Rocoto Relleno is an Arequipa dish made with rocoto peppers, ground beef inside, and topped with fresh cheese. When baked at the right temperature, it melts in your mouth. How delicious!
The history of the Rocoto Relleno, take us back to the cuisine of the beautiful White City (Arequipa), a dish with the perfect amount of spiciness to captivate anyone who tries it. There’s even a folk tale behind this dish, told by Peruvian Carlos Herrera, who says that this dish was first cooked by the priest Manuel Masias, who, at the beginning of the 19th century, offered it to the devil as an agreement to win back some souls. This dish’s characteristic red and spicy flavor would come from this.
The special ingredient in this delicacy is rocoto peppers, an excellent stomach protector that improves oxygenation of the body and is a powerful antioxidant.
Rocoto Relleno, a Traditional Dish of Arequipa Cuisine
Rocoto relleno is a traditional and emblematic dish of Arequipa, a city located in southern Peru. Rocoto Relleno consists of a rocoto pepper, a spicy variety of pepper (rocoto), stuffed with a mixture of meats, vegetables, and spices, then baked until tender and golden.
Once the filling is prepared, the rocotos are stuffed with this mixture and baked until fully cooked and lightly browned. Rocoto relleno is usually served with a side of golden potatoes and a spicy sauce called ocopa.
Rocoto relleno is a dish that reflects Arequipa’s rich culinary tradition and is highly appreciated by both locals and visitors who want to experience the region’s authentic cuisine.
Rocoto is stuffed with ground meat (which can be beef, pork, or a combination of both), olives, peas, and fresh cheese, all seasoned with cumin and chopped parsley. It is one of the most notable dishes of Peruvian cuisine.
In 2016, the first Stuffed Rocoto Festival was held in the White City of Arequipa, where the world’s largest stuffed rocoto dish was prepared, breaking a Guinness World Record.
Picanterías: Where to Eat the Best Rocoto Relleno in Arequipa
Where to find the best rocoto relleno in Arequipa:
Traditional Picanterías: Picanterías are traditional Arequipa restaurants that specialize in typical dishes from the region. Look for well-known, long-established picanterías in the city, as they often have a reputation for serving authentic, quality food.
Local Recommendations: Ask Arequipa residents for recommendations on the most popular and beloved places to try rocoto relleno. Locals know the best places and can guide you to restaurants that offer an authentic culinary experience.
Online Research: Use online platforms, such as TripAdvisor, Google Maps, and travel blogs, to find reviews and opinions on Arequipa restaurants that serve the best rocoto. Pay attention to the ratings and comments from other visitors to get an idea of the quality and authenticity of the dishes offered.
In Arequipa, there are several traditional picanterias renowned for their authentic Arequipa cuisine. Below, I’ll mention some of the best-known picanterias in the city:
La Nueva Palomino
La Nueva Palomino is one of Arequipa’s most iconic picanterias, with a long history and tradition in preparing Arequipa dishes. Its rocoto is highly praised, as are other dishes such as ocopa, chupe de camarones, and adobo.
Sol de Mayo
This is a traditional picanteria that has received national and international recognition and awards. It specializes in typical Arequipa dishes, including rocoto relleno, adobo, chupe de camarones, and cuy chactado.
La Capitana
Located in the Yanahuara district, La Capitana is known for its authentic Arequipa cuisine and beautiful panoramic views of the city. Here you can enjoy rocoto, as well as other traditional dishes, such as rocoto with cheese, chupe de camarones, and adobo.
LA BENITA’S PICANTERIA by Benita Quicaño Guillén
LA CAPITANA’S PICANTERIA by José Alfonso Díaz Huerta
CASA ALTA’S PICANTERIA by Antonieta Jiménez Barrios
LA CAU CAU’S PICANTERIA 2 by Saida Villanueva Salas
LA CAU CAU’S PICANTERIA: PICANTERIA WITH TRADITION by Roberto Montoya Villanueva
LA CAU CAU’S PICANTERIA COUNTRY RECREATION by Velmy Villanueva Salas
EL CHARACATITO’S PICANTERIA by Ana María Hilari Casas de Rondón
LA CHASKA’S PICANTERIA by Daila Aguilar Paz
EL COGOLLO AREQUIPEÑO’S PICANTERIA by María Teresa Zamudio Cuba de Pinto
DOÑA ANTUQUITA’S PICANTERIA by Gloria Rodríguez Farfán
DOÑA CLARITA’S PICANTERIA by Elizabeth Flores Torres
DOÑA LUCILA’S PICANTERIA by Leonor Ticona Bustamante
DOÑA MATILDE’S PICANTERIA by Matilde Rodríguez, widow From Herrera
PICANTERÍA LA DORITA by Lili Pauca Díaz de Salas
PICANTERÍA LA FIERA by Sandra Zúñiga Carpio
PICANTERÍA LA FINITA by Lindaura Durand Chávez
PICANTERÍA LA FONDA DE DON COCO by Jorge Fierro Paredes
PICANTERÍA LA FONDA DEL LABRIEGO by Yolanda Fierro Paredes
PICANTERÍA LOS GERANIUMS by Luis Alberto Gallegos Aparicio
PICANTERÍA THE AREQUIPEÑO STEWS by Sandra Zúñiga Carpio
PICANTERÍA LA HUAYLLA by Lupe Salas Llerena
PICANTERÍA EL INTER DE DOÑA VILMA by Ismael Samos
PICANTERÍA LAURITA CAU CAU by Beatriz Villanueva Salas
PICANTERÍA AND CHICHARRONERÍA LEDY by Ledy Guillén Pinto
LOS LEÑOS DE YUMINA (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Rafael Del Carpio Fuentes
LA LUCILA (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Ruth Ballón Salas
LA MARUJA (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Maruja Ramos de Aguilar
NIEVES (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Tatiana Villavicencio Villanueva
LA NUEVA PALOMINO (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Mónica Huerta Alpaca
LA PALOMINO (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Buenaventura Arce Alpaca
LAS PASTORS (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Arinda Torres Guillén
FLAVORS OF YESTERDAY (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Juana Gallegos de Herrera
THE SUN OF MAY (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Emma Cuentas
AUNT MERY (YUMINA’S LOGS) by María Rodríguez Linares
EL TINAJANI (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Marlene Mendoza
LA TOMASITA (YUMINA’S LOGS) by Janet Tomasa Carpio Meza
PICANTERÍA TRADICIÓN CHARACATO by Fermina Molina Guillén
These are just a few of the most renowned picanterías in Arequipa, but there are many more options available in the city. It’s advisable to check up-to-date information, such as opening hours and reservations, before visiting any particular picantería.
The quality and culinary experience can vary from place to place, and individual preferences also play a significant role in appreciating a dish. Explore different options, ask the locals, and enjoy your search for the best rocoto.