Peru's Culinary Festival 'Perú Mucho Gusto' Welcomes Thousands in Brooklyn

A Taste of Peru in Brooklyn

From September 19 to 21, 2025, Brooklyn transformed into a vibrant hub of Peruvian culture as it hosted the very first North American edition of the Perú Mucho Gusto Culinary Festival. Drawing in over 5,000 visitors, this three-day celebration brought a slice of Perú right to the heart of New York City, specifically at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse.

A Culinary Showcase

Organized by PROMPERÚ, the government commission promoting Peruvian exports and tourism, the festival showcased an array of attractions ranging from award-winning cuisine to traditional music and artisanship. Participating restaurants presented a dazzling lineup of Peruvian dishes, which included classics like ceviche, pollo a la brasa, and innovative Nikkei sushi, along with hearty Andean-inspired stews. Sweet delights like artisanal gelato and nutritional powerhouses such as quinoa and cacao were also on offer, effectively catering to every palate.

Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy culinary experiences from 14 different Peruvian restaurants located throughout New York, New Jersey, and beyond, each presenting their unique interpretations of traditional fare. The festival provided a platform for visitors to discover not only Peru's gastronomic richness but also cultural artifacts like handcrafted jewelry and sustainable lifestyle products that reflect the nation’s artisanal traditions.

Highlights of the Festival

A standout feature of the festival was the 360° Pisco Bar, which served an enticing selection of pisco cocktails. Attendees partook in interactive tastings and cocktail-making workshops, led by Johnny Schuler, who is well-known as a Pisco Ambassador with over 30 years of experience promoting this iconic South American spirit worldwide. This engaging atmosphere allowed guests to dive deeper into the nuances of Peruvian mixology.

Parallel to the culinary activities, acclaimed chef Flavio Solórzano Álvarez, a strong advocate for native ingredients, held live demonstrations that emphasized Perú's rich biodiversity and diverse regional cuisines. His presentations offered insights into how ancestral culinary knowledge has influenced modern dishes, reinforcing the concept of Peru as the cradle of numerous superfoods.

Cultural Significance

The opening ceremony featured flairs of cultural pride with remarks from Úrsula Desilú León Chempén, Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism. She articulated the importance of positioning Peruvian gastronomy as a focal point of cultural exchange and an important driver for international tourism. Diana Pita, PROMPERÚ's Economic and Commercial Counselor in New York, added: “Perú Mucho Gusto has always been more than a food festival—it is a celebration of culture, identity, and the extraordinary creativity of our people.” The festival's debut in the U.S. signifies a strategic move to enhance Peru’s global identity as a gastronomic powerhouse.

A Taste of the Future

Peru has been recognized as the World's Best Culinary Destination for an extraordinary 12 consecutive years according to the World Travel Awards, which firmly cements its status as a must-visit location for travelers seeking authentic gastronomic experiences. The Perú Mucho Gusto festival not only celebrates the country's culinary arts but also encourages attendees to explore Peru's breathtaking tourism potential—from the majestic Andes mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest and stunning Pacific coastline.

Having debuted successfully in Madrid earlier this year, the achievement of the Brooklyn event marks a significant milestone for the Perú Mucho Gusto festival and sets the stage for its continued international expansion. This culinary celebration, which began in 2008, continues to exemplify the excellence of Peruvian cuisine and culture, paving the way for the future of gastronomy in a global context. As the festival embraces its growth, it reinforces Peru’s commitment to showcasing its vibrant culinary identity on the world stage. Visitors are already buzzing with excitement for next year's event, eager to once again immerse themselves in the diverse flavors and cultural richness that Peru has to offer.

Conclusion

Perú Mucho Gusto not only showcases the culinary talents of Peruvian chefs but also acts as a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy. Attending this festival invites participants to explore beyond just food; it offers a gateway into the heart and soul of a nation rich in history, identity, and an endless array of tastes and traditions.