Traveling to a new country can be one of the most exciting things to do. Learning about the culture, learning a few words of the language, or even studying the language are some good ways you can appreciate the culture of the land you’re visiting.
Cazuela de Llama from Argentina
Yes, it is what you think it is – Llama meat. You can try one of these in Argentina, the best place to try this dish. Typically, chunks of llama meat with carrots, rice, and Andean potatoes are served in a stew. To properly cook it, the meat is cooked until it’s tender and served while it is warm. Fortunately, llama meat is one of those healthier meats as it’s high in protein and low in fat.
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Juane from Peru
Of the 9 countries that split the Amazon Rainforest, Peru has the second-largest slice by land area. Due to this fact, Peruvian cuisine consists of food found in the Amazon rainforest. It consists of chicken, seasoned rice, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. All of these are wrapped in bijou leaves, which look like banana leaves. The presentation really gives off a natural and forest-like feel to it. Historically, this traditional dish is named after St. John the Baptist and is traditionally popularly consumed on the 24th of June, the saint’s feast day.
From the peruvian rainforests comes the #Juane, a delicious chicken dish cooked in banana leaves. You must try it! pic.twitter.com/JiPfLYayTg
— peru (@peru) January 20, 2016
Tequeños from Venezuela
Made with a pastry crust wrapped around white cheese, these tasty cheese sticks can either be fried or baked. They’re usually accompanied by an assortment of dips with the most famous one being the guasacaca. These cheese sticks actually serve as appetizers or quick afternoon snacks. This dish is pretty straightforward and can be eaten right away as a finger food as well.
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Anticuchos de Corazon from Bolivia
Another street food on this list, Anticuchos de Corazon is basically Cow heart served on a stick. This delicious street food is marinated with lemon juice, cilantro, onion, garlic, and sometimes, even beer. This South American specialty is usually served as quick bites in events and parties and this grilled meat on a skewer invites people in with its great aroma.
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Hormigas Culonas from Colombia
A lot of people know that a lot of places in the world treat bugs as a delicacy. If you were to think of a bug to be eaten, ants would probably not be your first idea. Well, a certain kind of leafcutter ant is traditionally eaten in Colombia and this practice dates back several hundred years ago from pre-Colombian tribes. Usually, ants aren’t that big but this particular kind has a large bottom and this makes it a cheap and easily accessible source of protein. Crunchy and usually seasoned with sea salt or other spices, they’re pretty much like peanuts but with an insect twist.
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Ceviche de camarón from Ecuador
Also known as Shrimp Ceviche, this traditional seafood dish is one of the most popular ceviches in Ecuador, and for good reason. Since the shrimp in Ecuador is of the highest quality, you’re in for a treat when you manage to try this specialty. One interesting and delightful fact about this dish is that the shrimps are already cooked. It’s because the acidity of the lime juice it’s usually served in is the one that cooks the shrimp. It goes well with a garnish of canguil, plantain chips, sweet potato, lettuce leaves, and sometimes, lobsters or snappers even accompany it. Don’t worry as this dish is light and therefore it wouldn’t make you bloat.