Written by:
peru.travel
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
In this Page
The prestigious American magazine Food & Wine has included Arequipa, Peru, in its list of the Top 10 Emerging Cities with the Best Food in the World, as part of the 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards. This recognition celebrates the authenticity, richness, and cultural depth of Arequipa’s cuisine, positioning the city as one of the most fascinating culinary destinations worldwide.
Now in its third edition, the Global Tastemakers Awards gather recommendations from more than 400 chefs, culinary experts, and travelers from around the globe to highlight the best in food tourism. On this occasion, Arequipa was described as the “unknown culinary capital of Peru”—a city that, in addition to its impressive colonial architecture and UNESCO-designated historic center, offers a vibrant cuisine deeply rooted in local traditions.
One of the pillars of this culinary identity is the picanterías: traditional taverns dating back to the 17th century. Unique to Peru, these establishments gave rise to a popular cuisine that blends native ingredients with ancestral techniques, resulting in emblematic dishes such as rocoto relleno, adobo arequipeño, and chupe de camarones. Food & Wine encourages travelers to experience an authentic picantería while this living heritage remains intact.
Among the flavors the magazine highlights is the traditional queso helado, a typical Arequipeñan dessert made with milk, cinnamon, and shredded coconut—representing the sweet side of this rich culinary tradition.
This latest recognition adds to other recent achievements: in 2019, Arequipa was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and in 2022, the Arequipa Picantera Society was awarded in Spain for its efforts to preserve culinary traditions.
If you're looking for an authentic experience that blends history, culture, and flavor—Arequipa is your ideal destination!
