Food: Chapter 2—Chinese-Peruvian Fusion...It's Nothing New

Last night at dinner at my guesthouse, Adela made a traditional Peruvian dish, lomo saltado. This is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food. It starts out as a stir fry of marinated beef loin (lomo) stir-fried with onions and tomatoes. But there’s a Peruvian twist: I was watching Adela cook and I gasped in surprise as, at the last moment before serving, Adela mixed the french-fried potatoes, (that I thought would be served on the side) into the stir-fried meat! You almost cannot eat food in Peru without having potatoes (except at breakfast). Along side was a serving of rice. Again, two starches on one plate!
Today, I was back at El Perejil. The sign outside said that they had tamales, but when I ordered, it turned out that they were out. This is the second time I have gotten there too late to try the tamales. I guess I need to get there shortly after noon. If you know of my fascination with this ubiquitous Latin American food, you will understand my disappointment.

At any rate, on the menu today was—you guessed it—lomo saltado! I enjoyed Adela’s dish so much, I just could not resist ordering it! It was good but not quite as good as Adela’s.

Other Blog Posts You May Find Interesting

Food: Chapter 2–Chinese-Peruvian Fusion: It’s Nothing New
This is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian food. It starts out as a stir fry of marinated beef loin (lomo) stir-fried with onions and tomatoes. But there’s a Peruvian twist: Adela mixed the french fried potatoes into the stir-fried meat!

From Coca to Coffee and Cacao: Part 2
Raul grows the native Chuncho cacao, whose fruit is smaller than the more prevalent hybrid varieties. Cacao is ripe when the fruit turns yellow.

Shopping…Cooking…Eating: Calca’s Traditional Market
So, on Friday I decided to make empanadas. With some advice from Mabel in mind and suggestions as to where to find fresh chicken, I walked the 10 blocks to the mercado and started shopping.