Super spicy Peruvian food that instantly returns to South America

Ann Arbor’s Hidden Peruvian Gem – $20–$30 Per Person, Tastes Like a South American Getaway! I’ve been obsessed with this spot since the start of the year—it’s affordable, delicious, and makes me feel like I’m in South America in seconds (they call it Peruvian, but let’s be real, South American flavors feel pretty similar, right? 😊). The portions are huge, the prices are so reasonable for Ann Arbor, and even with its casual vibe, it’s my go-to when I crave bold, homey Latin flavors. 📍 Vibe & Service: Casual, No-Fuss (Perfect for Takeout!) It’s a tiny spot with limited seating—most people grab takeaway, which makes sense. Service is super minimal: you order at the front, get your own water, and pack leftovers yourself. No frills, but that’s part of its charm—focus is totally on the food, not the bells and whistles. 🍗 Must-Try Dishes: The Stars of the Menu These are the dishes I keep coming back for—they never disappoint! Pollo a la Brasa (Roast Chicken): My absolute favorite! It’s smoky from the charcoal, with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. You can pick white rice or black beans as a side—and the stewed black beans are amazing, simple but full of flavor. Even better: you can choose the chicken size, starting at just $9 🔪. Cheap, filling, and so tasty. Arroz Mariscos (Seafood Rice, Photo 1): Think Spanish paella but creamier! The rice is sticky (not separate grains) with a rich, milky base and a hint of spice. The seafood is abundant—shrimp and scallops cooked just right, so sweet and fresh. One word: (umami)! I could eat this every week. Aji de Gallina: Creamy, cheesy, and slightly curried—so comforting! The sauce is made with cream cheese, and it coats tender chunks of chicken. It’s rich but not heavy, with a subtle kick. Total comfort food win. Empanadas (Beef-Filled): Great appetizer! Two giant fried empanadas with crispy dough and shredded beef filling that’s savory with a touch of sweetness. Only tiny flaw: sometimes there’s a faint burnt taste (maybe from smoking the beef?), but it’s rare. Still, 10/10 for texture and flavor. 🥢 Solid Picks (With Small Flaws) These are good, but not quite as standout—still worth trying if you’re curious! Ceviche: Classic South American raw fish dish. The fish is fresh, but the flavor is pretty tart (not super complex). The sides—big sweet potato chunks and (glutinous corn)—are bland, so they don’t balance the ceviche well. Lomo Saltado: Stir-fried beef with onions and tomatoes, served with white rice. It’s smoky (so much wok hei!) and savory-sweet, but inconsistent—sometimes the beef is tough. When it’s good, it’s great, though. Sliced Beef Hot Dog & Fries: Topped with mayo, it’s fine but nothing special. A bit greasy for my taste—only get it if you’re craving a simple, hearty bite. Yucas Fries: Tried them once, texture is pretty hard. Not my favorite, but if you like yuca, give it a shot. 🥤 Drinks: Passionfruit All the Way! Passionfruit Drink: Highly recommended! Refreshing, sweet-tart, and perfect for cutting through rich dishes. Cinnamon Drink: Skip if you don’t like cinnamon! It has a strong cinnamon kick that lingers—too intense for me, but fans of the spice might love it. 💰 Final Verdict $20–$30 per person for a huge, flavorful meal? Unbeatable in Ann Arbor. It’s casual, no-fuss, and tastes like authentic South American home cooking. Whenever I’m craving something bold and satisfying, this is my first stop—I’ll definitely keep coming back! #RestaurantRecommendation #SoDelicious #AnnArbor #AnnArborEats #UniversityOfMichigan #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #AnnArborLife #AnnArborSurroundings #AnnArborFood #Michigan #MichiganFood #MichiganEats #Peru #PeruvianFood #SouthAmericanFood