Market Grill · Fried Guinea Pig
Cuy Chactado (Flattened Fried Guinea Pig)
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The guinea pig is flattened under a heavy stone while frying — "chactado" literally means "pressed" — which is what gives its skin an unusually crackling texture.
A whole guinea pig is split open, seasoned and deep-fried while pinned flat under a stone or heavy pan, producing crisp golden skin. Cusco market stalls serve it whole with boiled potatoes and corn.
Why it's made this way: Guinea pig has been raised in Cusco's highland households since Inca times, and the chactado frying method is particularly associated with the southern highlands.
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