Peru has so many interesting influences shaping its traditions & culture. Though apparent across the board, a great showcase of this can be found in its cuisine. Incan technique & method rest at its heart, while Spanish, Japanese, Chinese & African flavors layer in some wild complexities.

Recently my charming boyfriend and I dined at a rad as heck Peruvian style restaurant in Chicago, named Tanta. Our meal carried us from sweet masa stuffed empanadas and chimichurri-marinated octopus, to a whole mahi-mahi fish fried & finished in Chinese sweet & sour glaze. This vibrant mural by artist Jeff Zimmerman lined the wall of our dining spot.

The beautiful blend of culture we experienced seeped into a craving to explore more. And in typical fashion of South American vibrant life & color, here are some powerful images I came across on my search about traditional & modern Peruvian-influenced spaces.

Stay vibrant!