Here are some cheap eats that we really enjoyed in Lima, Peru. Lima may be quite a vast and chaotic city, but it is a treasure chest for foodies. So, ignore the perpetual sea fog and the incessant car alarms going off at all hours, get over there and fill your belly!

Ceviche – Arguably the king of Lima, the mighty ceviche is very fresh raw fish marinated in salt, citrus juices, chilli and red onions. It’s always served with a piece of boiled sweet potato, some choclo (giant corn) and crunchy cancha (puffed up dry corn snacks). We would recommend El Cevichano, Surquillo Market, Miraflores, Punto Azul, Miraflores and El Muelle, Barranco.

Best washed down with a…

Pisco sour! – Pisco is a kind of grape brandy made in the Ica region of Peru. The pisco sour comes into being when the pisco is blended with ice, lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white and angostura bitters. If you haven’t tried one then make an appointment to see me when we return, pisco sours chez moi!

Causas – This dish is an amazing snack, it’s amarillo chilli infused mashed potato with a layer of tuna or chicken inside. Super easy to make and ideal for summer picnics.

Tamales – Tamales are little packages of corn dough cooked in leaves (banana, I think). Inside the dough will be a centre of meat or chillies. Super cheap ubiquitous snacks, much like the empanadas.

Lucuma ice-cream – Lucuma is a fruit which has a very dense flesh, it is found in a variety of Peruvian desserts and smoothies. It tastes a bit like molasses or dates. You can find it as a dried powder in some health shops at home.

Jugos – Lima is full of juguerias which are bars where you can get fresh fruit juices and shakes. The best, and cheapest ones are in the food markets. I have yet to work out what all the fruits are!