Cuy frito
(Cuy chactado, Deep-fried guinea pig, Fried guinea pig)
Cuy frito or cuy chactado is one of the oldest traditional Peruvian dishes that has been consumed since Incan times. It is made with guinea pigs, which are obviously not kept as pets in Peru – instead, they are fried to crispy perfection.
The fried guinea pigs are said to taste similar to chicken (or as a cross between rabbit a chicken), but with a fattier flavor. The head is also edible, and that's the favorite part for many people. Cuy frito is usually eaten with your hands, and it's recommended to keep some napkins on hand as things can get a bit messy while eating it.
This dish is typically served in cuyerías with corn on the cob, rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, salsas, and salads.
Serve with
Salsa criolla
Salsa criolla is the onion-based condiment served alongside many Peruvian and Argentinian dishes. Next to thinly sliced onions, it can incorporate a huge variety of ingredients ... Read more
WHERE TO EAT The best Cuy frito in the world (according to food experts)
"Among the best places to order cuy."
"I begin to think that this kitchen is handled with ease and I confirm it with a good cuy frito. It is tender and the skin is crunchy, but I like the ajiaco de papas y habas that accompanies it better. A good dish, no matter where you look."
"Eat a super crunchy guinea pig, which is accompanied by spicy potatoes with criolla sauce and huacatay chili. Great!"
"Get ready for cuy chactado (deep-fried guinea pig)."
"One of the best Cusco restaurants to eat cuy."
"Go for the traditional Cuy chactado."
"We recommend trying the fried guinea pig with spicy potato or the fried guinea pig with spicy green rocoto."
"The savory cuy chactado will delight your taste buds."
"The rich flavoring of the marinated skin seeps down into the small bits of meat."
"A superb guinea pig chactado."
