Image
PERUVIAN FOOD MEETS HUGE SUCCESS DURING LIMA 2019 GAMES
More than 700,000 meals were served at the Village dining hall in Villa El Salvador during the Pan American and Parapan American Games.
Dishes such as ají de gallina and lomo saltado were loved by the athletes, who arrived from all over the Americas.
All Peruvians showed that we are prepared to face significant challenges and achieve them. The organization and execution of the Pan American and Parapan American Games were a success. This is why they have been considered the best Games in history.
The Games will remain as a lasting memory both for Peruvians, as it was the first time this event had been held in Peru, and for the athletes, who received top-quality service and will take home the best memories. Since Peru is a gastronomic destination, food was going to be one of the main attractions for the athletes. And, indeed, they got the best impression of what the country had to offer.
More than 700,000 meals were served at the Village during Lima 2019: 600,000 at the Pan American Games and 100,000 at the Parapan American Games.
The dining hall, located at the Parapan American Village, welcomed around 3200 people, between Para athletes and technical officials. As for the Pan American Games, over 6000 people between athletes, leaders and technical officials used the dining hall.
A buffet service was available for athletes, who showed their preference for Peruvian dishes. During the Pan American Games, the “Lima Culinary Tour” station was one of the most visited during the 17 competition days.
Ají de gallina and lomo saltado were the athletes' favorite Peruvian dishes, especially among the Canadian, Puerto Rican, Mexican and Ecuadorian delegations. The other popular station was the “Downtown Grill”, which offered meat.
A daily 4000 pieces of pizza and around 10,000 stir-fry dishes, such as arroz chaufa, saltado de lomo, saltado de pollo and paella, were made during the Pan American Games.
Also, 110,000 kilos of bananas, 24 tons of animal proteins (beef, chicken, pork, and fish), 12,000 liters of pasta sauce, 75,000 kilos of French fries, 30,000 liters of soup and 40,000 liters of natural fruit juice were consumed during the Pan American Games.
Additionally, the amount of mozzarella cheese consumed at the Pan American Games equals the weight of four Volkswagen Beetles. The amount of spaghetti, placed one after the other, could cover the distance between Lima and Machu Picchu.
ADAPTED FOR THE PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES
The dining hall had a length of one and a half football fields. It was adapted for the Parapan American Games after extending the transit areas and making the emergency gates available for better movement. The height of fruit and bread stands was lowered for better access.
The Braille system was implemented at the entrance of each station and the information was updated daily, based on the catering program.
For the opening ceremony of this multi-sports event, Para athletes were welcomed with traditional Peruvian dishes. More than 2000 portions of ceviche and 1000 portions of papa a la huancaína were served. Overall, more than 100,000 meals were delivered during the ten competition days.