Drinking Chicha in Peru

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You don’t have to go far before finding an opportunity to drink chicha in Peru; on street corners, in people’s homes-turned-establishments, and in markets. And drinking chicha can be quite the cultural experience.

This article was originally published in 2015, and has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

What is Chicha? Learn what it is, how it's made, and where to drink chicha in Peru. #Peru #Chicha #localdrinks #TheProfessionalHobo #traveltips #localfood

What is Chicha?

In the Andes of Peru, there are a few staple foods, namely corn (maize) and potatoes. Potatoes come in hundreds (yes, hundreds) of different varieties, and the most common type of corn is far from your average peaches ‘n’ cream – the kernels are massive (and thus more fibrous). It’s not as flavourful, but with time, I’ve acquired a taste for the local corn in Peru.

maize in Peru, with its large kernels, is what Chicha is made of

Making use of one of these staple foods, chicha is a drink made from corn. It’s popular not only in Peru but in many parts of Central and South America.

The non-alcoholic version of chicha is called chicha morada, which is made from purple corn. Seasoned with cinnamon and cloves and brewed to be very sweet, it’s a delicious drink that is slightly reminiscent of mulled cider.

Even more common than chicha morada is the alcoholic version which is made from fermented corn (the yellow kind), and is consumed en masse by the locals.

Technically, β€œchicha” is a word used in the Andes for almost any homemade fermented drink, using different grains or fruits depending on the area. You might find a street vendor selling three types of chicha: one made from quinoa, one with maize, and another one made from maize and infused with strawberries (a Cusco specialty, called fruitillada).

A glass of fruitillada, a form of Chicha, at a street market in Peru

And although I finally took the plunge by trying the fruitillada variety, I also learned that chicha is an acquired taste (which I haven’t entirely acquired).

To traditionally make chicha, the fermentation process used to be (and probably still is in some places) activated by saliva; women chew the corn before spitting it into a bucket for fermentation and adding other personal touches. Whether or not the chicha I tried was of the saliva variety (and despite the strawberry infusion), I found it difficult to get down.

The Cultural Experience

A broomstick with plastic on the end, a sign that Chicha is for sale inside

Chicha is generally a family affair, and Peruvians will convert patio corners of their homes into (unlicensed) businesses to sell chicha. You know you’ve stumbled onto a β€œchicheria” if you see a broomstick pole angled above a darkened doorway and topped with (often red) plastic bags, flowers, ribbons, or baskets. Step inside, and let the cultural experience begin.

For 1 sole (about 30 cents), you’ll be served a giant 1/2 litre glass of the brew of your choice, and second servings are on the house. I watched men and women alike down their glass in an alarmingly short space of time, ponying up for seconds before I even made it through a few sips of my own intimidatingly large glass.

And whenever you get people together in the spirit of camaraderie lubricated by alcohol, you’re bound to have an interesting cultural experience. I’m not a big drinker, but when I was in Panama I must admit my biggest cultural lessons were derived from drinking with locals.

Would you try drinking chicha?

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14 thoughts on “Drinking Chicha in Peru”

  1. It looks pretty, but I’m not a big drinker. Mostly because I turn into a crazed dancing maniac with one pint. One glass of chicha and I’d probably lose my mind haha! <3

    Reply
    • Hi Danielle,
      I’m not a big drinker either (in fact, I have an allergic reaction to most forms of alcohol), but in the name of cultural and culinary exploration, I had to try chicha. Now I can say I’ve “been there, done that”!

      Reply
    • Hi Jaci,
      Yes the saliva aspect is a bit of a put-off, and you just don’t know if the brew you’re drinking is of that ilk or not. But hey – I generally try to do as the locals do, and if they’re drinking it…. πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  2. Is that a Cusco alleyway above? By the Plaza de Armas? I swear I walked down that exact alley.

    Nora God Bless you. No way in hell I could down something that women chewed on. I don’t do the secondhand thing lol! But I salute your courage and your willingness to do something exciting/terrifying for a pretty darn entertaining blog post. I’d rather pet tigers in their cage than drink Chicha (the saliva variety)….oh wait a second I did πŸ˜‰

    Thanks for the fun share!

    Ryan

    Reply
    • Hey Ryan – LOL! You’re funny. Petting tigers vs drinking chicha…that’s a tough decision! πŸ˜‰
      As for the alleyway, no, it’s in Pisac. But a lot of these places have the same charm, don’t they?
      Glad you enjoyed this post!

      Reply
  3. I would give it a go. I did drink the sour toe cocktail in Dawson, Yukon which is served with a real human toe in a shot! Also got Hyderized in Alaska…google it

    Cheers Nora

    Reply
    • Andy,
      Ha ha! Chicha is an acquired taste, for sure. But Peruvian cuisine is becoming quite world renowned; don’t judge it on chicha alone!

      Reply

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