It’s perhaps the most visible sign of Vancouver's multiculturalism: the vast array of international restaurants that we have to choose from. Another great aspect of the city's local dining culture is the emphasis on quality and sourcing; more and more, we’re seeing high-end fare produced with local ingredients sourced from nearby farms and suppliers.
These two trends – greater diversity and an artisanal food culture – are on spectacular display at Chicha, a Peruvian-inspired tapas restaurant on Broadway near Main Street. “We aren’t a traditional Peruvian restaurant,” says co-owner and manager Kumiko Umeno. “Our restaurant is more of a Peruvian and West Coast fusion concept…we do a lot of twists on traditional Peruvian dishes.”
Potatoes are a popular item Peruvian cuisine, and they’re well represented on Chicha's ecclectic menu. Also prominent is ceviche – fresh seafood marinated in citrus. “There are a lot of different cultures in Peru – Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, African – so the food is already a kind of fusion,” Kumiko explains.
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Perhaps the best place to grab a seat at Chicha is at the bar, so you can watch the bartenders work their magic with pisco. The popular Peruvian restaurant offers eight different cocktails that use the South American grape brandy. Start with the pisco sour, which is Peru’s national drink, and work your way through Chicha’s creative and delicious libations while you enjoy sharing plates of grilled meat skewers, ceviche, plantain chips, empanadas and more.
View this Smart ListThis delightful Peruvian restaurant serves bold food that matches the enthusiasm of their music, staff and brightly coloured walls. A small storefront on the bustling Main/Broadway corridor, the intimate space is ideal for both a quiet drink or party with friends, not least because of their cocktail offerings. The must-try is a Margarita Patada with jalapeño infused pisco and a rocoto chili salt rim. Packing a punch of heat, it’s nevertheless so refreshing you’ll find yourself ordering a second before you know it.
View this Smart ListChicha is my best-kept Vancouver dining secret; I can’t believe I’m even telling you about it! Located on Broadway, half a block off vibrant Main Street, you’ll find flavourful, well thought out Peruvian tapas behind those unassuming front doors. I highly recommend the locra de zapallo empanadas, and bringing a few friends to share some dishes with.
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