Get ready to experience the vibrant flavors of Nikkei cuisine at Papa San, a new casual restaurant in Hudson Yards. This innovative eatery brings together the bold and vibrant flavors of Peru with the precision and balance of Japanese culinary traditions.
Papa San is a casual and inviting outpost from the Llama Group, serving up delicious Nikkei fare in the heart of Hudson Yards. This fifth venture from chef Erik Ramirez and restaurateur Juan Correa brings Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine to the forefront, offering a unique dining experience that’s both accessible and fun.
The Inspiration Behind Papa San
Papa San is inspired by Tokyo’s izakaya, or Japanese pubs, where people gather to enjoy drinks and shareable snacks. The restaurant’s design reflects this concept, with a lively and welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing and trying new flavors. ‘We want Papa San to be a place where people can come together and enjoy good food and company,’ says Ramirez.
The Menu: A Celebration of Nikkei Flavors
The menu at Papa San is designed for sharing, with a recommendation of three to four dishes per person (six to eight for a table of two). The dishes are meant to be enjoyed in combination, showcasing the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine paired with the precision and balance of Japanese culinary traditions. Highlights include the ‘Whole Chicken Experience‘ for two, which includes an entire bird cooked to perfection and served with various accompaniments.
A Sampling of Delicious Dishes
Some standout dishes on the menu include:
- Ceviches: Thinly sliced raw fish in spicy sauce, often featuring unique ingredients like fruit
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Makis (Peruvian sushi rolls): Indulgent and creamy, with fried shellfish and other toppings
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Zensai (‘appetizers’): Udon noodle cacio pepe with wok squid, eel pizza with shiitake mushrooms and pecorino, and more
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Mains: Robataya (grilled meats and seafood) and donabes (Japanese clay pot stews and soups)
Drinks and Desserts
The beverage menu at Papa San capitalizes on adventurous flavor combinations, including cocktails like the ‘Mango No. 5‘ and the ‘Golden Curry‘. Non-alcoholic options like the ‘Chicha Morada mocktail‘ are also available. For dessert, try the ‘chicha morada kakigori‘ or soft-serve ice cream honoring both Japan and Peru.
A Unifying Force: The Greatness of Peruvian Food
For Correa, the greatness of Peruvian food is a unifying force that brings people together. ‘We Peruvians disagree about pretty much everything,’ he says, ‘but the love for our cuisine is one thing that unites us._’ At Papa San, you can experience this love firsthand and enjoy a delicious meal in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Peruvian food is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences.
The country's unique geography and climate have created a diverse range of ingredients and cooking techniques.
Popular dishes include 'ceviche' , lomo saltado, and 'ají de gallina' .
Peruvian cuisine also features a variety of potatoes, corn, and quinoa.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Peru is home to over 6,000 varieties of potatoes, making it a leading producer of this staple crop.
- observer.com | Papa San Serves Up Casual Nikkei Fare in Hudson Yards
