To drink or not to drink....
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To drink or not to drink....
the chicha in Peru. I am all about trying the flavors of the place I'm visiting. As a vegetarian, I have an excuse not to eat the cuy (guinea pig), though if I were offered it in a private home I'd choke it down to be polite. But I'm wondering how many of you would:
a) Try it-when will you get a chance again?
b) No way-it's made with human saliva!
c) Try it-but not till the last day just in case
a) Try it-when will you get a chance again?
b) No way-it's made with human saliva!
c) Try it-but not till the last day just in case
#2
I tried it, but at a place that is "supposed to be okay for tourists". I think that's the key. I was told to be careful with stuff that may have been sitting around for too long.
The place I tried was along the road between Ollantaytambo and Maras/Moray.
The driver knew about it.
The place I tried was along the road between Ollantaytambo and Maras/Moray.
The driver knew about it.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't speak from personal chicha experience, but I vote for try it - just don't think about it too much! And don't wait until the last day because what if you love it? Those are often the things you remember and laugh about for years to come. We're going to Peru in June and we'll definitely drink up - though I'm not sure about the cuy because I used to breed and raise guinea pigs when I was a kid...
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've got all the shots possible(had the Hep already from previous travels), as I'm spending the first week doing a mission trip on the Amazon before my "solo, independent" week as a tourist.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 909
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although the national dish it is not daily fare so I wouldn't worry about it. It is getting more expensive, e.g. $20.00 at a tourist place last Christmas time. I would be surprised if you got into a situation where you kinda had to eat it as I once did with a vat of of menudo in Mexico once. BTW it doesn't "taste like chicken."
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whenevr I'm in a situation where I have to eat what's served or be really offensive it's something way out there-goat, veal-and/or I'm sitting across from the guy eating a sheep's head or a whole rabbit or something.
#11
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 9,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I tried it a couple of times whilst in Peru (I will try almost anything once!!) Would I try it again -no. Not because it is particularly unpleasant just it wasn't to my taste. Having said this, I wasn't aware that it is made with human saliva!! I think I will stick to Birds's Nest Soup in future (made with Swift's spit!).
We got warned off the Cuy by a peruvian friend who told us it usually causes rampant diahorrea - had enough problems in that direction already!
We got warned off the Cuy by a peruvian friend who told us it usually causes rampant diahorrea - had enough problems in that direction already!
#12
I thought about trying the cuy at the Inka Grill (think that's the name of the upscale tourist restaurant on the plaza in Cusco). They wanted 60 soles for it. Our driver said cuy is delicious but I decided to pass.
To me the plain chicha tasted a bit like home brewed hard cider with a sour tang, I don't really like cider but if you do, then you might like chicha. The French Canadian in our impromptu tour group liked it. I preferred the one with the added strawberries, which was more like a fruit smoothie.
To me the plain chicha tasted a bit like home brewed hard cider with a sour tang, I don't really like cider but if you do, then you might like chicha. The French Canadian in our impromptu tour group liked it. I preferred the one with the added strawberries, which was more like a fruit smoothie.
#14
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i was dubious, but my guide on the inca trail had us try some chicha that he said was not made w/ saliva. he said there are folks who now make it w/o. i also thought it tasted somewhat like hard cider. i didn't care for it...
#15
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Cuy is not bad. I have eaten it twice and had no bad effects. It is like eating any other kind of meat (sort of). Usually a couple of thighs is enough for me. Plus, they serve it with vegetables as well.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
atlantamom
South America
2
Jul 31st, 2011 12:54 PM