Pacific On a Plate

This intimate food experience in Lima captures the spirit of Peru's Pacific coast in two dishes which you'll prepare under the guidance of a local chef. You start by slicing fish fresh from the market, learning how a simple squeeze of citrus juice "cooks" it into ceviche — a bright, cool appetizer or light main. The citrusy marinade left behind, the leche de tigre or "tiger's milk," is a delicacy in its own right, often drunk straight from the glass. Then comes pescado a la chorrillana, a comforting coastal specialty of fried fish under a sauce of onion, tomato, and ají amarillo that you'll prepare from scratch. As the kitchen fills with the smell of it, you'll hear about Lima's seafood culture and culinary traditions before sitting down to enjoy your own cooking. Appetite whetted, you learn to make a pisco sour — Peru's national cocktail — and taste how its sharp citrus pairs perfectly with the fish.

A coastal city, Lima's cuisine is deeply connected to the Pacific Ocean. Among its dishes, ceviche is considered the star, prized for its fresh and simple ingredients — and named by UNESCO in 2023 as Intangible Cultural Heritage. You'll discover how it reflects centuries of culinary evolution: coastal peoples were marinating raw fish in fruit juice long before the Spanish arrived, and it was Spanish limes that gave the dish its citrus. Pescado a la chorrillana has its roots in the historic fishing neighborhood of Chorrillos, where fishermen's kitchens gave rise to hearty seafood dishes served with sautéed vegetables. In contrast to the typical cooking class in Lima, this intimate coastal supper dials back on the shopping. A calmer pace means you'll focus on the preparation, the joy of sharing a slow meal, and the wider culture of seafood in a city where daily life is shaped by the sea. Best of all, you'll be able to recreate both dishes and the cocktail when you return home.

Gloria is part of the team at one of Lima's oldest social-impact organizations where travel experiences center meaningful cultural exchanges. Founded by Indigenous families, their unique cooking activities are characterized by enjoying time with local people, and becoming part of their culture. While Gloria will be your point of contact ahead of the experience, all experiences are hosted by a member of the kitchen team.

Clothing suitable for cooking; an apron is provided but you might splash your clothes during the process. A healthy appetite. * Please message Gloria via Fernwayer Chat if you have any food allergies. ** This experience is only suitable for pescatarians.