Anticuchos
South America — Peru
Peru's most iconic street food and arguably the strongest single-organ culinary tradition in the world. Beef heart marinated in ají panca, vinegar, garlic, and cumin, skewered and grilled over charcoal.
Cuts in this tradition
Cultural context
Originating in Afro-Peruvian communities, now a national symbol consumed across all social classes. Dedicated vendors (anticucheras) are a defining feature of evening street-food culture. Heart is the primary cut; intestines (choncholí) and sweetbreads (mollejas) are standard variants.
Preparation
Heart trimmed of fat and membrane, cubed, marinated overnight in ají panca paste, red wine vinegar, garlic, cumin, and oregano. Skewered and grilled over charcoal. Served with boiled potato, corn, and rocoto sauce.