Barrio Chino & Mercado Central
Barrio Chino / Mercado Central
One of Latin America's earliest Chinatowns, lined with Chifa restaurants that blend Chinese and Peruvian cooking; the nearby Mercado Central is a great window onto Lima's street life.
Large numbers of Chinese workers arrived in Peru in the mid-19th century, and their descendants formed a Chinatown around Jirón Capón. A Chinese-style gate marks the entrance, and the street is full of Cantonese-style bakeries and Chifa restaurants, whose signature dishes are arroz chaufa (Peruvian fried rice) and stir-fried beef. The neighbouring Mercado Central sells seafood, fruit and spices at reasonable prices. Both areas are very crowded, so keep a close eye on your phone and wallet. A daytime visit is recommended.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Cathedral of Lima
- San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs
- Historic Centre / Plaza Mayor
- Casa de Aliaga
- Plaza San Martín & Jirón de la Unión
- Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo
- Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI)
- Cerro San Cristóbal