Overseas Faculty Manual - Food

One of the joys of living in Peru is the food. The variety will seem endless, and the quality of food is excellent. There are a vast number of good restaurants. We also have McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Dominos Pizza, Papa John’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, TGIF's, and Chili’s to name some of the U.S. franchises, and all are quite close to our campus.

When grocery shopping, you will find a wide variety of items, both local brands and imports. Fruits and vegetables, most of which you are familiar with, along with many others, are plentiful and can be found at all the open-air markets and local grocery stores. High quality milk and diary products including ice cream (very popular in Peru) are also available, along with all kinds of imported goods.

Also, if you are an employee of FDR and a US citizen, you are eligible for becoming a member of the Commissary at the US Embassy. The Commissary is packed full of American food products at very reasonable prices. If you wish to pursue becoming a member, call Jill at the commissary at 618-2537 or 618-2594. She'll set you up for membership.

On the school campus the water supply comes from a well and is treated, making it fit for drinking. Anywhere off-campus, however, it is recommended that you buy bottled water (in your home conveniently dispensed from 5-gallon containers). The drinking water in Lima is treated and generally free of infectious organisms; however, we have been told that there are trace levels of metals coming from the pipes so it is unsafe to drink.

Almost all types of liquor are available, including Peru’s popular local variety called “pisco”, but not necessarily all brands are available. There is good wine available and the three brands of local beer are also quite good. You may want to buy your allotment of three bottles of your favorite liquor at the duty-free shop on your way to Peru.