Out of the back door of Palacio Barolo (please see my Avenida de Majo post) you’ll find this affordable and authentic Peruvian restaurant…
Chan Chan (Intermediate B+), 1390 Hipólito Yrigoyen
Chan Chan is highly rated by Time Out who suggest trying the Ajiaco de Conejo (rabbit and potato stew), Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian-style fried rice) and a pitcher of Chicha Morada (a sweet fruity drink). The Guardian suggests the Ceviche and sides of Papas a la Huancaina (sliced potatoes in a thick cheese sauce) or fried Yuca (cassava).
Upon arrival you get a bowl of Choclo which are large kernels of toasted and salted maize. They’re okay but are often quite hard and crunchy (C). This comes with two sauces which I guess were Salsa de Aji Amarillo (yellow pepper sauce) and Salsa Verde (coriander sauce). To drink I had a stellar Pisco Sour (A).
I ordered the Degustacion de Ceviches (B) which included Tiradito, Ceviche, Ceviche Mixto and Ceviche en Crema de Rocoto, which was served with sliced red onion, lettuce and cold potatoes.
Tiradito reflects the influence of Japanese immigrants as it is sliced and served raw. The indigenous Ceviche however is cubed and marinaded. Crema de Aji Rocoto is a salsa made with the hot Rocoto pepper.
To be honest I struggled to finish the whole plate as it was so large and I wasn’t really in the mood for cold food. Generally I’m still learning to appreciate this cuisine which is why I always try to come to a good place like this to try it. It’s not on the level of Osaka (please see my Palermo Hollywood post) but it’s much cheaper.