COCINA PERUVIA

G/F Bonifacio One Technology Tower, Rizal Drive corner 31st Street, Bonifiicio Global City, (0917) 315-5727, (02) 955-9975

This casual, relaxed joint is where Chef Him Uy de Baron presents some of the best traditional Peruvian fare in the city. Peruvian cuisine is true fusion, says Chef Him, melding together ingredients from the Andes to the Amazon. The menu features simple home cooking and street food, but the emphasis is on authenticity, thus the use of such ingredients as cancha (corn nuts), aji amarillo (an iconic chili), and leche de tigre. Adventurous palates can try such iconic delicacies as anticuchos de corazon de vaca, beef heart skewers in a fragrant marinade; but there are other dishes more familiar to Filipino palates such as lomo saltadao, ceviche and the chupe de pescado, a chowder soup with edamame and Chilean mussels. Pair with a pisco sour and relax.

NOBU MANILA

Pool Deck, South Tower, Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Boulevard corner Macapagal Avenue, Paranaque (02) 691-2882, FB/IG @nobumanila

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's eponymous brand was a culinary sensation when it first opened in New York more than 20 years ago, and it's still the most iconic restaurant for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. The menu, once famously described by Chef Nobu himself as "Japanese in technique, melded to Peruvian influence" is a hybrid of the two culinary cultures. So you'll find such items as anticuchos made with kobe beef instead of the traditional Peruvian beef hearts, while the tiraditos is a lip-smacking cross between ceviche and sashimi. Do ask for their spectacular signature sushi and sashimi selections that are enlivened with the flavors of jalapeno, truffles and miso, among others.

NIKKEI

Frabelle Business Center, 111 Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati (with branches in One Rockwell and The Podium) (02) 24609069 ext 182

Nikkei are the Japanese emigrants who settled in Peru, transforming its cuisine forever. The menu here is divided into three: traditional Peruvian, Japanese, and the fusion of both. It's the perfect place to get to know Peruvian home cooking. Begin with some traditional appetizers like the classic ceviche that's marinated in leche de tigre, or a selection of causas, creamy little bites topped with your choice of protein. Move on to the nikkei (fusion) dishes: the seared tuna with sea urchin risotto is superb, or the lomo saltado served with a poached egg. And don't miss the traditional Peruvian desserts: tres leches cake to which the chef has added mango, as a little salute to the Filipino palate.

DON ANDRES PERUVIAN RESTAURANT

Pioneer Center Supermart, Pioneer Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig (0935) 600-1217

This bold and colorful space is one of the best places to discover the unique yet familiar flavors of Peruvian home cooking. The undoubted star here is the Polio ala Brasa, Peruvian-style roast chicken marinated in spice rub and served with a side of chimichurri, aji verde, and chili mayo. But do sample the Choros ala Chalaca (Peruvian mussels with citrus corn salsa) and the Pulpo al Olivo (octopus in citrus served with a Peruvian botija olive sauce and saltine crackers). The classic ceviche is served with cancha (corn) and sweet potatoes and, for dessert, have a Pie de Limon.

This story first appeared in Vault Magazine Issue No. 24 2018.