Some of the most memorable are different types of ceviche (which include raw fish, sweet potato, corn, and lime), tamales, lots of varieties of soups, such as aguadito (a traditional chicken soup with vegetables), arroz con mariscos (rice with clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and octopus), aji de gallina (shredded chicken with a cheesy pepper sauce), lomo saltado (beef with peppers, onions, and tomatoes), and lots of dishes with rice and different style beans. Other dishes that are typical here in Peru include causa (two layers of potatoes with chicken salad in between, shaped like a round patty and served cold), arroz con pollo (chicken with rice mixed with spices and vegetables), tallarines a la huancaina (pasta with a creamy cheese and pepper sauce), tacu tacu (fried rice and beans cooked like an omelet), and cau cau (stew of potatoes, onions, mint, and intestines which I unfortunately did not like). Some popular street food includes pollo broaster (fried chicken), pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken), and salchipapa (French fries with sliced hot dogs and many creams, such as mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup on top). Desserts include picarones (sweet potato style donuts with honey), chupetes (like popsicles but made from fresh fruits here), mazamorra (a purple pudding like dessert made from purple corn and cinnamon and cloves). I really enjoy baking, so I often make chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or muffins. It is a great way to teach my host family a little about the desserts we have in the U.S.
