Chinese restaurants are popular throughout Peru

【 1】A Chinese restaurant in the city center of Lima, the capital of Peru

I once met a Peruvian in another part of South America, before arriving in Lima, the capital of Peru. He told me that when I got to Lima, I must try the local Chifa. This Peruvian word sounds like the Chinese word for inspiration (启发). With his mouth watering, he said it's a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian culinary styles. From his expression, he seemed to really love Chifa. In my haste, I didn't listen too carefully and always thought that this so-called Chifa was just Chinese food stir-fried in a Peruvian restaurant.
When I finally arrived in Lima, the capital of Peru, my goodness, it was so exciting! Chifa restaurants were everywhere; the word Chifa was everywhere. It turned out to be synonymous with Chinese food. Whether the style is authentic or modified, any Chinese restaurant is called Chifa. According to English literature, it is generally believed that this word comes from the Mandarin Chinese phrase for "eating" (吃饭, chi fan) from decades ago. I think Chi is an abbreviation for Chinese, while Fa may represent something in the Peruvian language.
Unlike other countries, Chinese restaurants are not just concentrated in Chinatowns. Chifa is deeply integrated into the daily lives of ordinary people in Peru, which is significantly different from Chinese restaurants in Europe and the United States. You can find them in quiet alleys in residential areas and under high-rise buildings in the city center; they are almost everywhere, more numerous than the Peruvian flags hanging around. This shows the locals' love for this food. In terms of the food itself, although Chifa has been modified, it is obviously Chinese food, except that it includes more seafood and lemon to cater to the Peruvian taste.

【 2】Chinese advertisement boards seen at the airport in the Peruvian capital

【 3】Today is a public holiday, and many shops are closed.

【 4】The interior of the Chifa restaurant is as simple as a tea restaurant.

【 5】Let's see what Peruvian Chinese food is like. Chifa food is available throughout the country, with stir-frying, braising, and deep-frying; there is no specific cuisine. That Peruvian man said that the portions are large here, and that's what he likes best.

【 6】To cater to local tastes, grilled meat and fries have entered Chinese restaurants.

【 7】The price of Peruvian Chinese food; the fried rice looks good.

【 8】This is a Chinese restaurant in a residential area.

【 9】Couplets are posted in front of the Chinese restaurant, Chifa!

【 10】A Chinese restaurant in a residential area.

【 11】A Chinese restaurant next to a factory.

【 12】Facing competition from Western restaurants, Chinese restaurants say they have no pressure. In Lima, the capital of Peru, the market share occupied by several fast-food giants is very small, and it is difficult to see one of their storefronts.

【 13】A high-end Chinese restaurant.

【 14】All the advertisements are for Chinese food; the black one in the middle.