09:40 | New York (U.S.), Sep. 22.
Pan con Chicharron (Pork Crackling Sandwich) has already joined the list of Peruvian cuisine's most emblematic dishes and, therefore, was in high demand at the
"Peru Mucho Gusto" fair held in New York, said Rosa Elena Balcazar, coordinator and head of the 2025 Chancho al Palo Festival.
"With Peruvian cuisine, we are succeeding in keeping the country in the international showcase. In fact, the busiest stand was the one featuring Pan con Chicharron; people were lining up and the queues never stopped," she told Andina News Agency.
Balcazar noted that the attention garnered by the "
Peru Mucho Gusto New York" gastronomic fair was spectacular, as long lines formed to taste the delicious dishes offered by 14 Peruvian restaurants operating in the United States.
There was also a demonstration of Peru's flagship drink, Pisco, led by Johnny Schuler —a prominent promoter of the country's only liquor made from grapes grown in national soil.
"The public's participation has truly been incredible; the venue was full on the very day of the inauguration. We also had the presence of Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Desilu Leon, Peruvian Ambassador to the United States Alfredo Ferrero, among other authorities," said Balcazar.
"All the dishes were very well received," the officer noted.
Among the dishes offered was a variety ranging from Ceviche, Causa (a traditional layered potato dish with chicken or seafood), adobo (Peruvian stew), tiraditos (Peruvian-style raw fish dish), other stews, Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken), and Lomo Saltado (Stir-fried Beef), to desserts such as Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding), Mazamorra Morada (Purple Corn Pudding), Alfajores (Dulce-filled Cookies), and the popular drink Chicha Morada (Purple Corn Drink).
"The unique aspect of 'Peru Mucho Gusto' is that there is no entrance fee; you just need to register to enter. The fair prices are important, with dishes starting from US$10. This helps continue promoting Peruvian cuisine, offering highly competitive prices so that people can taste and enjoy it," Balcazar said.
"It has definitely been a very important gastronomic initiative; it is the first one held in New York with 'Peru Mucho Gusto,' and, in my capacity as a guest at the inauguration ceremony, we were extremely happy and amazed to see how our cuisine remains one of the most sought-after internationally," she emphasized.
On another note, Rosa Elena Balcazar highlighted that the promotion of Peruvian cuisine is expanding in New York with the "Peru to the World Expo," held at Greenview at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club.
The event —which took place last Sunday in a single-day format— featured restaurants from different regions of the South American country, along with a show that included Peruvian music and crafts, driven by a private initiative.
Lastly, the coordinator announced the upcoming Festival del Chancho al Palo (Spit-roasted Pork).
It will be held in the town of Huaral, Peru, from October 10 to 12 this year, as part of the official celebration of this emblematic dish every third Sunday of October.
Balcazar announced that 2,000 servings of Chancho al Palo will be distributed to low-income residents of the Chancay district as part of the festival, in coordination with the Chancay Municipality.
"The festival is completely free to attend and will offer a view of the Chancay Megaport," she emphasized.
(END) MDV/MVB
Published: 9/22/2025