Southern Chinese Cuisine

is so widely popular in Peru, that even the nation´s most renowned chef, Gastón Acurio, who typically serves traditional Peruvian dishes in his restaurants, opened Madam Tusan. Inside a giant red dragon floats from the ceiling and diners use chopsticks in lieu of forks.

With more than 6, 000 Chifa restaurants, Lima is not only the capital of Peru, but also considered by many to be the capital of South American Chinese cuisine. Inside these restaurants, which are decorated with the same flair as their North American counterparts, diners can get Chinese-Peruvian plates like Arroz Chaufa (fried rice), Chap Suey (chop suey), Sopa Wantán (wonton soup) and Tallarín Saltado (lo mein).

In fact Chifa has become so ingrained in Peruvian food culture that some dishes with Cantonese or Szechuan roots are no longer even considered Chinese, but Peruvian. Epicureans can find dishes like lomo saltado (beef and vegetables sautéed in soy sauce and served atop a bed of rice and potatoes) right next to traditional Andean dishes like cuy (guinea pig), choclo (giant corn) and Peru’s unofficial national dish, ceviche (raw fish marinated in lima juice).

Here is a list of our favorite Chifa restaurants:

Jirón Ucayali 779, El Centro, Lima

This restaurant, set in Lima’s Chinatown, takes Chinese-Peruvian fusion to another level. Diners can get an Andean spin on Kung Poa Chicken with Cuy (guinea pig, a delicacy in Peru) instead. Word on the street is that Limeños come far and wide for the dim sum as well.

Av Angamos Oeste 700, Miraflores, Lima

This treasure is hidden inside the second floor of a casino. With three dozen appetizers and huge entree portions this is a place to come hungry and with friends.

Av Santa Cruz 859, Miraflores, Lima

As Gastón Acurio’s staple Chifa joint, this place lives up to the hype. The ambiance is likely the nicest you’ll get in an Chifa restaurant, and the cocktail selection is nearly as extensive as the food found on the menu.

Chifa Chung Yion

Jr. Unión 126, Barranco, Lima

Thousands of online reviewers rave about this Chinese restaurant with Peruvian ingredients, with many tipping their hats to the section of the menu dedicated solely to vegetarians.

Av. República de Pánama 3165, San Isidro, Lima

Also tucked inside a casino, menus here boast both Chifa and authentic Cantonese cuisine. For those seeking a more authentic experience rather than one of fusion, the chef suggests the duck dish.

So the next time you´re in Peru, consider pleasing your palate with Chifa. After all, the Chinese have declared 2014 as the Year of the Horse. It´s the perfect excuse to eat like one.