Pizza in Cusco: A Delicious Delicacy

            Over the course of the last three days, I’ve spent two of my six meals dining at Pizza Carlo: one of the most incredible pizza restaurants I’ve ever been to in my life. Pizza Carlo is a small, local Pizza restaurant approximately ten minutes from the main plaza, and it sells different pizza dishes—including but not limited to Hawaiian, Margarita, Chorizo, Chicken, and Vegetarian—for reasonable prices. This afternoon, I was able to purchase a medium-sized Chorizo pizza for approximately 33 soles (approximately 10 U.S. dollars). Not only was the pizza just large enough to finish, but also the pizza is homemade and prepared right in front of you in Pizza Carlo’s old-fashioned oven. This pizza was incredibly fresh, tasty, and delicious.

            Something I find interesting is the difference between chorizo in different countries. From what I understand, chorizo is a type of pork sausage that uses natural casings made from intestines. In Europe, I’ve eaten chorizo as a cured smoked sausage, but its purpose was exclusively to add flavor to other dishes. South American and Mexican chorizo, on the other hand, have both been served with the purpose of being the main dish. Furthermore, chorizo in South America differs substantially from the chorizo in Mexico. When I first looked at the menu, I was reluctant to order the chorizo because I was expecting a bright red, thick, chewy meat that I’ve tried in Mexico. Mexican chorizo is usually ground or minced rather than chopped, and there are definitely different seasonings that are used. Chorizo in Mexico is often served inside of tacos, in omelets, or combined with pinto or refried beans. However, chorizo in South America is actually quite different. According to the owner of Pizza Carlo, “chorizo” is actually the name of any coarse meat sausage in Peru. The chorizo at Pizza Carlo was flat, thin, and actually reminded me of a fresh, less-salted pepperoni in some ways.

            While I did not expect pizza to be one of Peru’s delicacies, Peru is actually known for its pizza according to Professor Falconi. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Pizza Carlo and look forward to returning at least twice more for a delicious chorizo pizza to eat and pisco sour to drink before leaving.