What, Soul Food in Perú?

Yes, There Is An Afro-Peruvian Cuisine

This black owned restaurant known as La Anticuchería is located in the beautiful, touristy section of Miraflores in Lima, Perú with another one in Chincha, the hub of Afro-Peruvian culture. This establishment is an estate house replica of the time when the black Peruvian people were creating what today is their Native (Soul) food. Their old-fashioned costumes, give them a very special touch.

This Soul Food has its roots in the southern province of Ica where African slaves were brought to work the plantations. Their dishes are prepared with ancient recipes that only black women have saved since the time of slavery.

Peruvian "Soul Food" at Mamaine Restaurant in El Carmen de Chincha in Southern Perú, the hub of Afro-Peruvian culture. Maria Cruz and her 14 year-old son Gianfranco of El Carmen, Perú took me to the classic Mamaine Restaurant in the Guayabo section of El Carmen. 

I finally get a chance to meet Mamainé herself a year later on my second trip to her restaurant.

I thought it was interesting how, despite my black skin in a predominately black community, the owner spotted me as a traveler and welcomed me. I didn't get a chance to meet Mamaine for whom the restaurant is named as she was too busy entertaining other visitors; that is until my next trip to Perú one year later.

Young cajón players from Guayabo in El Carmen, Perú entertain the diners.