Chicha might be a new name rolling off the tongue of Vancouverites but down in Peru it’s a staple of the culture. The traditional beverage made from grains and fruits varies depending on the region where it originates but it’s always made fresh, from scratch and with love.
That philosophy is what has built and maintained Vancouver’s Latin American inspired Chicha, now three years old and thriving on the corner of Main and Broadway.
It’s a trio of women who, with decades of industry experience between them, own and operate the creative and cosy restaurant serving up modern Peruvian tapas.
“We find Peruvian culture inspiring,” says co-owner and chef Shelome Bouvette. “So, we want to take Peruvian flavours and add a West Coast feel.”
Co-owner and chef Allison Flook says when the three sat down to map out their new venture, there was some concern as to how Vancouver would receive them.
“In Peru, they eat a lot of carbs, and in Vancouver, people don’t,” Flook chuckles.
But, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in their growing Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, a place co-owner Kumiko Umeno says is a network of support.
“You don’t see that everywhere in this city, and it’s great,” she says. “The more restaurants in the neighbourhood, the better for everyone. We want this to be a destination.”
Umeno handles the front of house where her innovative cocktails contain some of the best Peruvian ingredients.
“We’ve got nine different Piscos on the shelf right now,” she says of the brandy produced in the winemaking regions of Peru and Chile and popular in their signature Pisco sours.
While Chicha’s menu boasts a variety of fare, Bouvette says all the meat is organic and all the seafood is Ocean Wise.
Tapas maybe not your thing? Try Chicha’s brunch, for homemade quinoa and honey bread or lomo saltado, available every weekend. And, don’t forget happy hour, 5-6pm Mon-Sat and all day Sunday and cocktails, like those delicious Pisco sours are just $6 all day Tuesday.
