Guinea pig Peru

Don't leave Peru without attempting…

Cuy (pronounced "kwee"), which is…guinea pig. While it may seem unconventional to tuck into furry critters better known as domesticated pets in the western, this native mammal happens to be a staple in Peru's Andean diet for around 5, 000 years. (It even has its own national holiday regarding the 2nd Friday of October.)

Just how it is ready

These rodents need little space and cheerfully hoof up veggie scraps, facets that produce them ideal to farm. Gourmet cuy, but are provided an exclusively alfalfa diet so that the animal meat can be as tender as you possibly can. They may be usually cooked whole—yes, with the mind, teeth, ears, as well as other components remaining intact—and doused in sodium and garlic to crisp within the epidermis.

Two popular dishes tend to be cuy chactado, a dish indigenous to Arequipa that is squashed under rocks after that fried; and cuy al palo, in which it is roasted over a spit. a revolution of Lima's avant-garde chefs are getting premium aided by the ingredient, making use of cuy in Nikkei dishes as opposed to smoked fish, or smoothed aside as terrine in tasting menus. There are cuyerías, restaurants devoted to guinea-pig, found in the Arequipa and Cusco areas. When it comes to flavor, it really is kind of like a cross between rabbit and chicken.

Just how to consume it

Together with your arms. This really is completely appropriate in every restaurant; in reality, perplexed appearance would be cast in your course should you attempt to consume it any other way. Hold a bundle of napkins on hand, as things will get just a little messy.

How-to purchase

Request cuy chactado, the classic, deep-fried, flattened variation. Inside Andean region, it is accompanied by chunky corn on cob, yellow potatoes, and a simple salsa criolla. In metropolitan restaurants, fries and an ají huacatay sauce are the norm.

How to pay

At a cuyería, which is likely in a rural area, payment will likely be money just. A 10 percent tip is the norm.

Regional guidelines

Do take to just a bite. If you are visiting a friend's house or it is your birthday celebration, cuy will more than likely ensure it is to the dining table. Given that it really is a delicacy and presented on unique events, it could be rude not to ever test it.