Tierra Peru

Mid October and the weather is getting cold in London. I was having a look around Camden Passage when it started raining and  I haven’t had lunch yet and it’s 3pm. That is a first!   I heard about a few  places around the area so I started to look around to see if I could find any of them. One of them was Tierra Peru, no exactly new, but new to me anyway. It was time for my Peruvian fix, my last proper Peruvian meal was at InterContimental Park Lane, with my good friend Charles Yap,  last year when Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez was heading the Peruvian week celebrations. For years I used to have my fixes at El Aguajal, Peruvian restaurant situated in Kingsland Road, Dalston London, which unfortunately closed down over 3 years ago. It was a proper family run establishment serving Peruvian food prepared by Peruvians cooks (more of that later) with fresh ingredients and love. I have been to Peru and learnt to cook Peruvian food there and with Peruvian friends here in London. I even went to Aguajal (San Borja and Los Olivos) in Lima. When I saw the sign Tierra Peru I went in without hesitation. This place hasn’t got much curb appeal. Nevertheless, I was greeted by a very smiley waiter who promptly showed me a nice table by the small bar. Now that’s dangerous!  I had a look at the menu and I recognised all main Peruvian the dishes was in it.  Anyway, the menu is translated into English. Prices seemed reasonable and I spotted one of my favourite (I have many favorites) cocktails Pisco Sour. The waiter came over and explain all the different Pisco sour flavours at Tierra Peru, I only new the traditional lime, and they have lucuma, chicha and coconut,  all sounded good too!  I ordered the Chicha sour. It came with a bowl of salty and crunchy cancha (Peruvian  roasted corn kernels).

After that I had the slightly spicy and tender anticuchos – skewered slices of juicy beef heart marinated in olive oil, aji
panca (Peruvian smokey and fruity chilli) and aromatic herbs including coriander served with grilled yellow potato, Peruvian corn and the most delicious and rather potent little bowl of aji (chilli sauce) made in the premises. Peruvians a bowl of aji on the table with every meal.

Anticuchos

My choice for main dish was chupe de mariscos – a hearty and creamy seafood soup with coriander, aji panca (type of chilli), white rice, green peas,  diced carrots, Peruvian spices & a poached egg and by now Doris, the waitress who was serving my table, also gave me a delightful yuca and cheese bread.  Just right to warm me up after the rain. I drunk a bright yellow Inca Cola, a Peruvian soft drink, no idea was is in it… The Peruvians say it’s good for hangovers… I think is more like the bright colour wakes you up!

Chupe de Mariscos

I was so full by then… The lovely Doris leaves me with the dessert menu. As I am reading it  I see from behind the menu another smiley face who I recognise and he recognises me.  It’s Ernesto, the Peruvian ex-chef at Aguajal Dalston!  I am delighted! He comes over and we chat. Now I understand why the food is sooo good and beautifully presented! Yes, I had dessert –
Suspiro a la limeña 
A traditional Limenian dessert made of sweet milk, cinnamon  caramel topped with soft meringue. Warning : South American desserts are very sweet! I didn’t need dinner that day.

 

Suspiro a la limeña – extremely rich and sweet

Tierra Peru deco is simple, modern and clean including the loo. The service was attentive and courteous. My meal came to about  £40/per person including service.  If  you go to Tierra Peru, make sure Ernesto is in the kitchen. Proper Peruvian food love! Highly recommended for home cooking.
Tierra Peru
164 Essex Road,
Islington,
London
N1 8LY
t: 020 7354 5586