If you have ever been to Peru, you may have noticed many restaurants called "Chifas" serving Chinese-Peruvian food. How did this become to be about? In the 19th century, Peru was booming in the agricultural business and needed a larger workforce. Chinese people crossed the Pacific to work and overtime aspects of the cultures blended. After their indenture contracts were up, they opened up their own restaurants. In Cantonese, "chi" means to eat, while "fan" means rice. This is how the name "chifa" was born.
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We're featuring Peruvian and Chinese Peruvian dishes below:
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LOMO SALTADO
It's a delicious stir fry of steak, tomatoes, soy sauce, ground cumin, and french fries served over rice. It is one of the most popular dishes in Peruvian cuisine today.
ARROZ CHAUFA
Arroz chaufa is Chinese fried rice served in Peru. This dish is made up of rice and can be cooked in a wok with most any ingredients. This one contains shrimp and the scrambled eggs are fried with oil and dried minced garlic!
PERUVIAN CEVICHE
Raw fish such as halibut is used and is "cooked" by soaking in salt and lime juice for a few hours in the fridge. Seasoned with ground cumin, paprika, ground chili pepper, and tossed with tomatoes, avocado, onion, and jalapeno; it's a refreshing meal on a hot day.
PERUVIAN QUINOA SOUP
It's a feel-good hearty soup when you're up in the mountains in high elevation. Quinoa and vegetable soup with carrots, squash, potatoes, zucchini, and minced garlic!
Leave a comment if you've tried one of these dishes before!
