The traditional cuisine of Ica, Peru, is a vibrant fusion of Creole and Afro-Peruvian culinary heritage. Rich in flavor and history, Ica’s dishes are built around locally grown beans, native spices, and centuries-old techniques. With its coastal location, Ica also offers an abundance of fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and tiradito. Whether you’re indulging in slow-cooked stews or sipping on a glass of pisco, food in Ica is an immersive journey into Peru’s cultural soul.
From the renowned carapulcra to sweet chocotejas, this guide explores the best typical Ica dishes and drinks every food-loving traveler should try. If you’re planning a culinary tour through southern Peru, don’t miss Ica’s vibrant flavors—best enjoyed with private tastings and curated local experiences offered by Ile Tours.
Top Traditional Dishes in Ica
Carapulcra
A traditional stew made with dried potatoes, pork, and chicken, seasoned with Peruvian aji panca, garlic, and other spices. Often served with sopa seca.
Chupe de Pallares Verdes
Made with fresh lima beans cooked in an onion and cheese-based broth, finished with milk for a rich and comforting Andean-style soup.
Coctel de Camarones
Lightly boiled shrimp served chilled in a cocktail glass, typically garnished with lettuce, lemon, and local herbs.
Ensalada de Garbanzos
A fresh chickpea salad tossed with rocoto peppers, red onions, and lime juice—simple, refreshing, and spicy.
Ensalada de Pallares
Boiled lima beans served cold in a vinaigrette with diced tomato, onions, and a touch of grated cheese. A perfect vegetarian option.
Sopa Seca
“Dry soup” is a misnomer—it’s a richly seasoned noodle dish cooked with ají colorado, garlic, and onions, often paired with carapulcra for a truly local combination plate.
Typical Drinks from Ica
Pisco de Uva Macerada
Grape-infused pisco, often aged or flavored with exotic fruits and herbs for a unique regional twist on Peru’s national spirit.
Pisco Sour
The iconic Peruvian cocktail made with pisco, lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white, and bitters—an elegant drink with a refreshing citrusy punch.
Cachina
A traditional fermented drink made from young grape juice—rustic, fruity, and usually homemade during grape harvest season.
Chilcano de Pisco
A sparkling cocktail made with pisco and white soda (typically ginger ale), finished with lime and ice—light and perfect for sunny afternoons.
Traditional Desserts from Ica
Chocotejas
Handmade chocolate confections filled with manjar blanco (caramel) and dried fruits like pecans or figs. A must-try Iqueña sweet!
Frejol Colado
A silky-smooth dessert made from black beans, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and evaporated milk—rich, creamy, and deeply traditional.
Mazamorra de Uva
Grape-based pudding made with purple grapes, cinnamon, clove, and flour. A sweet and tangy homage to the region’s wine culture.
Taste Ica with the Experts
If you’re planning a food-focused journey through southern Peru, there’s no better place than Ica to start your gourmet adventure. From historical vineyards to legendary home-cooked recipes, every bite tells a story. With Ile Tours, you can experience exclusive cooking classes, vineyard tastings, and private culinary tours that immerse you in the flavors and culture of this remarkable region.