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[title]Traveling to different parts of the world through flavors is also a great way to break the routine. If you’re someone who enjoys these kinds of experiences, there’s a new gastronomic spot in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Belgrano that will make you feel like you’re at an authentic ceviche bar in Lima, Peru.
At the corner of Montañeses and Roosevelt, in the Belgrano neighborhood, you’ll find the area’s newest opening: Barra Chalaca. It is one of the projects that chef Gastón Acurio has expanded to various countries such as Chile, Colombia, and now Argentina. This is the second location in Buenos Aires: the first one is in Palermo Hollywood.
It’s the perfect place to try Peruvian street food, but with generous and abundant portions in a relaxed atmosphere. What stands out immediately about this corner is that it’s entirely glassed, allowing you to see how the dishes are prepared at one of the restaurant's counters. The colors also catch your eye: yellow, white, blue, and black lines mimic the boats of the Port of Callao, Peru’s most important port.
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Like in Lima, but in Buenos Aires
Once inside, the place has two large dining areas and another counter from which hot dishes are served. The vibe is very laid-back with walls decorated with vinyls, Peruvian football flags, and written phrases inviting you to try the menu. The Chalaca identity, from the people of Callao, is in the air: Peruvian salsa music plays in the background, and the staff always greets you with a friendly and cheerful demeanor. The dishes go from the counters to the tables, and everything looks tempting: from ceviches, tiraditos, and makis, a dish exclusive to this location.
Some dishes you can't miss (even if you need to come back several times) are: the Chucuito ceviche with creamy tiger’s milk, daily catch, avocado, capers, lettuce, canchita, sweet potato, and olive oil; and the Ink Rice with squid chicharrón, shrimp, and rocoto aioli. These two dishes were added to the menu just a few days ago.
The perfect pairing for these dishes is undoubtedly an Imperial beer in its various styles. For example:
- For the Bachiche Rice, a dish with intense flavors, an Imperial IPA is perfect because it balances the flavors and refreshes the palate.
- For the Chalaco Ceviche (classic fish in tiger’s milk with rocoto almond), with a spicy but more uniform taste, an Imperial Extra Lager works well, refreshing but more intense.
- An Imperial APA, super hoppy and versatile to pair, would go well with a classic limeña chicken causa with celery, avocado, and egg.
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The options are super varied and very abundant, so we recommend doing this plan with a group to share and try more flavors. From the "piqueo" section, you can't miss the classic spicy shrimp empanadas and seafood wontons with tamarind sauce.
This gastronomic experience is literally a journey: both because of the freshness of the products that seem freshly taken from the Port of Callao, and because of the original flavors that could easily belong to a ceviche bar in the heart of Lima.
Where: Montañeses 2599, Belgrano.