History and Origin of Pollo a la Brasa

Pollo a la Brasa, or Peruvian rotisserie chicken, is one of Peru's most famous dishes. Its origins can be traced back to the 1950s, when Swiss immigrant Roger Schuler and his partner Franz Ulrich invented a unique roasting technique at their Lima restaurant, La Granja Azul, using a rotisserie machine. This method ensured that the chicken was cooked evenly and infused with a delicious smoky flavor. Pollo a la Brasa has become a beloved Peruvian culinary staple, known for its flavorful marinade and crispy skin.

What is Pollo a la Brasa?

Pollo a la Brasa is rotisserie chicken marinated in a combination of Peruvian spices such as garlic, cumin, and paprika. The chicken is traditionally cooked over charcoal, resulting in a distinct smoky flavor and crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. It is usually served with a side of French fries, a small salad, and a selection of sauces.

The Pollo a la Brasa Experience

People go to pollerías for the chicken, but there are now more and more dishes that you can select to customize your meal. Usually, a family will order a chicken to share. A personal order of Pollo a la Brasa comes in 1/4 (cuarto pollo) and 1/2 chicken (medio pollo) sizes.

The classic question when you order Pollo a la Brasa is “¿pierna o pecho?” Leg or chest? Many Peruvians will have a strong preference for one over the other. The leg tends to have a more intense flavor, but the breast is easier to eat and milder. When sharing a chicken, it’s interesting to see if people’s preferences naturally sort themselves out, or if there will be competition for the leg or the breast.

Typical Accompaniments

Pollo a la Brasa is typically served with french fries and a variety of sauces, including ketchup, mayonnaise, and ají (house sauce). Huacatay (Andean mint) and ají amarillo are used to make a green "ají verde" sauce on occasion. Ají is typically made with Peruvian yellow pepper, queso fresco, and herbs such as huacatay, though the recipe varies by restaurant. A good ají enhances the overall experience. Peruvians take their potatoes seriously, and pollerías serve some of the best fries in Peru.

The Salad Bar

Previously, an order of Pollo a la Brasa included a trip to the salad bar. However, since COVID, restaurants have served a small side salad with the chicken. A salad at a pollo a la brasa restaurant can be one of the best opportunities to load up on veggies while in Peru. If there is a salad bar, a quick glance can gauge the overall quality of the establishment.

Additional Dishes at Pollerías

In addition to pollo a la brasa, pollerías often serve other dishes:

• Aguadito: A rice and chicken soup, often included at no extra charge when you order a quarter chicken or more. It’s identifiable by its characteristic green color, which stems from cilantro.
• Salchipapas: A combination of “salchichas” (sausages) and “papas” (potatoes), often with a fried egg and cheese added in. Served with ketchup, mayo, mustard, and ají amarillo sauce.
• Choripapas: Similar to salchipapas, but with chorizo and french fries.
• Chuleta: Thin cutlet of pork, grilled.
• Anticuchos: Grilled cow heart on skewers.
• Chancho a la Caja China: Pork cooked in a special box apparatus that gives it a smoky flavor.

Modern Pollerías

More modern pollerías, like Primo’s, have been branching out in new directions with menu options such as wings, wraps, and fried chicken sandwiches.

Drinks to Accompany Your Meal

To wash it all down, popular beverages include chicha morada (purple corn punch), Inka Kola (a sugary yellow soda popular in Peru), and pisco sours. Pollerías typically serve smaller and less refined pisco sours compared to bars.

Pollo a la Brasa Worldwide

Pollo a la Brasa is one of Peru's most popular culinary exports, with restaurants popping up in cities such as San Francisco, New York City and Chicago.

Why Come to Peru to Try Pollo a la Brasa?

Pollo a la Brasa is not just a meal; it’s an experience that offers a glimpse into Peruvian culture. The unique blend of spices and cooking techniques makes this dish a must-try for anyone visiting Peru. Enjoying Pollo a la Brasa in its country of origin, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of a local pollería, provides an authentic taste of Peru that you can’t find anywhere else.

Whether you are in a bustling city like Lima or a quaint town like Nazca, Pollo a la Brasa is a culinary delight that captures the essence of Peruvian hospitality and tradition.

What are the best restaurants to eat pollo a la brasa in Peru

Here are some of the best places to enjoy Pollo a la Brasa:

1. Pardos Chicken - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Lonely Planet and 8 other food critics.
• "Lima is littered with rotisserie chicken chains; this one is, hands down, the best."

www.pardoschicken.pe

2. Los Toldos Chicken - Cusco, Peru

• Recommended by Lonely Planet and 4 other food critics.
• "Most people can’t go past the Peruvian classic cuarto de pollo (quarter of a chicken), done here to perfection."

3. Granja Azul - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Taryn Adler Blank and 4 other food critics.
• "The rotisserie chicken in Lima is some of the best in the world, and Granja Azul is the best in Lima."

www.granjaazul.com.pe

4. Norky's - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Nelson Billington and 2 other food critics.
• "The bird was topped with salt and pepper as well as several traditional spices, but its juiciness and flavor stood out the most."

norkys.pe

5. Don Tito - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Mark Wiens.
• "The place to eat pollo a la brasa."

dontito.pe

6. Hebrón Restaurant & Grill - Chiclayo, Peru

• Recommended by Fodor's Travel.
• "What to order: Pollo a la brasa."

7. Primos Chicken Bar - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Liliana López Sorzano.
• "It’s juicy and perfectly cooked, with thin, crispy skin."

www.primoschickenbar.pe

8. Caravana Restaurante - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Natalia Lui.
• "Unlike other grilled chicken restaurants I've been to, I really liked La Caravana quite a bit."

caravana.pe

9. La Panka - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Mallika Basu.
• "Try Pollo a la Brasa."

www.lapanka.pe

10. Tinajas Chicken & Grill - Lima, Peru

• Recommended by Vanessa Talavera.
• "Best Pollo a La Brasa in Lima, it’s juicy and perfectly cooked!"

www.tinajas.pe

Pollo a la Brasa has spread far beyond Peru's borders, becoming one of its most popular culinary exports. From San Francisco to New York City, this dish has received international acclaim. However, there is nothing quite like having Pollo a la Brasa in Peru, where the tradition originated. Visit a pollería in Peru to experience the delicious flavors of this iconic dish.

Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey? Book a Peru tour with Peruvian Sunrise to experience the authentic Pollo a la Brasa. Taste the difference and discover why this dish is so important in Peruvian culture. Don't miss out—book your tour today and prepare to indulge in the ultimate Peruvian culinary delight!

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Enjoy the Pollo a la Brasa experience; it's a flavor-filled journey you won't forget.

Ready to start your Peruvian adventure? Contact us today to begin planning your customized tour! Complete our Peru travel survey or email us at info@peruviansunrise.com, and let's make your dream trip a reality.

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