. Among those chefs are MICHELIN Guide talents like Erik Ramirez, executive chef and co-owner of Llama Inn, and Jose Luis, chef/owner of Mission Ceviche.
We here at the Guide didn’t want to miss out on any of the fun either, so that’s why we asked chef Ramirez and Luis to share what they enjoy and what Peruvian cuisine means to them. So whether it’s anticuchos (Peruvian meat skewers) or lomo saltado (Peruvian beef stir fry with French fries), here is what Las Fiestas Patrias means to these MICHELIN Guide Chefs.
Llama Inn, Erik Ramirez
Courtesy of chef/owner Erik Ramirez, the food at this Bib Gourmand manages to pay respect to all styles of Peruvian cooking while being fresh, fun, and spontaneous. Expect a cool and upbeat vibe here, along with dishes like cheesy jalapeño tequenos and pork collar escabeche.
For Ramirez, Peruvian Independence Day is a celebration of freedom, heritage, and national identity.
What is Peruvian cuisine to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
Peruvian cuisine to me is diverse culinary tradition that reflects rich cultural heritage and biodiversity.
The first things that come to mind when I hear those words are the cultural influences (Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese, Italian) and Peru’s diverse geography (Pacific coast, Andes, Forest, Amazon rainforest and Desert).
How all this together has created a unique blend of flavors, ingredients and cooking techniques influenced by various cultures over centuries, showcasing a remarkable ability to integrate diverse influences into a cohesive and delicious culinary tradition.
What was your first experience with Peruvian cuisine? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort Peruvian cuisine?
My first experience with Peruvian cuisine was at home, that’s what I grew up eating as a kid. My favorite dish was Lomo Saltado. Lomo Saltado is a classic Peruvian dish that exemplifies the country’s unique fusion. It’s a prime example of Chifa cuisine. It's a beef stir fry that combines elements of Chinese and Peruvian culinary traditions.
My go-to comfort Peruvian cuisine would have to be “comida criolla”. It refers to the traditional cuisine that has evolved from blending of indigenous ingredients and cooking methods with Spanish, African and some Asian cultural influences. It’s the food my mom would cook.
What are some common misconceptions about Peruvian cuisine that aren’t true?
That Peruvian cuisine is a lot more than rotisserie chicken with green sauce and ceviche. It’s all not inexpensive and large portions, that it’s all not simple and unrefined, rustic…it involves complex cooking and a deep understanding of flavor balance. It’s becoming increasingly popular worldwide. It’s more complex and sophisticated than what people think.
What does Peruvian Independence Day mean to you?
It's a celebration of freedom, heritage and national identity. A day to get together and enjoy some of the best things Peru has to offer: its people, its food and music and its rich culture.
Mission Ceviche, Jose Luis
Mission Ceviche is the culmination of several ceviche bars and endless hours of experimentation. The result is chef/owner José Luis Chávez’s first sit-down restaurant, complete with a clean and modern space, refreshing cocktails, and traditional Peruvian dishes like arroz con mariscos and pork chaufa.
What is Peruvian cuisine to you? What are the first things you think of when you hear those words?
To me, Peruvian cuisine is the embodiment of the nation's rich tapestry of biodiversity and culture. It's a celebration of our unique micro-climates, diverse ingredients, and the beauty of cultural influences from Japan, China, Africa and Spain. Peruvian cuisine has evolved through years of culinary exploration, research and innovation. It's a dynamic fusion that continues to bring new and exciting flavors to the world, representing the heart and soul of Peru.
What was your first experience with Peruvian cuisine? What’s your favorite? What’s your go-to comfort Peruvian cuisine?
My first experience with Peruvian cuisine was transformative. I grew up in the mountains of Venezuela, far from the sea and I moved to Peru to pursue my dream of becoming a chef. During my first week in Lima, I had ceviche for the first time. My cousin told me to take a spoonful, close your eyes and take a bite. And since that moment, my life changed forever, literally. It's the magic in one bite that drives my passion for Peruvian cuisine.
For comfort food, my kids and I both love pollo a la brasa. This perfectly cooked and marinated rotisserie chicken infused with Peruvian chile peppers, beer, and vinegar, and cooked over charcoal brings me back to family gatherings in Peru. It's my go-to dish when I need a taste of home and comfort.
What are some common misconceptions about Peruvian cuisine that aren’t true?
That we eat too much. It's never enough. For us, it's the way to celebrate and connect.
What does Peruvian Independence Day mean to you?
Peruvian Independence Day is a time of celebration and reflection. It's about getting together with family and friends and honoring the mix of cultures that define Peru. We remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and celebrate the vibrant, diverse nation that Peru is today. It's a day to appreciate our history and look forward to the future.
Favorite Peruvian Independence Day tradition?
My favorite tradition on Peruvian Independence Day is coming together with family for a fabulous meal. It's a time to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy the incredible flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
Favorite thing to eat on Peruvian Independence Day?
Anticuchos!
Hero image: Mission Ceviche
