In an extraordinary moment for Peru and Latin America’s culinary scene, Maido—a renowned Lima-based restaurant blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors—has officially claimed the title of Best Restaurant in the World in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list of 2024. “It’s Official” – Maido in Peru named best restaurant in the world. For chef-owner Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, the recognition is more than a personal victory—it’s a global spotlight on the possibilities of culinary fusion and the evolving identity of Peruvian cuisine.
A Celebration of Nikkei Cuisine
Maido isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Located in the upscale Miraflores district of Lima, Maido is a temple to Nikkei cuisine, a unique fusion that intertwines Japanese techniques and ingredients with traditional Peruvian elements. From sushi made with Amazonian fish to anticucho-style grilled meats with miso, the menu surprises, delights, and challenges expectations.
The word Maido itself means “welcome” in Japanese—and that warmth is evident not just in the food but in every aspect of the dining experience. Tsumura has carefully built a space where diners can explore centuries of cultural history through taste, texture, and storytelling.
From Underdog to Global Champion
Though Maido has long been a star in South America—it ranked #1 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants multiple times—its rise to the very top of the global food chain is a major milestone. In previous years, Maido hovered in the top 10 of the world rankings, but 2024 marked a breakthrough.
Why now? Critics and foodies alike point to Tsumura’s relentless innovation, his team’s precision and consistency, and the increasing global appetite for authentic, culturally rich cuisine that pushes boundaries. The win also reflects a broader shift in the culinary world: a move away from Eurocentric traditions toward diverse, multicultural narratives.
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The Man Behind the Magic
Born in Lima to Japanese-Peruvian parents, Mitsuharu Tsumura studied culinary arts in the United States before training in Japan. He returned to Peru with a vision: to bring together the flavors of his heritage in a way that honors both lineages. Maido opened in 2009 and quickly established itself as a trailblazer.
Tsumura is more than just a chef—he’s a storyteller, a cultural bridge, and a proud ambassador of Peru’s diversity. He has spoken passionately about how food can be a vehicle for understanding and respect, especially in countries like Peru with deep indigenous, African, Asian, and European influences.
A Global Win for Peru
Peru has long been seen as a culinary powerhouse, with its capital Lima boasting other notable restaurants like Central and Astrid y Gastón. But Maido’s crowning as the best restaurant on Earth brings new attention to Peru’s vibrant gastronomy and its fusion of old-world traditions and new-age creativity.
This victory also highlights how Peruvian cuisine—rooted in biodiversity and cultural richness—is increasingly being celebrated on the world stage. It’s a moment of pride not just for Maido, but for an entire nation and its farmers, fishermen, and food artisans.
What’s Next?
Winning the top spot won’t slow Tsumura down. He’s already hinted at expanding Maido’s reach and pushing Nikkei cuisine even further. There’s talk of new tasting menus that explore uncharted ingredients from Peru’s deep jungles and highlands. As always, the Maido kitchen is buzzing not just with knives and flames—but with ideas, passion, and purpose.
