Ica, Peru, will always have my heart. This is not because of Huacachina or the views or the attractions, but because of my family. My dear aunt and cousins made Ica their home many years ago, and I always make a point to visit them when I’m in Peru. As a result, we have developed certain traditions over the years. One of them is to visit our favorite restaurant in Ica, Peru. It’s called Rumi Wasi, and it will change your life.

Who’s behind Rumi Wasi

Rumi Wasi is a traditional restaurant in Ica that serves primarily ‘Chancho al Palo’. Chancho al Palo, translated to Pork on a Stick, is slow-cooked pork, quite literally on a stick, cooked slowly over an open fire. Traditionally, it’s usually pork belly, as the fat on the pork tends to crisp up deliciously, adding the satisfying crunch we all love. The restaurant itself, is family-owned. They’ve been in the gastronomic industry for over 30 years. Their chef, Fernando Ramirez, after traveling the world, landed in Ica to open this restaurant. Chef Ramirez is a cousin of the acclaimed chef Carlos Ramirez, who’s garnered fame over the years for his success in the barbeque space. According to Chef Fernando Ramirez, their family invented this iconic dish of Chancho al Palo over 35 years ago. Now, the menu at Rumi Wasi offers a wide selection of Peruvian dishes.

What to Order at Rumi Wasi

The pork is the highlight, yes, however, the menu itself is extensive. When I go, I love to try a little bit of everything. Last time I went, before leaving Peru for Spain, I was with my Dad who craves plenty of different dishes, like me. We started with an Ensalada de Palta which is fresh avocado, zesty lime, lima beans, and of course—onion and tomato, which you’ll find in almost every Peruvian salad.

We followed it with Anticucho de Corazon. While not native to Ica, it’s just always a crowd pleaser since it’s a staple of Peruvian cuisine. Anticuchos de corazon is beef heart marinated in spices overnight and then grilled to tender perfection. Served in a set of two, paired with rustic potatoes, and plated with aji (spicy sauce).

Next, we opted for the Ronda Rumi Wasi. This is Perfect if you want to taste a bit of everything. Carapulcra, Sopa Seca, Chancho al Palo, Chancho Oriental, Arroz Verde, Ocopa, & Yucas a la Huancaina are all featured here. I like to think of it as a large appetizer for the table. This isn’t something you eat alone. It’s something you share.

Finally, we ordered the Triple Oriental. This is an Asian style spin on the other dishes. It features Chancho Oriental, Chancho al Palo, and Arroz Chaufa. You’ll get some sweet-soy flavors that go fabulously with the already tender pork. As well as Chifa-style fried rice to balance out the strong flavors in the pork. To be honest, this may have been over-kill because I was already bursting at the seams.

The entire meal is always a pleasure. I could not recommend it enough the next time you’re in Ica, Peru. It will always be my favorite restaurant in Ica and I can’t wait to go back.

Where to Find Rumi Wasi

You can find this restaurant in Ica quite near Huacachina. To get there, you take the road heading to Huacachina and after the first speed bump, turn to the left. Their address is: URB. RINCONADA A – 18., Huacachina, Ica, Peru. They’re open Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 4:30 and they even offer delivery at: 993 425 035.