Chifa Titi

Chifa is the name Peruvians give to Chinese-Peruvian cooking, and it is one of the essential parts of eating in Lima. Chifa Titi is one of the city's long-established names, run by the Chan family, whose Hakka culinary legacy goes back to the middle of the 20th century. The business has more than 60 years of history, starting near the Barrio Chino, Lima's Chinatown in the historic centre, and it has passed through three generations on the way from a modest local restaurant to the modern premises it occupies today.

The restaurant describes its food as a Chinese-Peruvian fusion that draws locals and foreigners alike, with seasoning adapted to the Peruvian palate. That balance between Chinese roots and Peruvian taste is what chifa is about. Go with a group and order several dishes to share, as is the custom at a chifa, and if you are unsure where to start, the house chaufa, a fried rice, and the fried wontons are good choices. In Lima, Sunday is the traditional day for big family chifa gatherings, so expect the dining room to be at its busiest then.

The dining room has a minimalist look with an oriental touch, which makes it a comfortable choice for a family meal or a business lunch. It suits anyone curious to understand why chifa matters so much in Lima, and it is a useful option for groups who want sharing food.

The San Isidro branch on Avenida Javier Prado Este is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday it serves lunch from 12:30 to 14:45 and dinner from 18:45 to 20:30, and on Sunday it opens only for lunch, from 12:45 to 15:45. Note that dinner service ends at 20:30, so plan accordingly. A second branch in La Molina, on Calle Los Bambúes, keeps longer continuous hours. Bookings and enquiries are by phone on the numbers published on the website.

San Isidro is a short taxi ride from Miraflores. If you want to see where the restaurant's story began, visit the Barrio Chino in the historic centre as well; Chifa Titi gives you the more refined, sit-down version of the same tradition.