What to Eat in Puno

We’ll divide the food type by either breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take a look on the options

BREAKFAST

I know, most of you, receive breakfast at the hotels. but consider these options if you want to explore;
Quinoa / Maca or Cañihua juices $: They sell everywhere on the streets on Puno | You’ll find a street vendor near Parque Pino or Plaza de Armas (normally on the corners, ladies with white prons).

Fruit Juices $: They sell them on the 2nd Floor of Central Market | Try non-common fruits like mango,
papaya, lucuma, passion fruit, and tuna (cactus flower). Also common fruits juices are available: apple,
banana, strawberry.

Note: You’ll also find sandwiches with fried egg/ avocado/ chicken on these spots.

For brave people $: Try PESKE (The quinoa is cooked until it bursts and then mixed with butter and
evaporated milk until it forms a puree) or “MAZAMORRA DE QUINUA” (traditional quinoa pudding). Normally both are served with cow milk and cheese to give some flavor. Personally for me it doesn’t taste good but if we talk in terms of healthy food you’re eating a blast of proteins and amino acids. Find them at the Central Market Basement

LUNCH

A lot of options, we’ll divide in two parts Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian (with differents meats to choose from)

Vegan/Vegetarian options
In Puno, there’s very few options with this, however one that is recommended the most is: LOVING HUT offers a variety of vegan dishes

Non-Vegetarian
Trout $$: Places like Uros islands and Restaurant area at the main dock in Puno are good places to eat fresh trout from the lake. You could try “Trucha Frita” (Fried trout), “Trucha Ahumada” (smoked trout) and “Trucha al ajo” (trout with garlic cream).
Ceviches $$: To be honest, the best are located in Lima, however if you like you could try these good
Cevicherias: La Mona, Las Brujas, try some Trout Ceviche.
Lamb $$: Must try “Kankacho”: The dish is made with lamb meat that is marinated in a mixture of panca chili peppers, garlic, beer, and spices, and then slowly roasted over charcoal. The dish is typically served with boiled potatoes and chili sauce. You can try it here

Chicken $$ Okay, peruvians in general loves chicken, this is the #1 meat eaten by Peruvians, probably you’ll find “POLLERIAS” everywhere, even in small country towns; the reason is the flavor. These are good spots: “La Choza de Oskar”, “Pino’s Brass” and my favorite one “Suri Explorer Polleria” (this last need a taxi from the center to get there).

Cow $$$ Lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) / Alpaca/Lama on Restaurants like MOJSA, TULIPAN’S, LA CASONA
RESTAURANT

Guinea Pig: $$$ It requires a significant amount of effort to separate the meat from the bones, and there are numerous bones in guinea pigs. If you want selfies it is a must to capture a photograph featuring its distinctive front teeth, which bear a resemblance to those of rats. As for the flavor, it is unique, but it’s not necessarily superior to that of lamb. Try at the main dock or some fancy restaurants on Lima Street.

Sushi $$$ If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, SUSHI TEN BENTO is a popular choice among travelers.

Dinner
Okay, for dinner most puno people don’t eat healthy, they prefer fried things and pizzas. So this is the good time to eat them, here are some recommendations.

Pizza/pastas $$: For those craving Italian cuisine, there are several pizzerias offering delicious pizzas and
pasta like MACHUPIZZA

Burgers $: La receta, Hamburguesería Señor Lechón

Drinks/desserts

Api Drink $: Try api (hot, sweet corn juice) – a serious comfort food found in several places on Calle
Oquendo, next to “PARADOR CHICKEN”. Order it with a paper-thin, wickedly delicious envelope of deep-fried dough.

Chicha Drink $: Chicha de jora is primarily made from fermented maize (corn) kernels, and sometimes other grains like quinoa or barley. It may also include herbs and spices for flavor. Try it here

Gelatina con Leche $: Gelatin with milk preparing a flavored gelatin (often fruit-flavored) and allowing it to set or solidify. Once the gelatin has set, it is served by pouring sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk over it.

Cafes on Puno $$ Desserts, Sandwiches, Juices in general. These are two good Cafés on Puno: Rhupa and
Mercedes.