Dim Sum in Cusco: KION's Cantonese Classics
Dim sum — Cantonese small plates made to be shared — is the heart of KION's kitchen in Cusco. Here is what each piece is, how to order like a regular, and why this tradition took root in Peru.
What is dim sum?
Dim sum (“touch the heart” in Cantonese) is the southern-Chinese tradition of small steamed, fried and baked bites served with tea. In Peru it arrived with Cantonese immigrants in the 19th century and became part of chifa culture — if the history interests you, read What is chifa?
The classics at KION Cusco
- Siu mai — open-topped steamed dumplings of pork and shrimp; the benchmark of any dim sum kitchen.
- Ja kao — translucent crystal-skin shrimp dumplings, pleated by hand.
- Wantán especial — the house wantán, crisp and generously filled.
- Min pao — pillowy steamed buns filled with char siu (Cantonese roast pork).
- Rolitos primavera — spring rolls, fried to order.
- Alitas con kión — wings with ginger and Chinese cinnamon — kión is Peruvian for ginger, and the restaurant's namesake.
How to order it
Order several pieces for the table and share — dim sum is not a starter course but a way of eating. A good first spread for two: siu mai, ja kao, wantán especial and one min pao each, followed by a wok dish like chaufa aeropuerto if you are still hungry. Finish with the house dessert, Mango Lychee. Dim sum also makes an ideal light lunch — KION opens at 12:00 pm every day.
Where to find it
KION Peruvian Chinese is one block from Cusco's Plaza de Armas at Calle Triunfo 370, second floor, open daily from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with service in Spanish and English. For the bigger picture of Chinese food in the city, see where to find the best chifa in Cusco, or book a table online.