đđ The History of Ceviche Ceviche , also spelled cebiche , traces its roots back nearly 2,000 years to ancient coastal civilizations in Peru. The Moche people are believed to have marinated fresh fish with the juice of local fruits long before the arrival of the Spanish. With time, citrus fruits like lime and lemon were introduced, and the dish evolved into what we know today.
Recognized by UNESCO as part of Peruâs Intangible Cultural Heritage , ceviche has become one of the countryâs proudest exports, celebrated worldwide as a national icon.
The Art of Preparation What makes ceviche unique is that the fish is not cooked with heat, but rather âcookedâ through a process called denaturation . The acid in citrus juice transforms the texture of the fish, leaving it tender and flavorful while still light and refreshing.
Traditional Peruvian ceviche is prepared with:
Fresh raw fish (usually sea bass or corvina)Lime or lemon juice Leche de tigre (a zesty mix of citrus, fish juices, chili, and spices)AjĂ or chili peppers for heatRed onions, cilantro, and sea salt Itâs typically served with sides like crispy yuca frita , sweet potatoes, and Peruvian corn, adding both texture and balance to the dish.
đ A Global Favorite Though it began in Peru, ceviche has traveled across Latin America and beyond, with each country putting its own twist on the recipe. In Mexico, shrimp and avocado are common additions, while Ecuador uses tomato-based marinades. Still, Peru remains the heart of cevicheâs story, where itâs a dish of pride, celebration, and tradition.
From there, ceviche spread across Latin America, taking on unique regional styles:
đ”đȘ Peru â Considered the national dish, made with white fish, lime, ajĂ limo, sweet potato, and corn. đČđœ Mexico â Prepared with shrimp, octopus, tomato, avocado, cilantro, and lime. đȘđš Ecuador â Famous for shrimp ceviche, served with crunchy plantain chips. đšđ± Chile â Made with Pacific fish and a touch of chili. Ceviche is more than food â itâs a symbol of freshness, culture, and togetherness , perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Taste Authentic Ceviche at Mangos At Mangos Kitchen Bar in Vancouver, weâre proud to serve Ceviche Peruvian Style , prepared with authentic ingredients and traditional flavors. Fresh, zesty, and full of lifeâitâs the perfect way to start your meal while enjoying the vibrant Latin atmosphere that only Mangos can offer.
Come try it for yourself and discover why ceviche is more than a dishâitâs a cultural experience.
ÂĄBuen provecho! đđđ”đȘ
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