Peru Gourmet, Houston

Like American food, Peruvian food is the result of a melting-pot culture. The indigenous Incan people relied on corn, potatoes, legumes, and quinoa until immigrants from Europe, Asia, and West Africa brought over rice and meat. The resulting fusion resulted in a varied and adventurous menu of dishes, but they generally had certain commonalities: a focus on bright and earthy flavors. And such is the focus of Peru Gourmet. Here, generations of recipes passed down to the owner result in an authentic experience of Peruvian culture. Read on for a few exemplary dishes:

• Pollo saltado: marinated strips of stir-fried chicken mix with onions, tomatoes, and green onions, and come plated up with rice and french fries
• Cebiche de pescado: fresh fish soaked in lime and marinated in seasonings authentic to Peru combine with unexpected flavors from red onion and sweet potato
• Yucas a la huancaina: yuca root fried and mixed with a sauce made with cheese and yellow pepper