Picantería facts for kids
A picantería is a traditional restaurant in Peru, especially popular in cities like Arequipa and Cusco. These places are known for serving delicious, spicy lunchtime meals. They offer a unique taste of Peruvian culture and food.
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What is a Picantería?
The word picantería comes from picante, which means "spicy." So, it's a place that serves spicy dishes! They often offer a "picante" plate, which is a single dish with different kinds of stews.
Chicha: A Special Drink
One of the most famous drinks you'll find in a picantería is chicha. This is a traditional corn beer. In Arequipa, they make it from a local black corn called Guinapo. In northern Peru, they use germinated corn to make a different kind of chicha called Chicha de Jora.
Daily Specials: The "Chupes"
Picanterías often have a special menu that changes each day of the week. These daily specials are usually "Chupes," which are more like thick stews than light soups. Each day has its own traditional chupe:
- Monday: Chaque
- Tuesday: Chairo
- Wednesday: Chochoca
- Thursday: Red stew or black potato flour soup
- Friday: Sopa de Viernes (Friday soup), often made with fish
- Saturday: Timpusca
- Sunday: White broth, pebre lamb loins, and breakfast adobo
The History of Picanterías
Picanterías first started in the countryside. Imagine a house with a red cloth hanging outside on a pole. This was a sign that food was being served there for field workers.
A Welcoming Place
When you entered, you would often walk right through the kitchen. This way, you could see what was cooking and choose your meal! The dining rooms were simple, with long tables and benches. People would sit together, even strangers, and enjoy lively conversations. Picanterías were important social spots, much like cafes or community centers today.
The "Picante" Meal
After eating and chatting, sometimes drinks would be served. To make sure guests were full and happy, owners created the "Picante" dish. This special meal is usually served later in the afternoon, before the picantería closes for the day.
Picanterías Today
While many original picanterías still exist in rural areas and in Arequipa city, some have changed or even disappeared. Some have become more modern restaurants that still serve traditional food but in a new setting. However, you can still find some authentic picanterías with open kitchens, traditional tables, and old-fashioned furniture.
Delicious Dishes to Try
Picanterías serve many traditional Peruvian foods. Here are some popular ones:
- Chupe de Camarones: A rich shrimp soup.
- Ocopa Arequipeña: Potatoes with a creamy, spicy sauce.
- Rocoto Relleno: Stuffed spicy chili peppers.
- Adobo: A flavorful pork stew.
- Solterito de Queso: A fresh salad with cheese, beans, and vegetables.
- Costillar Frito: Fried ribs.
- Cuy Chactado: Fried guinea pig.
- Cauche de Queso: A cheese stew.
- Locro: A hearty squash and potato stew.
- Chaque de tripas: A stew made with tripe.
Sweet Treats and More
For dessert, you might find:
- Queso Helado: A creamy, ice cream-like dessert.
- Bunuelos: Donut-like fritters made from squash and sweet potato.
- Spanish-style convent candy.
- Chocolates.
- Chicha: The corn drink, sometimes served as a sweet version.
It's also a tradition in picanterías to offer a small shot of anise-flavored liquor called a "cortesia." This is a special "on-the-house" treat for guests!
See also
In Spanish: Picantería para niños
