As summer temperatures start to rise, gastronomy becomes fresher and palates more exquisite. It is time for ceviche, a dish unveiling Peruvian gastronomy and gaining ground in Barcelona.
Nikkei cuisine was born from a combination between Japanese cuisine and Peruvian gastronomy. This is a great credit for traditional gastronomy, which has become trend with the help of important chefs arriving to Barcelona.
The most popular chef at this moment is Albert Adrià, awarded with several Michelin stars. However, the big boom of this gastronomic combination arrived with Pandilla de la Leche de Tigre, a group of internationally-awarded Peruvian cooks who landed in our country with their star dish, ceviche.
That was how Gastón Acurio, Virgilio Martínez, Mitcha Tsumura, Héctor Solís and Rafael Piqueras seduced the huge Spanish capitals. They introduced an innovative gastronomy without leaving tradition aside.
Some months ago, The Wall Street Journal posed the following question: ‘Can Peruvian ceviche conquer the world‘. Here in Spain, that is for sure.
That is why we would like to introduce the top ten Peruvian gastronomy restaurants in Barcelona.
Nikkei cuisine by Paralelo
Poble Sec Neighbourhood is a real heavenly place for lovers of good cuisine. Projects by Albert Adrià and the Iglesias brothers have given birth to huge restaurants like 41º, Tickets and Hoja Santa.
Very close to them, there have emerged two huge referents of Peruvian cuisine.
Pakta (C/ Lleida, 5), run by Adrià himself, offers surprising dishes, such as a fusion of makis and smoked makerel ‘causa‘. Also recommended, a delicious salmon nigiri with amarillo chilli sauce. These are dishes that have helped it obtain its first Michelin star.
Pacífico y Sur (C/ Vallhonrat, 19) combines the best of Japanese cuisine with the flavours of Peruvian gastronomy. It offers tasting menus, including specialities like ceviche, tiraditos, Peruvian sashimi and ‘causas‘. Do not forget the traditional cocktail, Pisco Sour.
Ceviche in Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample
On both ends of Calabria Street, there are two restaurants offering nikkei delights.
Mochica (Gran Via, 487) specializes in the best Peruvian recipes prepared with fish and seafood, and in some cases, also with meat. The seafood dishes that stand out are ‘picante’ and ‘parihuela’, and among the specialities prepared with fish are ‘sudado’, and ceviche, of course.
Kenko (C/ Calabria, 280) transports its guests throughout a sensorial trip along Peruvian gastronomy. Great chef Oscar Salazar uniquely elaborates ‘causa’ from Lima and ‘huancaina’ potatoes. Some other specialities are also worth mentioning, like its ‘chaufa’ rice with meat, ‘parihuela’ and pepper.
Japanese-Peruvian fusion in l’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample
When going towards Passeig de Gràcia, Nikkei has some more proposals.
Ceviche 103 (C/ Londres, 103) is a classic of Barcelona, and everything that can be said abour it is mirrored in its name. The adaptation of the Peruvian cuisine to the Mediterranean palates through the omnipresent ceviche is attributable to this restaurant. The star dish is ceviche prepared mailny with a wild seabass topping on a toasted corn and sweet potato. However, alfajor filled with ‘manjar blanco’ and ‘chicha morada’ (a type of cake filled with caramelized condensed milk) is not to be forgotten. It can be found even in a food truck.
Tanta (C/ Córcega, 235) is a bet of great Gastón Acurio, aiming at bringing close to us the traditional cuisine from Los Andes or the Amazon. ‘Causas’ from Lima, beef ‘anticucho’, a spectacular ceviche triad and ‘chaufa tapao’ have made this store go over the top. This is the reason why Zagat is ranked among ‘The 10 Hottest Restaurants in the World’.
From Peru to Gràcia Neighbourhood
Gràcia Neighbourhood is internationally known for its culinary life, and in this case in particular, for its offer of Peruvian gastronomy.
The Market (C/ Gran de Gràcia, 7) allows to get to know all the different styles of Peruvian gastronomy (chifa and criollo styles, as well as delights from Los Andes, the Amazon and Anticucha). Apart from ceviche, its specialities are ciclayana lamb and duck rice.
El Patio Latino (C/ Martínez de Rosa, 10) proposes their guests a wide range of Peruvian specialities, together with music shows and intercultural performances. Apart from their venue in Barcelona, there are also two more restaurants, one in Florida (USA) and another in Lima, of course.
Nikkei cuisine very close to Sagrada Familia
The huge modernist temple also gathers an excellent Peruvian cuisine.
Lo Señorío (C/ Córcega, 607) has an excellent selection of Peruvian dishes to enchant guests with its variety (smells, tastes, products, recipes, etc). Its menu includes delights from Los Andes, such as the best criollas, seafood and ceviches, as well as homemade sweets.
Lima Limón (C/ Rosselló, 361) is a culinary gem located on the foot of the architectural wonder by Gaudí. Its seafood snacks allow its guests to try seafood rice, fried fish rinds and ceviche with tartar sauce. Do not forget the delicious chicken stew with pepper, the star menu of the house.
Ceviche presides the varied and colourful conquer of Peruvian gastronomy. Where? In Barcelona, of course.
