5 Best Chifa Restaurants in Lima: Your Local Guide

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On my first trip to Lima, I remember seeing the word chifa everywhere. At first, I thought it was a restaurant chain—until I realized that all the places looked different from one another. It wasn’t until my husband announced we were going for chifa that I finally understood: it wasn’t a brand; it was a whole category of food!

But where did the word chifa come from? It actually originates from the Cantonese phrase “chi fan” (吃飯), which means “to eat rice” or simply “let’s eat.” When Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru, this phrase was adopted and evolved into chifa, referring both to the cuisine and the restaurants that serve it. So when Peruvians say they’re going for chifa, they’re essentially saying, “Let’s eat Chinese food!”—a perfect blend of language and culture, just like the cuisine itself.

Chifa is more than just a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors—it’s a reflection of the Tusan community, Peruvians of Chinese descent who have shaped this unique cuisine over generations, making it an integral part of the country’s culinary identity. From upscale restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems, chifa is a staple of Peruvian cuisine, loved by locals and visitors alike.

But how did Chinese food become such an essential part of Lima’s food scene? And where can you find the best chifa restaurants in Lima? Let’s dig in!

The Origins of Chifa: How Chinese Cuisine Became Peruvian

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru to work on plantations, railroads, and urban industries. With them came their culinary traditions, which quickly adapted to locally available ingredients.

To find out more about the fascinating history of the Chinese migration to Peru, click here.

Chief among those traditions was stir-frying—using a wok and high heat to create fast, flavorful meals that preserve the essence of the ingredients. Over time, Peruvian staples like beef, ají peppers, and, of course, crispy fried potatoes (because Peruvians love their potatoes!) were incorporated into these cooking methods.

One of Peru’s most famous dishes, lomo saltado, is a direct result of this fusion. A stir-fried mix of beef, onions, tomatoes, and ají amarillo, served with fries and rice, lomo saltado perfectly blends Peruvian ingredients with Chinese cooking techniques. The combination of soy sauce, wok-charred vegetables, and crispy potatoes creates a dish that feels both exotic and deeply familiar.

Similarly, dishes like fried rice (arroz chaufa), stir-fried noodles (tallarin saltado), and dumplings (siu mai) evolved by incorporating Peruvian seasonings, proteins, and produce. Over time, chifa became a powerhouse in Peruvian cuisine, influencing everything from street food to high-end dining.

Chifa in Everyday Peruvian Life

While chifa is often associated with Lima, it is found everywhere in Peru—from major cities to small towns.

A few things you might not know about chifa culture in Peru:

• Not every chifa cook is Chinese – Many chifa restaurants are run by Peruvian chefs who have mastered the style.
• Some chifas have two menus – In certain Lima restaurants where the cook is Chinese, there are often two menus: a chifa menu (for classic Peruvian-Chinese dishes) and a Chinese menu with more traditional Chinese dishes.
• Mostrito: A Chifa-Peruvian Fusion Favorite – One of the most popular chifa-inspired dishes in Peru is mostrito—a mix of fried rice (chaufa) and grilled chicken (pollo a la brasa). It’s such a favorite that even Maido, Lima’s world-famous Nikkei restaurant, has added it to its menu!

Where to Find the Best Chifa in Lima

1. Madam Tusan

📍 Various Locations
For an upscale take on chifa, Madam Tusan, the brainchild of renowned chef Gastón Acurio, is a must-visit. The menu modernizes traditional dishes with high-quality ingredients and innovative presentations.

Don’t miss their pollo chijaukay (crispy chicken in a rich garlic sauce) or their flavorful aeropuerto (a stir-fry mix of noodles, rice, and meats).

2. Barrio Chino (Lima’s Chinatown)

📍 Jirón Ucayali & Jirón Paruro, Lima
Lima’s Barrio Chino, or Chinatown, is the heart of chifa culture in Peru. It is the largest and most important Chinese district in the country, and a must-visit for food lovers. Walking through these bustling streets, you’ll find countless chifa restaurants, dim sum spots, and market stalls selling authentic Chinese-Peruvian ingredients. A local favorite is San Joy Lao, a historic eatery known for its generous portions and old-school flavors.

3. Shi-Nuá

📍 San Isidro
Without being fussy, Shi-Nuá in San Isidro delivers one of the most elegant dining experiences I can remember. The décor is drop-dead gorgeous, the menu is full of sophisticated flavors, and the service is top-notch. It’s a perfect spot for a special night out. Their Peking duck and dim sum selection are standouts as are their vegetarian options.

We sat on the second floor to take full advantage of just how beautifully decorated it is.

4. Wa Lok

📍 Miraflores
A beloved classic in Lima, Wa Lok is known for its authentic Cantonese flavors, hearty portions, and consistently great service. Their sopa wantán (wonton soup) and crispy pork dishes are legendary.

5. Salón Capón

📍 Barrio Chino
A true hidden gem, Salón Capón is a go-to for traditional dim sum and flavorful stir-fry dishes. Locals love their chaufa especial, packed with a mix of meats and just the right amount of wok-charred flavor.  

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Chifa in Lima

What is chifa in Peru?

Chifa is the fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine, blending stir-frying techniques with Peruvian ingredients like ají peppers and potatoes.

Where can I find the best chifa restaurants in Lima?

Some of the best chifa spots in Lima include Madam Tusan, Wa Lok, Shi-Nuá, and Barrio Chino’s San Joy Lao.

Is lomo saltado considered chifa?

While not officially a chifa dish, lomo saltado is heavily influenced by Chinese stir-frying techniques and soy sauce, making it a perfect example of Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine.

What is a mostrito?

A mostrito is a popular Peruvian dish that combines fried rice (chaufa) with grilled chicken (pollo a la brasa). It’s a delicious blend of chifa and Peruvian flavors—and even the renowned Maido restaurant has added it to their menu!

More Than a Meal: Chifa as Part of Peruvian Culture

Chifa isn’t just a food category in Peru—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s a family Sunday lunch, a late-night craving, or a fancy dinner out, chifa fits every occasion.

So next time you’re in Lima, make sure to indulge in some chifa. Whether you opt for an elegant experience at Shi-Nuá or dive into the authentic flavors of Barrio Chino, you’re in for a flavorful journey through one of Peru’s most beloved cuisines.

Have a Favorite Chifa Spot?

Tell me in the comments! I’d love to hear your go-to chifa restaurants in Lima.