Signature Dishes at El Gordo What Makes Them Special
                     Signature Dishes at El
Gordo: What Makes Them
Special
El Gordo Peruvian Restaurant in Jersey City is a culinary gem, offering a 
diverse menu that highlights the rich flavors and traditions of Peruvian 
cuisine. Here’s an in-depth look at some of their signature dishes and 
what makes them stand out:
1. Ceviche de Pescado
Description: Raw fresh fish marinated in lime juice, served with onions, 
sweet potato, and Peruvian corn. 
What Makes It Special:
 Freshness: The fish is exceptionally fresh, ensuring a bright and 
clean flavor that is perfectly complemented by the tart lime juice.
 Authenticity: This dish captures the essence of traditional Peruvian
ceviche, with its origins tracing back to the coastal regions of Peru.
 Balanced Flavors: The tangy lime juice, sweet potato, and 
Peruvian corn provide a delightful contrast, creating a harmonious 
blend of textures and tastes.
2. Lomo Saltado
Description: Tender beef or chicken sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and 
soy sauce over French fries, served with white rice. 
What Makes It Special:
 Fusion of Cultures: This dish exemplifies the blend of Peruvian 
and Chinese culinary influences, a result of the significant Chinese 
immigration to Peru.
 Flavorful Marinade: The soy sauce adds a savory depth to the 
dish, while the fresh vegetables enhance its complexity.
 Comfort Food: The combination of stir-fried meat and vegetables 
with crispy French fries and fluffy white rice makes it a comforting 
and satisfying meal.
3. Aji de Gallina
Description: Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy Aji Amarillo sauce, 
served with potatoes and white rice. 
What Makes It Special:
 Unique Sauce: The Aji Amarillo sauce is the star of this dish, 
offering a creamy texture with a mild yet distinctive heat from the 
Peruvian yellow chili pepper.
 Rich and Creamy: The sauce’s richness pairs wonderfully with the 
tender chicken, creating a dish that is both hearty and indulgent.
 Cultural Staple: Aji de Gallina is a beloved dish in Peru, often 
enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.
4. Arroz con Pollo y Huancaina
Description: Peruvian-style chicken and rice served with Huancaina 
sauce. 
What Makes It Special:
 Savory Huancaina Sauce: Made from cheese, yellow peppers, and
spices, this sauce adds a creamy and slightly spicy element to the 
dish.
 Flavorful Chicken and Rice: The chicken is marinated and cooked
to perfection, and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
 Versatile Dish: This dish is a perfect example of how Peruvian 
cuisine combines simple ingredients to create something 
extraordinarily flavorful.
5. Seco Combinado
Description: Beef stew in cilantro sauce served with rice, beans, and 
salsa criolla. What Makes It Special:
 Herbaceous Sauce: The cilantro sauce is vibrant and aromatic, 
giving the beef a unique and fresh flavor.
 Hearty and Filling: This dish is robust and satisfying, making it a 
great choice for those looking for a comforting meal.
 Traditional Recipe: Seco Combinado is a classic Peruvian dish that
showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage.
6. Chaufa de Mariscos
Description: Peruvian-style seafood fried rice. 
What Makes It Special:
 Seafood Medley: The dish features a variety of seafood, including 
shrimp and calamari, which add a rich and briny flavor.
 Chinese Influence: This dish reflects Peru’s historical ties with 
Chinese cuisine, combining traditional Peruvian ingredients with 
Chinese cooking techniques.
 Flavor Explosion: The combination of seafood, rice, and spices 
creates a dish that is bursting with flavors and textures.
7. Papa a la Huancaina
Description: Boiled potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce made with Aji 
Amarillo peppers. 
What Makes It Special:
 Creamy and Spicy: The cheese sauce is smooth and creamy with 
a subtle kick from the Aji Amarillo peppers.
 Popular Appetizer: This dish is a favorite starter in Peruvian 
cuisine, providing a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor.
 Versatile and Delicious: It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed 
on its own or as a side to complement other Peruvian dishes.
8. Choros a la Chalaca
Description: Peruvian-style mussels marinated in lime juice mixed with 
chopped onions, tomatoes, and corn. 
What Makes It Special:
 Fresh and Tangy: The lime juice marinade gives the mussels a 
fresh and tangy flavor, while the onions, tomatoes, and corn add a 
delightful crunch.
 Seafood Delight: This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, 
offering a taste of Peru’s coastal culinary traditions.
 Refreshing Appetizer: It’s a light and refreshing appetizer that 
prepares your palate for the main course.
9. Tallarin Verde con Bistec o Pechuga a la Plancha
Description: Spaghetti in a homemade basil-spinach sauce served with 
steak or grilled chicken. What Makes It Special:
 Vibrant Sauce: The basil-spinach sauce is fresh and vibrant, 
providing a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes.
 Protein Pairing: The option to pair it with steak or grilled chicken 
adds a satisfying protein component to the meal.
 Colorful and Flavorful: This dish is visually appealing and packed 
with flavors, making it a standout on the menu.
10. Pollo a la Brasa
Description: Rotisserie chicken served with a variety of sides. 
What Makes It Special:
 Juicy and Flavorful: The chicken is marinated and cooked to 
perfection, ensuring it’s juicy and full of flavor.
 Peruvian Classic: Pollo a la Brasa is a staple of Peruvian cuisine, 
beloved for its simplicity and deliciousness.
 Customizable Sides: El Gordo offers a variety of side options to 
accompany the chicken, allowing you to tailor your meal to your 
preferences.
El Gordo Peruvian Restaurant offers a culinary journey through Peru with 
these signature dishes, each crafted with care and authenticity. Whether 
you’re a seasoned fan of Peruvian cuisine or trying it for the first time, 
these dishes provide a delicious and memorable dining experience.