Chifa in Cusco: Chinese-Peruvian food and where to try it

In every Peruvian town, however small, there's a chifa. That's the name for Chinese-Peruvian restaurants, one of the world's oldest fusion cuisines and an inseparable part of everyday Peruvian life. Cusco is no exception: locals go to the chifa for birthdays, Sunday lunch or simply because portions are generous and prices reasonable. This guide explains what chifa is, what to order and which chifas in Cusco we've confirmed are still open. We give the area, not prices or hours: check opening times before you go.

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A bit of history

From the mid-19th century, thousands of Chinese workers, mostly from Canton province, arrived in Peru to work on coastal haciendas and railway construction. Over time many opened eateries and shops and adapted their recipes to Peruvian ingredients. That mix gave birth to chifa, a name often linked to a Cantonese expression for "eating rice". Today chifa is as Peruvian as ceviche, and dishes like arroz chaufa or lomo saltado (with its wok technique) show that influence across the country's cuisine.

What to order at a chifa

• Arroz chaufa: wok-fried rice with egg, spring onion, sillao (soy sauce) and chicken, pork or seafood. The star dish.
• Tallarín saltado: stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat.
• Fried wontons: crispy, often with tamarind sauce; perfect for sharing.
• Wonton soup: broth with wontons, meat and vegetables, ideal for Cusco's cold.
• Pollo chijaukay: fried chicken in a dark, sweet sauce.
• Kam lu wantán: fried wontons with sweet-and-sour sauce, pineapple and meats.
• Aeropuerto: arroz chaufa and tallarín saltado on one plate. The funny name comes from everything "landing" on it.
• Taypá: a big sharing dish with several meats and vegetables.

Chifas in the centre

Chifa GOTAKI

On Calle Belén, near the centre. Very popular with locals. It usually closes on Sundays, so plan a weekday or Saturday visit.

Chifa Hao Yun

On Calle Santa Clara, near Plaza San Francisco and San Pedro market. Handy for lunch after visiting the market.

• San Pedro Market in Cusco: what to eat, what to buy, opening hours and tips

Chifas in the neighbourhoods

Chifa Lyam Chang

In the Matará area, near the centre. Popular with Cusco families.

Chifa Status

In the Machupicchu residential development. A good example of a neighbourhood chifa, with no tourists.

Chifa Sipán

At the junction of Avenida 28 de Julio and Avenida de la Cultura, one of the city's main roads.

Chifa Dim Sum

Opposite the airport. Useful if you have a flight and want a hearty meal before boarding or right after landing.

• Cusco airport to the city centre: taxi, ride apps, transfers and approximate prices

Chifa isn't Chinese food

If you expect the Chinese food you know from Europe or North America, you'll be surprised. Chifa uses Peruvian ingredients: ají, kión (ginger), yellow potato, sweet potato or pineapple. Peruvian sillao is milder, and almost every dish comes with white rice and a tamarind or ají sauce. Chifa in turn shaped Creole cooking: lomo saltado, Peru's flagship dish, is cooked in a wok over high heat with sillao, a technique that arrived with Cantonese immigrants. That's why many Peruvians call chifa "home food" even when ordered at a restaurant.

You'll also hear the word "tusán", meaning Peruvians of Chinese descent, a community that is now part of the national identity.

Customs and tips

• Chifas are family places: Sunday lunchtime gets packed.
• It's common to order several dishes for the table and share.
• To drink, the classic is a soft drink, an Inca Kola or Chinese tea.
• If you like it spicy, ask for ají or rocoto sauce on the side.
• Many chifas have cheap combo plates at lunchtime.
• If you're vegetarian, ask for vegetable arroz chaufa or noodles without meat; almost all will make it.

• Vegan and vegetarian food in Cusco: Andean dishes, markets and useful phrases

Chifa and altitude

For your first days in Cusco it's best to eat light. A wonton soup or a small arroz chaufa are good options; avoid very fried, heavy dishes at night until you've acclimatised.

• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).