Probé Comida Callejera En Arequipa
Entertainment
Introduction
Arequipa, known as the White City, is my favorite city in Peru. The food here is renowned for being delicious, and today, I’m diving into the world of affordable street food and market delights. As an enthusiast of budget-friendly cuisine, I am eager to sample everything I can find along the way.
Starting from my accommodation at the San Lázaro hotel, just a 25–30 minute walk from the San Camilo market, I’m ready to embark on a food adventure. I am particularly excited to taste the local delicacies that Arequipa has to offer, as I've been told the food here is different—and better—than what I experienced in Lima and other countries.
Frozen Cheese as My First Stop
Our first stop is frozen cheese, a popular local treat. I had tried this in Lima but was informed by Arequipeños that the version here is far superior. As my anticipation builds, I purchase a serving. The vendor notes that they’ve been selling it for about a year, and he assures me that the quality in Arequipa surpasses that of Lima.
It has a rich, thick, creamy texture that reminds me of rice pudding, with hints of cinnamon—a perfect treat for a warm day. The flavor is fantastic, a refreshing surprise to kick off this food journey.
Empanadas and Chapi Bread Make Their Appearance
Continuing down the street, we come upon a vendor selling empanadas and local breads. I decide to try a chapi bread and an empanada. The chapi bread is spongy and has a delightful texture, making it a perfect companion for breakfast alongside avocado or fresh cheese.
I also sample an empanada filled with cheese. While the filling appears minimal at first glance, it turns out to be surprisingly delicious, with the cheese complementing the bread well. This is all incredibly affordable, costing just 5 soles—an excellent budget breakfast!
Tamales and Cornic Eggs
Next, I come across a tamale stall. I opt for a chicken tamale, which, despite its initial presentation, is delightful after the first bite. Its texture and flavor far exceed my expectations, and while tamales usually aren’t my favorite, this one definitely changes that perception.
Then, I’m enticed by a vendor selling cornic eggs, which I fondly remember from my childhood. I can’t resist and order a portion, which is incredibly satisfying and only costs 2 soles for about seven or eight eggs. Classic and nostalgic, these eggs bring me joy!
Ceviche and Chilcano
As I explore more, I find a cevicheria stand—perfect for sampling a beloved Peruvian dish. I order a junior ceviche and a chilcano. The ceviche is flavorful, while the chilcano offers a unique take, being darker than I expected. The combination is refreshing, and at 15 soles, it's a great deal.
San Camilo Market Experience
We finally arrive at the San Camilo market, filled with an array of foods waiting to be sampled. I discover salteñas, which are delicious pastries sold for 1.30 and 1.50 soles—extremely good value for such tasty snacks.
The highlight of my selection is a giant salteña, satisfying in both size and flavor for just 8 soles! I’m thoroughly impressed by the variety and exceptional prices here.
A Unique Beverage Adventure
Another intriguing find is a stall selling a beverage known as “dead rise.” The vendor explains that it combines black beer with fruits, egg, and milk. I’m initially apprehensive but eager to try something new. Tasting it, I’m surprised—it embodies a delightful blend of fruitiness mingling with the bold flavor of the beer.
Conclusion
After sampling so much incredible food, I realize my stomach can’t take much more. There's plenty more Arequipeño cuisine to explore in future videos—like rocoto relleno and adobo. For now, I leave Arequipa satisfied, having enjoyed its culinary delights. I can't wait to return and discover even more.
Keywords
- Arequipa
- Street food
- Frozen cheese
- Empanadas
- Chapi bread
- Tamales
- Cornic eggs
- Ceviche
- Chilcano
- San Camilo market
- Salteñas
- Dead rise
FAQ
1. What is frozen cheese?
Frozen cheese is a local treat in Arequipa that resembles a creamy, thick dessert, often compared to rice pudding with hints of cinnamon.
2. Where can I find street food in Arequipa?
Street food can be found all over Arequipa, especially around the San Camilo market, where vendors sell a variety of local dishes.
3. What are salteñas?
Salteñas are savory pastries filled with various ingredients, commonly sold in Arequipa for a very affordable price.
4. What is “dead rise”?
“Dead rise” is a unique beverage that combines black beer with fruits, egg, and milk, providing a rich and flavorful drink.
5. How much does street food typically cost in Arequipa?
Street food in Arequipa is quite affordable, with many items costing between 1 and 10 soles.