Chachapoyas Cuisine: Top 5 Foods & Drinks You Must Try

Thinking about a trip to Chachapoyas, Peru? Beyond the amazing cloud forests and ancient ruins, like, you should totally check out the seriously tasty food scene! It’s like your taste buds are about to go on an exciting adventure. In Chachapoyas, the food is very comforting and flavorful. We’re talking food and drinks that are not only tasty but also, as a matter of fact, tell you a story about the local stuff and cooking methods that have been, arguably, passed down through generations. Let’s check out the five top foods and drinks you just can’t miss in Chachapoyas, okay? From hearty meals that fill you up after a day of exploring to drinks that quench your thirst, you might want to prepare yourself for a genuine taste of what this awesome region has to offer, right?

1. Juanes: A Flavorful Rice Package

First off, let’s chat about Juanes. It’s basically the dish everyone talks about and, honestly, raves about once they try local Amazonas restaurants it. This one’s not just food; it’s almost a cultural hug made of rice, meat (usually chicken), olives, boiled egg, and different spices, all wrapped up in a bijao leaf. This leaf does wonders; it is that it infuses a special aroma into the rice, making each bite incredibly flavorful. What makes Juanes so incredibly good is, of course, that the spices used are locally available which gives it a uniquely Chachapoyas taste that, definitely, you won’t find somewhere else.

Imagine this: you’ve, actually, spent your whole day hiking up to Kuelap or exploring the Gocta Waterfall, right? Your stomach’s rumbling, like really grumbling. You finally grab a Juan – the steam is coming off it, releasing the fragrant aroma of the bijao leaf which sort of makes you want to dive right in. Peeling back the layers, like your unveiling a present, the colorful rice is what greets you with the seasoned chicken, the briny olive, and that soft boiled egg is, apparently, quite inviting. It’s like your digging into not just a meal, but a slice of local heritage and it’s almost an unforgettable way to fill you up and recharge for, like, another day of adventure, basically!

2. Inchicapi: A Warm and Nutty Soup

Next up, there’s Inchicapi. Think of this as, like, the ultimate comfort food of the Amazonas, almost like a warm blanket on a chilly cloud forest evening. It’s very much a traditional soup, featuring chicken, peanuts, cilantro, yucca, and a blend of local spices. What gives Inchicapi it’s distinct personality is that it is the ground peanuts and cilantro. These combine to create a rich, sort of nutty flavor that is both hearty and refreshing at the end of the day.

Locals very much love Inchicapi not just because of, like, the taste but also because it has nutritious elements which almost makes you feel good. That is to say that it’s often served during family gatherings, making it, in some respects, more than just food but is like a symbol of unity and celebration in the area. So if you’re trying it, like, you’re partaking in a custom, experiencing a little piece of daily life in Chachapoyas. Many may agree it’s very warming, filling, and tasty! It, arguably, pairs very well with a slice of bread or some cooked plantains, in a way rounding out the meal perfectly.

Make sure to ask Peruvian chefs and friends for the proper ingredient blend to make your own Inchicapi.

3. Humitas: Sweet or Savory Corn Treats

Alright, ever heard of humitas? These little packages of goodness are what happens when, like, corn meets a lot of flavor, is that not wild? These can either be sweet or savory, totally catering to what vibe, you know, your taste buds are wanting at that moment. They’re sort of created from fresh corn, cheese, and a handful of spices, which are then wrapped in corn husks and steamed until they’re incredibly, incredibly soft and yummy. Depending on who’s whipping them up, a bit of sugar turns them into a sweet treat, and if it’s salt, onions, or fresh herbs, they make for a very satisfying savory bite at the end of the day.

What’s really interesting, so to speak, about humitas is that they’re more than just a snack and these are actually part of a tradition that’s been enjoyed for ages in the Andes, too it’s almost like they’ve been snacking on these for centuries! Walking around Chachapoyas, you can, of course, see people selling humitas from small carts or in markets and, honestly, it’s like stepping into a slice of local history when you try one. They’re amazing for breakfast with coffee, for, arguably, a quick snack during the day, or even as a simple dessert, so to speak.

4. Higos con Queso: A Simple Yet Delightful Dessert

Now, if, like, you’re craving something sweet but nothing that makes you super full, the “Higos con Queso” is your best bet, as a matter of fact. Super simple, yes, that is true, but incredibly satisfying. That said it’s basically figs paired with a chunk of local cheese, so to speak. The sweetness from the figs? It mixes very well with the savory, salty flavor of the cheese which sort of makes it delicious, delicious combo.

The figs, almost always, are cooked in syrup or honey, in some respects bringing out their natural sweetness to new levels, that is really something, which, you know, makes each bite super flavorful. Pair that with local handmade cheese which often has a crumbly texture, which, as a matter of fact, gives a very interesting contrast. Higos con Queso is most likely served as a dessert which comes with coffee, for example at the end of a big meal or, potentially, as a small snack during the day, that is interesting to note!

Be ready to accept restaurant recommendations and find the perfect Higos con Queso during your travel.

5. Guarapo de Caña: Refreshing Sugarcane Drink

Finally, when it’s about that time of day that, like, you need something to quench your thirst, look no further than Guarapo de Caña, right? This sugarcane juice is amazingly common throughout Chachapoyas, it could be something you have at least once! What people usually do is they press fresh sugarcane, in a way extracting all of that lovely juice which makes it very refreshing.

You can actually watch vendors as they put sugarcane stalks through the press, so to speak and the juice that comes out is served then, making sure that it is fresh. Guarapo is so incredibly sweet but in that way that it sort of feels natural which means it’s not really overwhelming, not to mention it sort of gets better as you enjoy the sun and is often seen as the best alternative to drinks! Just be sure to ask about it at markets and local shops in order to, you know, grab it!