Eating my way around Lima, Peru

Peru was always going to be a trip where food played a big part - I love South American food - but I didn’t realise quite how good it would be until we did a food tour around Lima. Basically, a few hours of walking around the city eating and drinking — pretty much my ideal sightseeing activity.

The star of the tour had to be the ceviche. Fresh raw fish cured in loads of lime juice with chilli, red onion and coriander. I’d had ceviche before, but eating it in Lima was completely different. It was really fresh, sharp and spicy, and somehow felt light even though we were working our way through a ridiculous amount of food. And all made fresh right in front of us.

Then there were the Pisco Sours. Pisco, lime, sugar, egg white and bitters — dangerously easy to drink considering how strong they actually are. I started the tour thinking I was there to learn about Peruvian food and ended up learning that Pisco Sours go down far too easily. The bartender mixes them all up and shakes right in front of you - he has arm muscles that I’m jealous of.

We tried loads of other things along the way, and what I loved most was how much flavour there was in everything. Lots of lime, chilli, fresh herbs, seafood and ingredients I wouldn’t normally cook with at home. Peruvian food also has this amazing mix of different cultures and influences, so every stop seemed to bring something completely different.

Definitely one of my favourite ways to see Lima. Walking tours with cocktails - my new best thing.

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