Cuscoās gastronomy isnāt only enjoyed in traditional restaurants or gourmet proposals. When evening falls and the city comes alive, another world of flavors appears: street food carts, fast, tasty, and deeply local.
Food carts are part of everyday life in Cusco. They are meeting points, late-night cravings, and an authentic way to discover the city one bite at a time.
š Why try street food in Cusco?
Because it is:
- Affordable and filling
- Fast and perfect after a full day of tours
- Prepared fresh on the spot
- A living part of Cuscoās urban culture
Here, you donāt just eatāyou observe, chat, and share with locals.
š„ Street food snacks you canāt miss
š¢ Anticuchos
A must-try classic. Beef heart skewers marinated in ajĆ panca and spices, grilled over charcoal and served with potatoes and chili sauce. Bold, juicy, and full of flavor.
š„ Empanadas and pastries
Filled with meat, cheese, or chicken. Perfect to eat on the go and satisfy your hunger quickly.
š½ Choclo con queso
A traditional Andean snack: giant white corn served with fresh cheese. Simple, hearty, and very Cusco-style.
š Homemade burgers and sandwiches
Prepared fresh, with warm bread and generous fillings. Ideal for a casual and budget-friendly dinner.
š Where to find the best food carts
Street food carts are mainly found:
- Near Cuscoās Plaza de Armas
- Along main avenues and university areas
- Around markets and neighborhood squares
- In the evening hours (from around 6:00 p.m.)
Follow the local rule: where thereās a line, thereās good food š
š” Tips for enjoying street food
- Choose carts with a steady flow of customers
- Check cleanliness and food handling
- Eat food thatās hot and freshly prepared
- Carry cash in Peruvian soles
- Start with small portions if youāre not used to it
⨠Eating on the go is also traveling
Street food in Cusco is straightforward, honest, and unpretentious. It doesnāt try to impressāit aims to satisfy and accompany. Itās part of daily life, the walk home, nighttime conversations, and shared cravings.
š If you want to know the real Cusco, try its food carts.
Because here, some of the best stories are told standing upāwith something delicious in your hand š®š„
If youād like, I can adapt this for video, make it more commercial, or turn it into a quick street food guide for Cusco.


Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Sat: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (PET)

