Cocina Criolla Limeña
Classic Dishes from Lima’s Home Kitchens

Lima’s criolla cuisine is bold, comforting, and full of history. In this class, we’ll cook some of the capital’s most iconic dishes—where Andean ingredients meet Spanish techniques and urban creativity. We’ll start with papa a la huancaína, explore modern twists like tequeños de lomo saltado, and cook a rich, comforting ají de gallina, finished with salsa criolla for freshness and crunch. We’ll end by unmolding a silky crema volteada, a dessert that has become a classic in Peruvian homes.

Along the way, you’ll learn:

• What defines cocina criolla and why Lima became Peru’s culinary crossroads
• How sauces, starches, and acidity balance each other in criollo cooking

Class Menu 

Entrada (Starter)

• Papa a la huancaína
  Boiled potatoes with creamy ají amarillo cheese sauce

Antojito / Bocado Caliente (Savory Bite)

• Tequeños de lomo saltado
  Crispy cheese rolls filled with lomo saltado flavors (beef and aji peppers)

Plato Principal (Main)

• Ají de gallina
  Creamy chicken stew with ají amarillo and walnuts
• Salsa criolla (served on the side)
  Fresh onion, lime, and cilantro relish

Postre (Dessert)

• Crema volteada
  Peruvian caramel flan 

A Little Bit About the Chef 

Anahi Rivadeneira is a Peruvian‑born, Vancouver‑based cooking instructor, entrepreneur, and event curator who brings people together through food, culture, and human connection. Her classes are shaped by the warmth of her Peruvian roots.  

Anahi’s culinary journey began at home, where food was never just nourishment — it was love, memory, identity, and care. This foundation shaped her cooking style: simple, fresh‑ingredient dishes that pull the best from each ingredient, letting natural flavours shine.With more than a decade of experience as owner and chef of a Tri‑Cities café, bistro, and catering company, Anahi has developed a style that is comforting, playful, and full of flavour. Her dishes celebrate traditional Peruvian cuisine, the history behind each recipe, and the spirit of home‑style cooking.  

Anahi has also competed in cooking competitions, pushing her creativity and skills while representing her culture with pride. Her passion for storytelling through food reached national audiences through her appearances on Food Network shows, where her authenticity, creativity, and cultural pride shine. Still, Anahi’s heart remains in intimate spaces — kitchens where people gather, learn, and connect.