Dragón de Oro Chinatown

Overview

Barrio Chino (Chinatown) is Lima's Chinese quarter, centred on Calle Capón near the Mercado Central. It's the heart of chifa culture — the unique Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine.

Highlights

• Calle Capón: The pedestrianised main street lined with chifa restaurants, herbal shops, and a Chinese arch.
• Chifa cuisine: Lomo saltado, arroz chaufa, and wonton soup — Peru's beloved Chinese-Creole fusion.
• Chinese arch: A colourful paifang gateway marking the neighbourhood's entrance.

History

Chinese labourers arrived in Peru in the 1850s, and Lima's Chinatown developed through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is one of the oldest and largest in Latin America.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Lunch is the best time — chifa restaurants are bustling and affordable.
• Tip 2: Combine with the nearby Mercado Central.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.