In a part of the world famed for its cuisine, it was always going to be a tough call.
But
Peru has beaten off stiff competition from its South American
neighbours to be named the continent's Leading Culinary Destination.
The
accolade was presented at the Caribbean and The Americas ceremony at
the World Travel Awards, set up to 'acknowledge, reward and celebrate
excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry'.
Peru mountains
Peak perfection: There's a dish for every landscape in Peru - in the jungle, wild game and fried banana goes down a treat
The worldwide awards will be announced in December.
Other
nominees for the South American prize included Argentina, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Peruvian
cuisine - which includes quinoa, a staple with health enthusiasts - is
growing in popularity on the world's gastronomic stage.
The country has a long culinary history, dating back to the Incas and beyond.
Causa
Delicacy: Causa is made with mashed potato, shrimps and peppers and looks as colourful as Peru itself
Chef Gastón Acurio
Final touches: Chef Gastón Acurio has been driving Peruvian cuisine around the world (file photo)
From
the rice, fowl and goat dishes in the north coastal regions, to the
potato, sweetcorn, chilli pepper and guinea pig of the Andes, there's a
gastronomic tradition to match every landscape.
Cultural changes
have also helped to shape the cooking, with Spanish, Arab, African,
Chinese and Italian influences infusing recipes.
This summer saw
the opening of chef Virgilio Martinez's Lima London in Fitzrovia, and
fellow native Gastón Acurio has launched restaurants in a number of
South American capitals and farther afield in San Francisco and Madrid.
In
an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Martinez said: 'I think we
are starting to see Peruvian restaurants everywhere, but when I last
went to London I found that, even though the whole gastronomic scene is
amazing, there was very little contact in terms of food, arts or culture
between Peruvians and Londoners.
'The food revolution in Lima is increasing and we need to make a noise about it.'
The winners are voted for by consumers, who nominate from a list compiled by travel experts.
Read
more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2206022/Peru-named-South-Americas-best-destination-foodie-break.html#ixzz271qoaAuW
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