By China Riddle for http://dc.eater.com
Jun 22, 2016,
On a hot day, few meals can reenergize eaters like fresh fish and chilled potatoes accompanied by a Pisco sour. More diners should consider exploring the cuisine of Peru during the warm weather. This colorful and culturally rich South American gem evokes vivid images of the Amazon, Andes, miles of coastline, and plenty of sunshine.
The cuisine mirrors the country’s diverse geography— it's remarkably refreshing and multicultural. Citrus ceviche, crispy rotisserie chicken (a whole restaurant category into itself here), and steak flavored with soy sauce reflect the country's wealth of fresh ingredients, expert cooking knowledge, and both Chinese and Japanese influences.
Peru’s brilliant blend of flavors attracts foodies from around the globe to this gastronomic paradise. For those unable to make the journey, however, D.C. has an abundance of dining options. Whether it’s creative dishes from renowned chef José Andrés, to long-time local favorites owned by Peruvian families, the taste of this world-class destination is only a metro ride away.
1 Chicken Rico
Originally opened in Lima and built upon a 40-year- old family recipe for rotisserie chicken, Chicken Rico is now a popular fast-casual franchise with four locations in Maryland and one on H Street. Here eaters can find whole chickens and four classic entrées alongside Peruvian takes on subs and salads, such as the Cuzco Caesar with crispy, charcoal chicken. Head here every day from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
91 H ST NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 842-5007
2 China Chilcano
To some, José Andrés’ restaurant specializing in “Chifa,” a blend of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine, may be baffling. Informed eaters, however, know Peru is home to the largest Asian demographic in South America. Although the countries are wildly different, the flavors blend into a unique cuisine that the chef highlights in China Chilcano’s fusion menu. Chifa classics like hangar steak and soy sauce are available, while Peruvian-flavored dim sum and sushi rolls – which channel the Japanese-Peruvian Nekkei cuisine – are available for adventurous palates. It’s open every day for lunch and dinner, with brunch served on weekends.
418 7th St NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 783-0941
3 El Chalan
What started as an Arlington carry-out eatery in 1975 is now a full-service Peruvian experience downtown. Not only does El Chalán claim to be the first Peruvian restaurant in D.C., but it’s also extremely affordable. Only three of the hearty dinner entrée options cost more than $20. Here diners will find comforting Peruvian classics, such as boiled potatoes in creamy cheese sauce, served atop white-clothed tables. The drink menu is also authentically Peruvian with offerings such as chicha morada, a sweet fruit juice made from purple corn. Head here Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.
1924 I St NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 293-2765
4 El Pollo Rico
This Arlington eatery offers a simple, yet comforting, menu and has developed a serious local following. Rotisserie chickens are sold in quarters, halves and whole, along with sides like rice, coleslaw, and steak fries. No item is priced higher than $18, and patrons can also order South American alfajores (dulce de leche filled cookies) and Inca Cola.
932 N Kenmore St
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-3220
5 La Canela
Diners on the end of the red line have several Peruvian dining options, including local favorite La Canela. Decorated with wrought-iron and ornately carved wooden chairs, this restaurant is operated by Peruvian natives who aim to blend authentic cuisine with old family recipes. Full-sized ceviche is only served for dinner and can be accompanied by entrées such as Peruvian-style fettuccini with breaded sirloin steak. Lunch-goers can opt for meat picadillo “sandwiched” between two layers of rice and aji amarillo emulsion. La Canela is open every day for lunch and dinner.
141 Gibbs St
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 251-1550
6 La Limeña
Another favorite found in Rockville, La Limeña’s simple façade gives way to dishes acclaimed by locals and native Peruvians alike. The sizable menu includes everything from rotisserie chicken to the Chinese-Peruvian dish of spaghetti sautéed with juicy beef, red onions, tomatoes, peppers and herbs. No item is priced at more than $20, so head here for an affordable meal every day from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
765 Rockville Pike Ste B
Rockville, MD, 20852
(301) 424-8066
7 Las Canteras
This Adams Morgan favorite offers both traditional Peruvian dishes and chef specialties. The dinner entrées come in at a higher price point than most – just a handful are below $20 –which is unsurprising given the upscale atmosphere. However, “early birds” who dine Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. can enjoy a three-course dinner for $24. Appetizers include octopus-stuffed potatoes, while chef specials include “quinotto,” a risotto-style dish prepared with quinoa, a long-time staple of Peruvian cuisine. Las Canteras is open for weekday lunch, weekend brunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
2307 18th St NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 265-1780
8 Nazca Mochica
This Dupont Circle restaurant is a “dual concept” for modern Peruvian eats. The lower level, Mochica, is a Pisco and ceviche bar open everyday from 5 to 11 p.m. Here eaters will find unique ceviches, such as Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei with tuna and wonton chips and small plates ranging from $6 to $18. The second level, Nazca, is an upscale restaurant offering weekday lunch, dinner everyday beginning at 5 p.m., and Sunday brunch. Diners can expect classics like chicken in aji amarillo sauce and modern flavors like duck confit in a sweet potato glaze.
1633 P St NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 733-3170
9 Ocopa
H Street’s acclaimed Ocopa focuses on ingredients so fresh and an atmosphere so relaxed that diners “will feel [as if they’re] in grandmother’s kitchen.” Patrons are encouraged to sip Pisco and order small plates on the patio, then hit the open kitchen dining area for entrées ranging from $18 to $31. Meat lovers will opt for the platter of pork belly, sausage, chicken and chimichurri with fingerling potatoes and Huancaina cheese sauce. Ocopa is open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner, with brunch and dinner served on Saturday.
1324 H St NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 396-1814
10 Peruvian Brothers
This award-winning food truck is the product of two brothers from Lima. The menu aims to capture the flavors of “Comida Criolla,” or creole food, which has its roots in African, Asian, Andean, and coastal Peruvian influences. Eaters can expect heavy emphasis on empanadas and sandwiches that combine meats like salted pork tenderloin with the brothers’ signature Criolla sauce on a French roll. Like other Peruvian establishments, Peruvian Brothers serves Inca Cola, the sweet soft drink of their native country.
Washington
D.C.