Ceviche, Inca Kola and Paddington Bear: it’s the best of Peruvian London

Compared with other Latin American countries, the Peruvian community in London is relatively small, but a burgeoning cultural scene that spans theatre, art, music and food has arisen over the years. Peruvians are spread across London, making their many cultural events and venues even more important as they bring people together to celebrate all that our beautiful country has to offer.

Five years ago, I opened Ceviche in Soho, giving the city one of its first tastes of Peru. Since then we have gone on to open three more restaurants, including Andina. Peru has some of the finest food in the world: it’s fresh, zesty and packed with flavours, and is now enjoyed by many Londoners. With 7,000 years of cooking to explore, we are just touching the surface – so there are exciting times ahead as London chefs continue to create great new dishes with our country’s extraordinary ingredients. Martin Morales

Did you know? London’s most famous Peruvian is Paddington Bear – but author Michael Bond originally meant the character to be from Africa, before his agent advised him that there were no bears there.

Martin’s favourite Peruvian spots in London

Contemporary Peruvian art is alive and kicking in London: we even run a gallery for Peruvian artists at Ceviche Old Street. This month you should go and see Lizi Sánchez’s new solo show at Domobaal Gallery in Clerkenwell.

Afro-Peruvian band Lokandes play regularly at a night called Movimientos run by the DJ Cal Jader. These and other events are always featured on the Latinos in London site run by another DJ, Carlitos Niño.

Latin American street food market Comida Fest pops up in different parts of London and has a couple of great Peruvian food stalls.

Check out London events by the British-Peruvian charity Amantani and those by the Anglo Peruvian Society.

For hard-to-find Peruvian ingredients and brands such as Inca Kola, head to the Sol Andino shop on Old Kent Road.

The best of Peruvian London, according to you

‘Pachamama, closely followed by Lima Floral and Ceviche.’ Rose J via Facebook

‘Sabor Peruano in Elephant & Castle is a great gem with a relaxed, casual and intimate vibe.’ Craguito R via Facebook

‘Tierra Peru in Essex Road – I especially love the quinotto!’ @auroraalvarez via Twitter

‘Andina: The Heart of Peruvian Food’ by Martin Morales is published on Thursday October 5.

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