The Best Food Tour in Lima, Peru
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One of my favorite ways to experience a new city is through its food. There’s something special about tasting local flavors while learning about the culture and history behind each dish. That’s why I decided to book a food tour during our time in Lima, Peru.
However, traveling with my 2-year-old and 4-year-old meant I needed a tour that could accommodate young kids, and after a lot of research, I chose the Street Food, Market & Old Eateries Tour in Lima’s Historic Center. It turned out to be an excellent decision, not just for me but for the whole family.
The tour started at 4:30 PM at the Gran Hotel Bolivar in front of the iconic Plaza San Martin. Knowing Lima’s rush-hour traffic, we left from Miraflores early but still arrived a little late. Thankfully, our guide Marcos was patient and welcoming, setting a relaxed tone for the evening. Here’s what made the tour so memorable:
Food Tour Stops Along the Way
Café Domino: Pisco Sour
Our first stop was at Café Domino, a historic spot known for its expertly crafted Pisco Sour, Peru’s iconic cocktail. Watching the drink being delicately prepared was as enjoyable as tasting it.
The combination of pisco, lime, simple syrup, and egg white was perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of frothy texture. While my husband and I savored the Pisco Sour, the kids happily sipped on fresh fruit juice, which the café also served.
Plaza San Martin and Jiron de la Union
After our refreshing start, we explored Plaza San Martin then we walked through Jiron de la Union, a bustling commercial street filled with shops and vendors. The lively atmosphere kept the kids entertained while Marcos shared stories about Lima’s history.
We stopped a local cafe called Santa Isabel to sample tamales paired with emoliente and had black coffee on the side.
Mercado Central: Tasting Exotic Fruits
At Mercado Central, we explored Lima’s largest market and sampled some incredible fruits, including dragon fruit, chirimoya, gooseberries, prickly pear, and passion fruit. The kids especially loved trying the different fruits, making it a fun and interactive experience for them.
Street Food: Anticucho (Beef Heart)
Next, we stopped at a local street food vendor to try anticucho, a classic Peruvian dish made from marinated beef heart. The meat is seasoned with chili and spices and left to marinate for 24 hours before being grilled and served on skewers, like a kebab.
Surprisingly, the kids loved it! The presentation made it fun to eat, and the smoky, tender beef heart was a hit with everyone.
El Chinito: Pork Sandwich with Sweet Potato
One of the highlights of the tour was our stop at El Chinito, where we tried their famous pork sandwich filled with slices of sweet potato. This was hands-down my favorite dish of the night. The combination of tender pork, soft bread, and sweet potato was unforgettable—I can still taste it!
A ‘Secret’ Dessert Stop
Our final stop was for dessert at a hidden spot that you could only access with a special code. Marcos gave the code, and someone discreetly passed the dessert through the door without us ever stepping inside. The mystery added an extra layer of excitement, and the dessert itself was fantastic—a sweet end to an incredible evening.
Why This Tour Worked for Us
The tour’s mix of history, culture, and food made it engaging for adults and kids alike. While the kids didn’t eat everything, they shared bites from our plates, which worked perfectly. The skewered beef heart and fresh fruits were their favorites, while the pork sandwich was my personal highlight.
Marco’s flexibility and attentiveness to our family’s needs made the experience stress-free, and his care extended to the end of the evening when he ensured we got into our Uber safely.
This tour was more than just a way to try local food—it was an opportunity to connect with the culture and rhythm of Lima. From bustling markets to hidden dessert stops, every moment was thoughtfully curated.
If you’re visiting Lima, especially with kids, this food tour is a fantastic way to see the city, try its flavors, and create lasting memories. Just remember to leave plenty of time to navigate Lima’s traffic—you won’t want to miss a single bite!
For more information, you can book the tour directly on Tripadvisor.
