10 WAYS TO EAT LIKE A PERUVIAN

1.   Make white rice (with plenty of garlic) your side of choice. Don’t be shy. Feel free to accompany absolutely every dish with it. Tons of it.

2.   Eat cebiche only during the day. Savoring this raw fish dish at night is taboo, as the fish is no longer at peak freshness.

3.   Your dish is not complete unless it has salsa criolla and/or a fried egg on top (a breaded steak works too). Sturdy appetites need large portions. The larger the better.

4.   Thirsty? A large glass of cold chicha morada is a must. This drink will go perfectly with breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and the list goes on. It’s always a good time to drink some homemade chicha.

5.   Keep your ají sauces close at all times. Peruvian food tends to be spicy, but we can’t get enough of it. Add extra chili sauce to your food whenever possible. Sweating is a sign that you’re doing it right.

6.   The dimming light of the afternoon calls for a sweet treat and a hot beverage. Feel free to indulge your sweet tooth during this Peruvian tea time called el lonche. Better if you do it while you catch up on the latest gossip with old friends.

7.   Never start a meal without sharing a few piqueos first. These shared nibbles can be hot, cold, or both. Don’t get carried away or you won’t have any space left for the rest of your meal.

8.   Get creative with your food and mix and match all the dishes you want in one plate (this works really well with leftovers). Don’t be intimidated by strange combinations such as cebiche and tallarines verdes. Any combination is acceptable!

9.   A light breakfast is for wimps. Dump the cereal and scrambled eggs on toast, and bring out the real food: tamales, pan con chicharrón, aguadito, or any other entrée you feel like having. After all, this is the most important meal of the . . . morning.

10. Start your meal with a “Provecho!” Everything will taste better after you say it.