If you’ve ever wondered what upscale Andian cuisine tastes like, Pachapapa — which translates to father earth — is a must try in Cusco, Peru. Not adventurous enough to eat the local specialty of whole guinea pig, we did try the marinated alpaca skewers (26 soles/ $8.21). An interesting texture, the closest comparison is beef, with an earthy flavor.

The scent of the wood fire oven prompted us to order the smoked trout pizza (29 soles/ $9.15) with mozzarella, capers, onions and arugula. Being inland, river trout is typically the fish of the day in Cusco, and the mildly sweet tomato sauce contrasting with the salty and savory taste of the trout and capers is perfection.

The dish that surprised me the most was the lamb shoulder (45 soles/ $14.20) stewed with onions, chili and cilantro. Peruvian comfort food at its best, the lamb is tender and the cilantro sauce, an unusually deep green color, is rich and delicious. Pairing with Finca La Linda Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina, it’s the ideal warm meal on a chilly Cusco night.

 

Pachapapa
 Plaza San Blas 120, San Blas
Cusco, Peru
Telephone: +51 84 241318