Peruvian guava dishes are not for weak heart customers

In Europe guinea pig is considered a pet but in Peru, they are raised by the people, then put the whole chicken marinated with garlic and salt, deep fried or skewered into specialties for thousands of years.

Cuy is roasted or fried hamster , one of the famous delicacies in Peru. Guinea Pig native to the Andes (Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru) are bred for meat. Cuy becomes a dish of native Peruvians such as the Moche, Incas and Quechua tribes. Until the Spaniards arrived, the guinea pig was brought to Europe and tamed into a pet.

Hamster meat is especially high in protein and less cholesterol than chicken, pig or cow. In Cusco, there is a program for hamsters to make food for cancer patients, because their meat is healthier than other meats. Hamsters in Peru even have their own national holidays, on the second Friday of October.

The two most famous dishes made from guinea-pigs in Peru are cuy chactado, cuy al palo. Cuy chactado is the Arequipa specialties with hard-pressed meat and then fried, and the palo almonds are hamsters skewered and turned on a charcoal stove.

The people of Peru do not eat cuy on a regular day but spend this food on important occasions such as festivals, birthdays, new years, feasts for guests . However, more and more international tourists are curious or discovering local cuisine, so many restaurants in Peru have crept into the menu.

Whole roasted guinea pig in Peru.(Photo: EaterNY).

Guinea Pig farming requires only a small space and vegetables as food. However, rats fed food are only fed alfalfa (legumes) to ensure the toughness of the meat. When the hamster is processed into a dish, it will be kept intact, including the head, teeth, ears and other parts. After cleaning the hair, removing organs, rats are covered with garlic, chili and salt to increase the brittle level before putting it on the stove.

Diners can enjoy cuys with both hands or use a knife and fork at will. Hand-fed cuys are accepted at Peruvian restaurants. This dish is traditionally served with yellow potatoes, corn, salsa criolla sauce, sometimes tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and onions.

When being treated by a Peruvian family, remember that even if you do not dare to eat, you have to try it a little, because the people here consider cuy as a delicious food only for precious guests.