Peru is a country where ancient Incan history meets a staggeringly diverse geography, producing a culinary culture that is among the most exciting and complex in the world. In the early days of No Reservations (Season 2, 2006), Anthony Bourdain traveled to this South American powerhouse, long before it became the trendy darling of the global gastronomic elite. He set out to experience the stark contrasts of the country, from the bustling, coastal cevicherias of Lima to the high-altitude traditions of the Andes. Bourdain’s exploration of Peru was rooted in discovering the fundamental flavors that define the nation. He sought out the legendary, eye-opening freshness of authentic ceviche, diving into the bustling local markets that serve as the heartbeat of Peruvian daily life. As he journeyed upward to Cusco and eventually Machu Picchu, the focus shifted to the rugged, indigenous ingredients that have sustained the Andean people for centuries, including unique potato varieties and high-altitude meats. Here are the memorable locations that provided a true taste of Peru’s rich culinary heritage.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Peru on his show No Reservations Season 2 Episode 3 (originally aired April 10th, 2006), he and his crew picked many restaurants and sampled traditional Peruvian fare. He visited the Peruvian capital of Lima, explored local markets, and made Machu Picchu his final stop of the tour. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased on No Reservations Peru, all in a convenient list:
READ MORE: PERU: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
DISH – Ceviche, Ceviche de Vieiras, Leche de Tigre, and Ceviche de Concha
WHAT IS IT?
Ceviche – raw seafood marinated and tossed in citrus; Ceviche de Vieiras – ceviche with scallops as the main ingredient; Leche de Tigre – popular Peruvian elixir, which is the spicy liquid runoff produced when making ceviche; Ceviche de Concha – ceviche with black clams as the main ingredient.
WHERE IS IT?
Restaurant SONIA
La Rosa Lozano Y Tirado 173
Chorrillos, Peru
NO RESERVATIONS PERU NOTES
Restaurante SONIA is one of the many cevicherias in Lima. Anthony Bourdain was informed it is where he’ll “find the real flavors that Peruvians love.”
DISH – Sopa de Chuño – Anthony Bourdain Peru
WHAT IS IT?
Peruvian soup of freeze-dried potatoes, cabbage and meat.
WHERE IS IT? – Anthony Bourdain Peru
Mercado Central de San Pedro
Thupaq Amaru 477
Cusco, Peru
NO RESERVATIONS PERU NOTES
According to Anthony Bourdain, “The variety of this market is pretty damn exciting.”
READ MORE: THE “HIGH LANDS” ACROSS THE WORLD – A GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL DRUG TOURISM
DRINKS – Chicha – Anthony Bourdain Peru
WHAT IS IT?
Traditional corn beer in Peru.
WHERE IS IT? – Anthony Bourdain Peru
Mercado Chinchero
Chinchero District, Peru
NO RESERVATIONS PERU NOTES
Anthony Bourdain’s tip: “Always take note of the subtle signs that point you in the direction of a good batch of local brew.”
DISH – Roast Alpaca – Anthony Bourdain Peru
WHAT IS IT?
Roasted alpaca steak.
WHERE IS IT?
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Belmond Sanctuary Lodge)
Carretera Hiram Bingham Km 7.5
Machu Picchu, Peru
NO RESERVATIONS PERU NOTES
This is the only lodging and dining spot in Machu Picchu.
READ MORE: BOGOTA: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANDREW ZIMMERN ON DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS
This early expedition into Peru highlighted Bourdain’s prescience; he recognized the incredible depth and potential of Peruvian cuisine years before it dominated international “best-of” lists. By showcasing both the refined, coastal seafood traditions of Lima and the hearty, ancestral survival foods of the Andes, he painted a comprehensive picture of a remarkably diverse food culture. His willingness to try everything from potent leche de tigre to roasted alpaca demonstrated his deep respect for local customs and ingredients. The episode remains a foundational look at a country whose food is deeply intertwined with its dramatic landscapes and ancient history. When planning a trip to Peru, be sure to explore the vibrant local markets before heading up into the mountains.
