The aromas, colours and sounds of Latin America are set to invigorate Dempsey Hill with the opening of CANCHITA Peruvian Cuisine. Led by Head Chef Tamara Chavez, the restaurant is poised to be an exciting playground to showcase the diversity of Latin American cuisine and culture, with a strong focus on authentic Peruvian dishes and spirits. Main Image Credit: Tuna Tiradito
While the restaurant won’t be able to welcome guests till after restrictions are lifted, diners can still experience some of the best CANCHITA has to offer from the comfort of their homes through “Canchita a tu Casa” – the establishment’s specially curated delivery/takeaway menu featuring some of their signature dishes.
CANCHITA which is a type of corn traditionally eaten as a snack in Peru, is home to over 50 indigenous corn varieties - everything you would expect from a convivial and relaxed Peruvian restaurant, and then some.Located on the corner of Dempsey Hill by the edge of the forest, guests dine in a nature-forward space with a design inspired by the Peruvian Amazonia – the area of the Amazon rainforest located within Peru.
The restaurant colour scheme is an eye-catching palette of earthy tones, with wooden flooring and furniture juxtaposed against a canopy of overhead greenery. Hanging lights encased in wicker baskets add a rustic charm to the interior.
Image Credit: Lomo Saltado
From the cold tapas selection, try the Causa - a popular Peruvian cold casserole that is part mashed potatoes and part potato salad. The Causa Chupe, a potato and Peruvian yellow chili salad served with marinated prawns, crustacean “Chupe”, mayo and crispy shiro ebi is a crowd pleaser not-to-be-missed.
Another must-try is the Arroz con Mariscos, a tribute to Chef Tamara’s time with the iconic Lima restaurant. The dish brings together a beautiful medley of flavours from the crayfish and seafood rice, with Peruvian panca chili, tomatoes, crab butter and white wine.See menu
For mains, order seafood dishes like Sudado Amarillito, a Peruvian fisherman soup served with Tua Tua clams, Peruvian yellow chili, “Chicha de Jora” corn cider and canchita; and Pescado Palmito – crispy skin seabass with “Chilcano” reduction, Amazon salad, gooseberries and heart of palm.
From the land, a signature is the Lomo Saltado, a Cantonese-Peruvian stir-fried beef tenderloin with tomatoes, onions, crispy green peas and fries. Diners who prefer poultry, the Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian Roasted Chicken), grilled to perfection, ($32++ for ½ chicken; $42++ for a whole chicken) is ideal for sharing with the entire family.
Image Credit: Pulpo a la Brasa
For a fun and fuss-free meal at home, check out the offerings from Canchita Taqueria, offering a variety of tacos that are chock-full of flavour. Pick your desired protein ($18++ for pork; $22 for crab; $16 for chicken; $22 for beef), served with beans, smoky mayo, onions, coriander and chilli sauce, encased within crispy taco shells. See menu
Alternatively, the quesadilla ($18++) – available in pork, beef, chicken or vegetarian options, wrapped in crispy handmade flour tortilla, will make for a quick and hearty lunch or dinner fix. Although you can’t gather with extended family and friends during this time, you can send them your love with the Canchita Family meal ($72 for 2 pax; $120 for 4 pax), comprising Ceviche of the Day, Chicken Tacos, Arroz con Mariscos (crayfish and seafood rice) and Tres Leches (traditional moist coconut cake).
Peru’s national dish, ceviche, forms the heart of CANCHITA’s menu, which diners can enjoy at the Ceviche Bar, a space in the restaurant entirely dedicated to made-to-order cold Peruvian specialties. The country has long been enriched with strong cultural influences from Japan, and therefore, like the Japanese, dishes from the cold section of the kitchen have become an integral aspect of Peruvian cuisine.
Order a range of ceviches like the Ceviche Peru ($25++), a classic recipe featuring the market’s seasonal selection of fresh fish marinated in white tiger’s milk, topped with red onions, sweet potato and canchita. The Nikkei Tiradito ($26++), a dish that is part of the ceviche family, reflects the influence of the Japanese community in Peru as it features sliced fish served in Nikkei tiger’s milk, Japanese cucumber and crispy red quinoa.
Like many Asian cultures, rice is a staple in the Peruvian diet, which is why a section on the menu is dedicated to scrumptious rice dishes like the Arroz Con Pato ($36++), comprising homemade duck confit, coriander and dark beer green rice, and “Chica de Jora” Peruvian corn cider.
Pisco lovers can try classic Pisco Sour Cocktails made using Barsol Pisco. Some must-try tipples include the signature Canchita Negroni ($22++), featuring smoky mezcal, vermouth blanco, East India sherry, aperol and grapefruit bitters; the El Capitan ($22++), made with pisco quebranta, vermouth and bitters.
Other flavourful concoctions include the Piña Daiquiri ($22++), concocted with dark rum, pineapple, lime, gentian and lemon verbena; and Tamarind Margarita ($22++), featuring tequila blanco with tamarind, citrus and spice. See menu
To place your orders, WhatsApp +65 8028 1994 or email info@canhita.sg
a. 9A Dempsey Road Singapore, Singapore 247698
