Ep 7. Peru Off the Menu

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted takes the renowned chef on a culinary exploration of the world’s most exotic and undiscovered locations. In season 1, episode 7, Gordon travels to Peru where he’ll explore the country’s food and culture in a way that’s never been experienced before.

Peru Off the Menu follows Gordon as he journeys deep into the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Here, he’ll spend time with the Quechua, an indigenous tribe that has lived in this area for centuries. This is a rare opportunity for Gordon to get a taste of traditional Peruvian cooking techniques and ingredients that are almost unheard of outside this region.

The Quechua live off the land and this is evident in the food they prepare. Gordon is in for a surprise as he sees them cook a guinea pig by roasting it directly over a fire. This is just the beginning of a meal that is filled with fresh, complex flavors- from alpaca ribeye to potatoes that come in dozens of colors and textures. As Gordon sits with the Quechua and shares their meal, he is struck by the sense of community that permeates everything they do.

Next, Gordon sets off for the city to meet some of the country’s top chefs and sample their takes on Peruvian fare. Ceviche is a staple of the region and Gordon is excited to try it in its place of origin. He visits a bustling market where he meets with a ceviche expert and learns how to properly cut the raw fish. Gordon is impressed by the care and attention that goes into every dish.

From the market, Gordon heads to chef Virgilio Martínez’s restaurant in Lima. Martínez is known for his use of local ingredients, some of which he grows himself in the rainforest. Gordon gets a behind-the-scenes look at how the restaurant operates and cooks alongside Martínez to create a stunning display of the region’s flavors.

The episode concludes with Gordon reflecting on his experience in Peru. He says, “I’ve been lucky to have tasted some of the most incredible dishes in the world, but the magic of Peru is that it’s not just about the food. It’s about the connection to the land, the culture, and the people. I feel like I’ve just begun my journey here and I can’t wait to come back.”

Peru Off the Menu is a beautiful showcase of a country that is often overlooked in discussions of world cuisine. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted has once again brought us an intimate look at culture and food in a way that’s authentic and inspiring.