Flavors of the North: Iconic Dishes of Chiclayo, Peru — and the City That Shaped Pope León XIV

Chiclayo, known as the “Capital of Friendship,” has long been a cultural crossroads—a place where history, tradition, and hospitality converge. Today, the city is back in the global spotlight for a remarkable reason: the newly elected Pope León XIV, who served for near 40 years in Peru, many of them in Chiclayo, once called this northern Peruvian city home. While his spiritual guidance touched countless lives, it’s also here—among the warm people and rich traditions—that he came to know the soul of Peruvian cuisine. Chiclayo's culinary heritage is a powerful reflection of its identity: vibrant, generous, and deeply rooted in the land. It’s no surprise that a figure like Pope León XIV, known for his humility and connection to everyday people, found nourishment—in every sense—in this region’s iconic dishes. Delve into a list to know better this beautiful city and its gastronomy.

1. Arroz con Pato (Rice with Duck)

The crown jewel of Chiclayo’s cuisine, arroz con pato is a symbol of celebration and local pride. Duck is slow-cooked with beer, cilantro, and spices, served over herbed green rice. It’s a dish likely shared at many community gatherings and pastoral visits during León XIV’s tenure—a meal that bridges faith, festivity, and family.

Arroz con pato from Chiclayo

2. Seco de Cabrito (Goat Stew)

Rich in flavor and cultural legacy, seco de cabrito is a tender goat stew cooked with chicha de jora, cilantro, and ají. It represents the depth of Andean and coastal fusion—humble in origin, but noble in taste. A dish of endurance and care, it resonates with the pastoral work of a bishop deeply embedded in his community.

3. Tortilla de Raya (Stingray Omelet)

This humble, flavorful dish made from dried stingray and eggs may be unfamiliar to outsiders, but it’s beloved by locals. Its simplicity and boldness mirror the spirit of Chiclayo itself—a place where modest ingredients are transformed into something memorable.

As Pope León XIV begins his pontificate, many in Chiclayo feel a renewed sense of pride. The flavors of this land—its stews, its ceviche, its kindness—undoubtedly live on in the man now leading the Church. In every humble plate, one finds not just a meal, but the memory of a place where spirit and sustenance have long walked hand in hand.