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Celebrate tradition and taste in Lima
Tomorrow, the third Sunday of October (October 19, 2025), we pay tribute to one of Peru’s most emblematic street foods: Anticucho Day. This dish, which is much more than just skewered beef heart, is a symbol of Lima’s tradition, cultural blending (mestizaje), and the unmistakable flavor found on every street corner of the capital.
If you are visiting or living in Lima, get ready to join this national celebration and delight in this culinary icon.
The History wrapped in every Skewer
The Anticucho has deep roots dating back to the pre-Hispanic era, but its current form was established during the Colonial period. Originally, it was a meal created by African slaves using the discarded offal and cuts of cattle, with the beef heart (corazón) as the star.
Its name comes from the Quechua language: anti (Andes) and cuchu (cut), or uchu (chili pepper), underscoring its Andean origin and its characteristic spicy flavor. Over time, it transformed into a popular dish, essential at religious festivals and in the gastronomy of the “anticucheras”—women who have kept the tradition alive in their neighborhood food carts.
What makes it special?
The secret to the Anticucho’s success lies in its masterful marinade and grilling technique:
- The Marinating: The tender and meaty beef heart is marinated for hours in a mixture of ají panca (which gives it its intense reddish color), vinegar, garlic, cumin, and oregano.
- The Cooking: It is quickly grilled over charcoal, which gives it a smoky flavor and a crunchy exterior yet juicy interior texture.
- The Accompaniment: It is traditionally served with a slice of boiled choclo (Peruvian corn) and a golden potato, often topped with a touch of ají rocoto sauce.
Did You Know?
Anticuchos were once considered “poor man’s food” until their flavor conquered palates across all social strata. 😯
Where to indulge in delicious Anticuchos in Lima
Anticucho Day is the perfect opportunity to visit the emblematic spots that have perfected this art:
- Doña Pochita’s Stalls (Barranco/Miraflores): One of the most famous anticucheras, known for her traditional seasoning and long line of faithful customers.
- La Tía Grimanesa (Miraflores): Started from a food cart and is now an established location, famous for its extra-tender beef heart anticuchos.
- Surquillo Gastronomic Fair: Neighborhood markets and fairs often have specialized stands that offer anticuchos with the most authentic flavor.
- Creole Restaurants: Places like Isolina or Panchita also include the anticucho as a high-end cocina criolla dish.
Join the Celebration!
This day is not just about eating; it’s about celebrating Peruvian culinary identity. This weekend, look for the nearest food cart or your preferred restaurant, and enjoy a dish that carries the history and heart of Lima in every bite.
Happy Anticucho Day!