ITTN’s Sharon Jordan and Sophie Power had the privilege of attending a fabulous lunch yesterday with the Peruvian Embassy in Cantina Valentina Dublin- Ireland’s only Peruvian restaurant!
Key travel trade and media joined the event entitled “Taste Peru, Discover More”, highlighting Peru’s rich culinary heritage through an immersive tasting experience.
Located on Exchequer Street, Cantina Valentina offers guests an authentic Peruvian dining atmosphere through a carefully chosen menu that features a selection of traditional Peruvian dishes, including ceviche, duck rice and quinotto – a dish that mimics the creamy texture and preparation style of traditional Italian risotto, but uses quinoa (an ancient Andean superfood grain-like seed) instead of Arborio rice.
The restaurant also offers a range of signature cocktails including Chicha Morada, Pisco Sour and El Spicy Marg– a delicious spin on the margarita with added additions of guava, pink peppercorn, lime, Aji Rocoto chilli and salt! Cantina Valentina is on a mission to bring Peruvian food to Ireland, blending the warmth of a family-run picanteria with a modern playful spirit, offering bold flavours, soulful hospitality and a relaxed yet elevated dining experience.
The event aimed to showcase the connection between Peruvian cuisine, its regional diversity, and longstanding culinary traditions, strengthening cultural and tourism ties between Peru and Ireland via gastronomy.
Travel trade in attendance had the opportunity to network among cultural representatives, and share stories and reflections on the year over fantastic food- turning everyone into food enthusiasts! The dishes on offer demonstrated Peru’s fusion of indigenous, European, African, and Asian culinary influences that have shaped the ever-evolving gastronomical tourism that attracts tourists looking for something unique in South America.
If you’re interested in learning more about Peru as a destination, check out the Embassy of Peru in Ireland is here to support travel trade and looking to strengthen ties between our two countries now and into the new year!
