Unique Foods

As shown above, a cuy is served completely whole.

Peru has a large amount of very interesting foods, ranging from strange looking fruits like the lucuma and the maracuya,to main dishes like causa and papa a la huancaina. However, the most unique dish that I have ever come across is cuy. I have travelled a decent amount and never have I seen this dish served anywhere else. Cuy, plainly stated, is a barbecued guinea pig. Served whole or gutted, this dish is often frowned upon by the tourists who see guinea pigs as family pets. It is not an uncommon occurrence to see tourists send back their dishes so the cook can cut it up themselves. When they say the cuy is served whole, they really mean it. Most of the times it is gutted, but there are some restaurants that do it for the customer. When served, the cuy comes out with everything, all four legs and even its head. This gruesome sight has proven to be overwhelming for a large amount of tourists. However, those brave enough to try it will get to experience one of Peru’s oldest dishes, served all the way back from the time of the Incas.