Inca Kola

I had to have a post dedicated to this famous Peruvian soda.  It really is so popular here - you may have sampled it at a Peruvian restaurant in the States just to try it.  You probably marveled at the bubble-gum like flavor, and maybe never had any again (as was my case at El Pollo Inka in beautiful Torrance, CA).  Well, here in Lima, everyone drinks this stuff.  Today at lunch, at a popular Chifa (Peruvian style Chinese food) restaurant, I was blown away by how many of my fellow diners were drinking Inca Kola.  You really can't miss the stuff sitting there on the table - it looks like sparkling urine.  I think it may go especially well with Asian food...

At my office on Friday, during a four hour staff meeting, the admins brought us a snack-- which I much appreciated-- and guess what there was to drink?  You got it:  lukewarm Inca Kola.  I devoured my chicken empanada, and then slowly sipped my beverage.  Ick.  Must be cultural, cuz everyone else guzzled it down.  There is even a light version, for the sugar conscious Peruvian, which I imagine I will not try. 

I am a much bigger fan of a sugary drink called Chicha Morada (second in popularity to the IK).  It's bright purple and made from a purple-colored corn (see below).  All I can think about, the few times I've tried it, is how badly the stuff must stain clothes.  Makes grape juice look wimpy.