Cusqueñan Street Food: What to Try and Where to Find It

🍢 Cusqueñan Street Food: What to Try and Where to Find It

Cusco isn’t just famous for Machu Picchu and cobblestone streets — it’s also a culinary destination with irresistible aromas and authentic street food at every corner. If you want a genuine, affordable, and delicious experience, Cusco’s street food scene is a must.

Here’s what to try and where to find the best street food in Cusco.

🌮 Must-Try Street Food in Cusco

Anticuchos
Beef heart skewers marinated in ají panca and spices, grilled over hot coals. Served with boiled potatoes and spicy sauce.

📌 Where: Avenida El Sol, Plaza San Francisco, and around Plaza de Armas from 6 p.m.

Cusqueñan Tamales
Made from ground corn and filled with meat, olives, or cheese, steamed in corn husks. Available in sweet or savory versions — perfect for breakfast.

📌 Where: Street stalls in San Blas and Mercado San Pedro from 7 a.m.

Choclo con Queso
Simple and delicious: giant boiled Andean corn served with a slice of fresh cheese.

📌 Where: Sacsayhuamán esplanade, Plaza de Armas, and weekend markets.

Chiri Uchu
A cold dish served during Cusco’s festivals, combining oven-roasted guinea pig, chicken, pork jerky, sausage, omelette, dried seaweed, and stuffed chili pepper.

📌 Where: During Corpus Christi (June) at Plaza San Francisco and San Pedro.

Cusqueñan Empanadas
Filled with chicken, beef, or cheese, baked in wood-fired ovens and topped with powdered sugar.

📌 Where: San Blas, Qosqo Maki Bakery, and outside Plaza de Armas.

Queso Helado
A traditional dessert made with milk, cinnamon, and shredded coconut. Despite its name, it’s not cheese — it’s a sweet, frozen treat.

📌 Where: Afternoon street vendors in San Blas and Plaza Regocijo.

📍 Best Street Food Spots

• San Pedro Market: the heart of Cusco’s flavors, perfect for juices, tamales, breads, and sweets.

• San Blas: bohemian neighborhood with empanadas and anticucho vendors by night.

• Plaza San Francisco: anticuchos and choclo con queso from 6 p.m.

• Parque Orellana: popular snack and dessert spot among locals.

🌟 Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Cusco

✅ Pick stalls with steady local customers.
✅ Avoid raw or poorly preserved foods.
✅ Always carry cash, as cards are rarely accepted.
✅ Ask for sauces on the side if you’re not a fan of spice.