Where to buy Authentic Peruvian Ingredients in the UK

As Peruvian cuisine gains popularity worldwide, many food enthusiasts and Peruvian expats in the UK are eager to recreate their favorite Peruvian dishes. One of the main challenges, however, is finding authentic ingredients, essential to many Peruvian recipes, far from home.

From ají amarillo and choclo to maíz morado and huacatay, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in the UK to source Peruvian and Latin American ingredients, so you can confidently cook up a Peruvian feast!

1. Latin American Grocery Stores

In the UK, there are several high street and online stores offering traditional Latin American products. London is the most convenient city to find Peruvian ingredients, especially in Elephant & Castle, known for its selection of Latin American goods.

• Mercado Latino: This small but well-stocked store in Elephant & Castle regularly carries Peruvian staples, including ají amarillo, Peruvian corn (choclo), and a variety of Peruvian spices.
  

• Chatica, Latino & Mex Finest Brand: Located right by Elephant & Castle tube station, Chatica offers a broad range of foods from Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Venezuela, as well as freshly baked pastries and empanadas.
  

• DistriAndina: Right next to Chatica, DistriAndina is a popular spot for goods from Central and South America and the Caribbean.
  

• Sol Andino: Situated on Old Kent Road, Sol Andino offers a selection of Latin American products, from traditional herbal teas to popular grains and beans, available in-store and online.
  

• Merca Express Latino: Located in Seven Sisters, Merca Express Latino is a small shop offering traditional Latino products, including fresh empanadas.

In addition to these, many Mexican shops like La Tiendita, Mestizo, and La Marketa Mexicana also stock ingredients common to Peruvian cuisine, such as certain spices and flours. Be sure to check these stores out, as they might have what you need!

2. Online Latin American Stores

Many of these shops also provide UK-wide delivery, so even if you’re not near London, you can still access authentic ingredients.

1. El Inti: This Paris-based company offers over 800 products, from traditional Peruvian coffees to alpaca wool garments. They deliver across the UK and Europe, making them a great option if you don’t mind a few extra days for delivery.
   

2. MexGrocer: Based in Luton, MexGrocer prioritizes foods from Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, and offers many staples commonly used in Peruvian cuisine.
   

3. Cecilia Tupac: While we don’t sell individual ingredients, we do offer popular Peruvian snacks and desserts like tamales, alfajores, turrones, and chocotejas.
   

4. Amazon: Although not a dedicated Latin American shop, a quick search for products like Pisco or Inca Kola often yields options. However, fresh ingredients are generally not available on Amazon.

3. International Supermarkets

Many supermarkets that cater to other international cuisines carry ingredients used in Peruvian cooking under different names.

1. Asian Supermarkets: When preparing Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese fusion), Asian stores are ideal for items like wonton wrappers, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Indian supermarkets can also be a good source for various grains and rice varieties similar to those used in Peruvian cuisine.
   

2. African Supermarkets: African markets may also have fruits and vegetables that are used in Peruvian cooking, making them useful for specific ingredient needs.

4. Informal Shopping Options

Another way to source Peruvian ingredients is through informal networks. Many Latin American expats travel back to South America frequently and sometimes sell products upon return.

While this can be a practical option, it’s essential to buy from a trusted source, as product origins and storage methods may vary. Check local Facebook groups and Latin American events for these opportunities.

Conclusion: There's Plenty of Options!

While options in the UK might not be as abundant as in other European countries like Spain, where there’s a larger Latin American population, there are still many ways to find the essential ingredients for Peruvian dishes.

Make sure you’re familiar with substitutes and alternative names for certain ingredients; for example, look for ají panca paste if dried peppers aren’t available.

Ready to start cooking? Visit our recipe section for authentic Peruvian recipes and tips to inspire your next meal!