Canchita Peruvian Cuisine

Canchita Peruvian Cuisine is a Peruvian restaurant at Dempsey Hill, run by chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez. Ceviche is the heart of the menu, alongside grilled meats, rice dishes and Latin American snacks. The dining rooms look out over the trees and greenery around this part of Dempsey.

Daniel, who has Peruvian roots, founded Canchita in 2021. Before that, he started several Latin American restaurants in Singapore. Tamara, his wife and the head chef, was born in Mexico and trained in Peru under chef Rafael Osterling. A few Mexican touches on the menu reflect her background.

What to order

Start with ceviche, as there are several to choose from. The Ceviche Clásico is the traditional version, with fish, red onion and sweet potato in white tiger's milk. Tiger's milk is the citrus marinade at the core of Peruvian ceviche. There are vegan and gluten-free versions too, such as the Vegetarian Ceviche Power. Other dishes the restaurant puts forward:

• Lomo saltado: a Peruvian classic of stir-fried beef tenderloin, made here with wagyu.
• Pollo a la brasa: Peru's much-loved roast chicken.
• Grilled octopus: served with lima beans and avocado.
• Arroz con pato: Peruvian coriander rice with duck confit.
• Beef anticuchos: grilled skewers, a popular street food in Peru.
• Causa verde: a layered potato dish served cool.

For snacks, try the patacones, which are fried green plantains, or the super veggie taco. There are separate menus for cocktails, wine and desserts. A vegetarian menu and a kids' menu are also on offer.

The setting

Canchita takes up Blocks 9A and 9B on Dempsey Road, with plenty of natural light. There are three dining areas, each based on a different side of Peru's landscape: the Amazon Room, the Inka Room and an outdoor terrace. The terrace and windows face the greenery of Dempsey Hill, so a long lunch here feels far from the city centre.

The restaurant also hosts birthdays, weddings and company dinners. It has a private space for smaller gatherings.

Good to know before you go

• Booking: walk-ins are accepted, but the restaurant recommends reserving. You can book online through SevenRooms.
• Dietary needs: the vegetarian menu covers plant-based dishes, and some ceviches are vegan or gluten-free. See our vegetarian and vegan guide for more ideas.
• Children and pets: there is a kids' menu, and the official site says the restaurant is pet-friendly.
• Events: the restaurant runs themed promotions, such as a wine of the month, so check its events page before you go.

Nearby

Make an afternoon of it by exploring Dempsey Hill or walking in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Other good tables at Dempsey include Burnt Ends and Sushi Sato. For South American barbecue, Brazil Churrasco is a short drive away on Sixth Avenue. You can also browse more burgers, Mexican and more, see all restaurants in Dempsey, Tanglin and Holland, or read our guide to Dempsey Hill and Holland Village.