Huascaran

I'm sorry that i hadn't shared this review sooner as I've now made 3 trips to my favorite Peruvian restaurant in NoVA. Huascaran is located in a small strip mall at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Braddock Road (next to the Food Star International Market). If your only exposure to Peruvian food is charbroiled chicken (which can be awesome) you really don't know what you're missing.The menu is big with a wide range of Peruvian specialities mixed in with more traditional Latin and typical American food. While most of the staff are Spanish only speakers, for those with limited Espanol, they are happy to get one of their more English fluent colleagues to help decipher and suggest options.As you might know, I am a true sucker for a great tamale, and they have them here. Chicken, cheese, pork are all regularly on the menu. And yes, I loved it, as it was accompanied by a small side of red onions, tomatoes and Jalapeno slices. This was a great start to what was coming next. On the Specials Board were two other intriguing options. The Aquadito soup is sort of a Peruvian version of chicken and rice soup. The base is chicken, rice and veggies, but the Peruvian version is outstanding with a puree of cilantro, chile peppers, onions, garlic and lime juice. Oh my!For our entree we also harnessed the power of the Specials Board for the Sudado Pollo. This is a perfectly cooked, falling off the bone chicken leg and placed over a large bed of lentils served with a side of rice. With all of this great and delicious food, i did not leave hungry, and I certainly had wonderful flavors in my mind (and mouth) to satiate me throughout the rest of the day!

My favorite thing about Peruvian ceviche is the use of ginger. The way Peruvian cuisine incorporates aromatics makes its dishes stand out from other Latin cuisines, adding a depth of flavor that's truly unique.I also tried chicha morada for the first time, and I can already tell it's going to be a new obsession. I love corn, and I've never understood why the U.S. doesn't take better advantage of it in our cuisine, considering it's one of our biggest crops.It's definitely more of a casual vibe. But my Peruvian friend assured me that the prices are extremely reasonable for what we got, so I can't complain too much.

New location has parking and is a bit larger and brighter with the windows. Food is still good. Service is still a bit slow but you can flag people down pretty easily. I like the breakfast plate and ceviche. Pollo saltado was pretty good too but a bit salty.

Huascaran is located in Del Ray and is a casual family owned Peruvian restaurant that serves a variety of Central and South American dishes. There was plenty of street parking available. You get a piece of complimentary (warm) bread with butter.We got the pupusa with pork and cheese to start and it was one of the best Pupusas I've had in the DMV area. The sauce from the Loma Saltado was flavorful and the steak pieces were super tender.The Sopa de Mariscos (seafood soup) was such a steal! There is so many pieces of shrimp, fish, squid, and a full crab. Lots of people ordered their ceviche and they serve breakfast plates all day. Huascaran serves huge portions at an affordable price. Don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior. It is definitely a neighborhood gem!

I had to think over whether I wanted to post this or not as I'd selfishly like to keep this hidden gem for myself, but alas, the fine people that run this place deserve all the praise. Top notch Peruvian food. I don't think there is one comparable within a 20 mile radius.

I was there today with my wife for lunch,She ordered a New York steak And She was served a T-Bone steakWhen I see a 10 oz NY Steak for under $30 I thought was a great deal,instead They brought a T-bone steak.I ordered a cau cau ,it is is to be a stew of beef tripe with potatoes,I get in instead potatoes with few pieces of tripe Service very attentive Food very poor I'll get them a star because there is nothing lower

This place is amazing! I'm Peruvian, came here with my Peruvian friends because they told me it was great and it really exceeded all my expectations in terms of having an authentic Peruvian flavor. My standard for Peruvian food is quite high because I grew up eating homemade Peruvian cuisine, and the seco de carne that I got just brought me back to the way my mom makes it and how I've had it in Peru. The meat was tender and flavorful. The chanfainita my cousin got was also amazing, and I was super surprised that they had picarones with the homemade sauce on the side (these are Peruvian donuts )! You'll see authentic Peruvian dishes on the menu that are rarely ever seen at your typical Peruvian restaurants. This is the beauty of it being a Peruvian family-owned restaurant, you really feel at home. 10/10 recommend!

The ceviche is perfect The lady who runs(assuming owns too)Is GREAT! Always great service!

la comida muy buena pero tienen un problema que se sale todo el humo de la cocina a las mesas y yo salgo con el olor de comida demasiado impregnado en la ropa es urgente que pongan algun tipo de fan o extractor en la cocina me gusta mucho la comida pero no es comodo sentir que no quieres ir por el olor tan fuerte que sale de la cocina repito la comida muy buena pero tienen que resolver ese problema

Food was good, rich in flavor. The spicy sauce was delicious. Not too overwhelming. The service provided was a tad bit slow, but still friendly and professional. The atmosphere was welcoming.