Ollantaytambo, a small town in Peru, is a popular destination for travelers and adventurers. Located in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. One of the most important aspects of any travel experience is food, and Ollantaytambo has plenty of options to satisfy any craving. In this blog post, we will explore the best places to eat in Ollantaytambo, from traditional Peruvian cuisine to international flavors and everything in between.
When it comes to food, Ollantaytambo has a lot to offer. The town is surrounded by fertile land, making it an ideal place for growing a variety of crops, including potatoes, corn, and quinoa. These staple ingredients are used in many traditional Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina. Visitors can also find a range of international restaurants, serving everything from Italian to Chinese cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Ollantaytambo has plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. From cozy cafes to bustling restaurants, the town’s dining scene is as vibrant as its culture. In this post, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Ollantaytambo, highlighting the best places to eat and drink in this beautiful Peruvian town.
Traditional Peruvian Cuisine in Ollantaytambo
Peruvian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors, and Ollantaytambo is no exception. Traditional dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina are staples of the local cuisine. Visitors can find these dishes on menus throughout the town, often made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Restaurants Serving Traditional Peruvian Cuisine
Here are some of the best restaurants in Ollantaytambo serving traditional Peruvian cuisine:
- El Albergue: This cozy restaurant is located in the heart of Ollantaytambo and serves up delicious traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.
- La Bodega: This restaurant is known for its creative takes on traditional Peruvian cuisine, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- El Muro: This restaurant is located in a historic building and serves up traditional Peruvian dishes like ají de gallina and papas a la Huancaina.
Must-Try Dishes in Ollantaytambo
Here are some must-try dishes in Ollantaytambo:
- Ceviche: A classic Peruvian dish made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices, often served with onions, tomatoes, and aji amarillo peppers.
- Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry dish made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries, served with rice and a side of ají amarillo sauce.
- Ají de Gallina: A creamy chicken dish made with shredded chicken cooked in aji amarillo pepper sauce, served with rice and boiled potatoes.
International Cuisine in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is also home to a range of international restaurants, serving everything from Italian to Chinese cuisine. Visitors can find a variety of options to suit every taste and budget. (See Also: Where to Eat in Sm Sta Rosa? Best Kept Secrets)
Restaurants Serving International Cuisine
Here are some of the best restaurants in Ollantaytambo serving international cuisine:
- La Casa de los Abuelos: This Italian restaurant is located in the heart of Ollantaytambo and serves up delicious pasta dishes and pizzas.
- El Jardín: This Chinese restaurant is known for its creative takes on traditional Chinese cuisine, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- La Estación: This restaurant serves up a range of international dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Must-Try International Dishes in Ollantaytambo
Here are some must-try international dishes in Ollantaytambo:
- Pizza: A classic Italian dish made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings, often served with a side of garlic bread.
- Pad Thai: A stir-fry dish made with rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein, often served with a side of peanuts and lime wedges.
- Curry: A popular Indian dish made with a variety of spices, often served with rice or naan bread.
Cafes and Bakeries in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is also home to a range of cafes and bakeries, serving up delicious coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Visitors can find a variety of options to suit every taste and budget.
Best Cafes in Ollantaytambo
Here are some of the best cafes in Ollantaytambo:
- La Casa de los Abuelos: This Italian restaurant also has a cozy cafe serving up delicious coffee and pastries.
- El Jardín: This Chinese restaurant also has a cafe serving up a range of international coffee drinks and pastries.
- La Estación: This restaurant also has a cafe serving up a range of international coffee drinks and pastries.
Must-Try Coffee Drinks in Ollantaytambo
Here are some must-try coffee drinks in Ollantaytambo:
- Café con Leche: A classic coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, often served with a side of sugar and cream.
- Cappuccino: A coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam, often served with a side of sugar and cream.
- Latte: A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, often served with a side of sugar and cream.
Food Markets in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is also home to a range of food markets, offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods. Visitors can find a range of options to suit every taste and budget.
Best Food Markets in Ollantaytambo
Here are some of the best food markets in Ollantaytambo: (See Also: Where to Eat Buffalo Wings in Buffalo? The Ultimate Guide)
- El Mercado de Ollantaytambo: This bustling market offers a range of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods.
- La Feria de Artesanías: This market offers a range of handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
- El Mercado de la Abuela: This market offers a range of traditional Peruvian dishes and snacks.
Must-Try Foods at the Markets
Here are some must-try foods at the markets in Ollantaytambo:
- Choclo: A type of corn on the cob, often served with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Churros: A type of fried dough pastry, often served with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Empanadas: A type of pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, often served as a snack or light meal.
Recap and Key Takeaways
Ollantaytambo is a food lover’s paradise, offering a range of traditional Peruvian cuisine, international flavors, and fresh produce. Visitors can find a variety of options to suit every taste and budget, from cozy cafes to bustling restaurants and food markets.
Here are some key takeaways from this post:
- Traditional Peruvian cuisine is a must-try in Ollantaytambo, with dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina.
- International cuisine is also widely available in Ollantaytambo, with options like Italian, Chinese, and Indian food.
- Cafes and bakeries in Ollantaytambo offer a range of delicious coffee drinks and pastries.
- Food markets in Ollantaytambo offer a range of fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods.
We hope this post has been helpful in planning your trip to Ollantaytambo. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty, Ollantaytambo is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time to visit Ollantaytambo?
A: The best time to visit Ollantaytambo is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is mild and sunny.
Q: What are the must-try dishes in Ollantaytambo?
A: Some of the must-try dishes in Ollantaytambo include ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, and choclo. (See Also: Where to Eat in Ontario Ca? Best Local Spots)
Q: What are the best restaurants in Ollantaytambo?
A: Some of the best restaurants in Ollantaytambo include El Albergue, La Bodega, and El Muro.
Q: What are the best cafes in Ollantaytambo?
A: Some of the best cafes in Ollantaytambo include La Casa de los Abuelos, El Jardín, and La Estación.
Q: What are the best food markets in Ollantaytambo?
A: Some of the best food markets in Ollantaytambo include El Mercado de Ollantaytambo, La Feria de Artesanías, and El Mercado de la Abuela.