Chinese and Peruvian food together at last? Why not!
While doing my civic duty (posing as a juror) at the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse for five days, I explored the lunch options in the Gallery Place/Chinatown neighborhood.
One of the standouts was the lunch tasting menu at China Chilcano, a Chinese and Peruvian fusion restaurant in José Andrés’ food empire. This blending of two great cuisines is known as Chifa, which forms an interesting and delicious sounding menu.
For $20, you pick three items from the Lunch In An Hour! menu.
I chose the starter of Siu Mai Pollo, dumplings chock-full of chicken, mushrooms, scallions, and ají amarillo chili peppers. Good way to start.
The main dish of Aji de Gallina, which was the highlight of the meal. This Peruvian-style stew with chicken and the chili peppers was fantastic. There was an egg (quail?), along with olives and potatoes on a delicious creamy paste with a bit of rice. I will go all the way to Peru just to have this.
And for desert I selected the Supiro Limeña, a custard with sweetened condensed milk and a mix of both soft and crunchy meringue, with a dollop of passion fruit. So good. I was glad this was only served in a small dish because I was full.
I also ordered a Chicha morada to sip on, because that’s what you do.
China Chilcano (418 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004)
A DC Journey 