Ekeko celebrates Peruvian diversity in South Yarra
Sofia Levin
Photo: Ryal Sormaz
There s not an empanada in sight at Ekeko, South Yarra s newest restaurant and one of few in Melbourne dedicated to Peruvian cuisine.
Skipping dishes that commonly crop up on Latin American menus, former Harley House chefs Luciano Vanini and Jose Narvaez are going heavy on ceviche (the menu offers six variations on the citrus-infused raw seafood dish) and celebrating Peru s diverse communities.
There are anticuchos (beef heart skewers) dating back to the arrival of African slaves in Peru in the 16th century; sashimi in ponzu leche de tigre inspired by Japanese Peruvians, known as Nikkei; lomo saltado, a beef stir-fried Chiga dish that fuses Chinese cooking and Peruvian traditions; and Amazonian swordfish wrapped in banana leaf.