Exploring El Gordo's Menu Authentic Peruvian Cuisine in Every Bite
                     Exploring El Gordo's Menu: 
Authentic Peruvian Cuisine in 
Every Bite
Peruvian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions, and El
Gordo Eatery has masterfully brought this vibrant culinary heritage to Union,
NJ. Since opening its doors in 1996, this woman-founded and woman-owned
restaurant has become a beloved fixture in the community, offering an array of
authentic dishes that transport diners straight to the heart of Peru. Let's take a
closer look at the delectable offerings on El Gordo's menu and discover why
this eatery is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Entradas (Appetizers)
Start your Peruvian culinary journey with El Gordo's enticing appetizers. The
Ceviche de Pescado is a standout, featuring raw fresh fish marinated in lime
juice, served with onions, sweet potato, and Peruvian corn. This dish perfectly
captures the essence of Peruvian coastal cuisine with its bright, tangy flavors.
For a taste of traditional  street food, try the Anticucho, heart beef skewers
served with potato and Peruvian corn. These skewers are marinated in a rich,
spicy sauce that highlights the bold flavors of Peruvian cooking.
Another  popular  choice  is  the  Papa Rellena,  a  deep-fried  potato  croquette
stuffed  with  meat,  eggs,  and  raisins.  This  dish  offers  a  delightful  blend  of
textures and flavors, making it a favorite among regulars.
Comida Criolla (Traditional Peruvian Dishes)
El Gordo excels in presenting traditional Peruvian dishes, each prepared with
authentic  recipes  passed  down  through  generations.  The  Arroz  con  Pollo  y
Huancaina combines  Peruvian-style  chicken and rice  served with  Huancaina
sauce, a creamy and mildly spicy cheese sauce that adds a unique twist to the
dish.
For a hearty and comforting meal, the Seco Combinado, a beef stew in cilantro
sauce  served  with  rice,  beans,  and  salsa  criolla,  is  a  must-try.  This  dish
exemplifies the deep, rich flavors that are characteristic of Peruvian stews.
If you're in the mood for something creamy and delicious, the Aji de Gallina is
an excellent choice. This dish features shredded chicken in a yellow Aji Amarillo
creamy sauce, served with potato and white rice, offering a perfect balance of
spice and creaminess.
Sopas (Soups)
El Gordo's soup offerings are equally impressive. The Chupe de Camarones, a
Peruvian-style shrimp soup, is both hearty and flavorful, making it a perfect
starter or a light meal on its own. Another excellent option is the Parihuela, a
mixed seafood soup that combines the freshest seafood with a rich, aromatic
broth.
Platos de Fondo (Entrées)
The entrées at El Gordo are a celebration of Peru's diverse culinary heritage.
The Lomo Saltado Carne or Pollo features tender beef or chicken sautéed with
onions, tomatoes, and soy sauce over French fries, served with white rice. This
dish is a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese influences, known as Chifa, and is a
testament to Peru's multicultural culinary landscape.
For pasta lovers, the Tallarin Verde con Bistec o Pechuga a la Plancha is a must-
try.  This  dish features spaghetti in a homemade basil-spinach sauce,  served
with  steak  or  grilled  chicken,  offering  a  deliciously  unique  take  on  Italian-
Peruvian fusion.
Pollo a la Brasa (Rotisserie Chicken)
El Gordo is renowned for its Pollo a la Brasa, or rotisserie chicken, which is
marinated in a special blend of spices and cooked to perfection. The Gordo
Combo Familiar #1 is a popular choice, featuring one whole rotisserie chicken,
French fries or white rice, and a mixed salad, making it perfect for sharing with
family or friends.
Pescado y Mariscos (Seafood)
Seafood  lovers  will  find  plenty  to  delight  in  at  El  Gordo.  The  Chaufa  de
Mariscos,  Peruvian-style  seafood fried  rice,  is  a  flavorful  and satisfying dish
packed with a variety of seafood. Another highlight is the Pescado a lo Macho,
a pan-fried fish fillet in a Peruvian cream sauce mixed with shrimp, mussels,
and calamari, offering a rich and indulgent seafood experience.
Opciones (Sides)
El Gordo's side dishes are the perfect complement to any meal. Options like
Tostones  (Mashed Plantains),  Maduros  (Sweet  Plantains),  and  Frijoles  Rojos
(Red  Beans)  provide  authentic  tastes  of  Peruvian  cuisine,  while  Yucca  Frita
(Fried  Cassava)  and  Salsa  Criolla  (Peruvian  Onion  and  Tomato  Salad)  add
delightful flavors and textures to the dining experience.
El Gordo Eatery offers a genuine taste of Peru with every bite, thanks to its
dedication to authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients. Whether you're a
longtime  fan  of  Peruvian  cuisine  or  a  curious  newcomer,  El  Gordo's  menu
promises  a  delightful  and  memorable  dining  experience.  Visit  El  Gordo  in
Union,  NJ,  and  embark  on  a  culinary  journey  that  celebrates  the  rich  and
diverse flavors of Peru.