Inside the Number One Restaurant in the World: Central

Youtuber: Michael Ligier

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ligier

Restaurant Name: Central

Restaurant Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sEYpJho6DUGgTigg6

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g294316-d1798176-Reviews-Central_Restaurante-Lima_Lima_Region.html

Inside the Number One Restaurant in the World: Central

In 2023, Central in Lima, Peru, was crowned the number one restaurant in the world, showcasing a culinary journey that utilizes bizarre and lesser-known Peruvian ingredients. It's a pioneer of innovation that not only serves exquisite food but also tells the story of Peru through its unique dining experiences.

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### A Culinary Landscape 🌍

Central's menu is structured like a map of Peru, tracing the country's diverse ecosystems from the ocean to the mountains and the Amazon rainforest. As guests enter, they are greeted by a serene garden designed with native Peruvian plants, setting the stage for an immersive culinary adventure.

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### The Dining Experience 🍽️

Each meal begins with a welcome drink enjoyed in the garden, creating excitement for the elaborate courses that follow. The meal at Central is not just about food; it’s an exploration of flavors and textures that prompts introspection and appreciation for the diverse ingredients available in Peru.

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### Highlights of the Menu 📋

1. **Oceans of Peru**: The first course showcases razor clams, barnacles, and seaweed—a complete representation of the ocean's bounty.

2. **The Dry Valley**: Representing the 900m above sea level, this course features vibrant ingredients, served on creative plates that embody the essence of the valley.

3. **Amazonian Flavors**: As the menu progresses to the Amazon, unique ingredients like Jacon are introduced, presenting surprising tastes that highlight the region's diversity.

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### Mat: The Research Arm 🔬

Central is supported by a research organization known as Mat, which focuses on preserving and promoting underappreciated Peruvian ingredients. Mat operates as an institution of knowledge, bringing together art, culture, science, and practical applications in cooking. The team behind Central aims to bridge the gap between culinary innovation and education, enriching the dining experience.

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### Unique Culinary Techniques 🔥

Throughout dinner, guests witness innovative cooking techniques, such as cooking potatoes within heated stones, bringing to life traditional Andean culinary practices. Each dish tells a story, with flavors and presentations that leave diners captivated.

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### Embracing Biodiversity 🌱

The meal continues to traverse different ecosystems, ending on explorative notes. The final savory course builds anticipation for dessert, incorporating elements that celebrate Peru's potato heritage and the incredible variety it offers.

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### The Dessert Experience 🍫

Desserts at Central often revolve around theobromas, the genus to which cacao belongs. The final course is a deconstructed take on cacao, showcasing how different parts of the fruit can be utilized for flavor, texture, and presentation.

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### Conclusion 🎉

Central's success as the number one restaurant in the world goes beyond its menu. It’s about a collective effort to innovate while paying homage to Peru’s culinary history and biodiversity. The team continues to explore new frontiers, looking to transcend traditional dining experiences through education and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on every guest.