Guinea Pig Peruvian Food Peru Food

What they are is a delicious delicacy best served with potatoes and salsa.

Guinea pig peruvian food peru food. Cuy pronounced kwee which is guinea pig. While it might seem unconventional to tuck into furry critters better known as domesticated pets in the west this indigenous mammal has been a staple. Guinea pigs are also high in protein and low in fat and cholesterol. Peruvians even declared a national holiday every second friday in october to celebrate the guinea pig.

In peru it s estimated that some 65 million guinea pigs are consumed each year. Believe it or not guinea pigs originated in the andean region colombia ecuador bolivia and peru and were originally raised specifically for eating. Join myself and travis as we try eating peru s delicacy guinea pig also known as cuy. Cultivated by the incas in the andes for centuries the guinea pig was cheaper to raise and required less room to farm than pigs and cattle.

At first it was hard to get permission for. Guinea pig cuy is a delicacy that is very typically associated with typical peruvian cuisine but it is also eaten throughout other countries of south america such as ecuador colombia and bolivia. Guinea pigs are cute and cuddly and eating one is like eating your pet dog. Ex pat bolivians and peruvians are prepared to pay 30 for a guinea pig that they eat on special occasions chopped up and deep fried a bit like chicken.

This video was shot in ollantaytambo peru.