A Seafood Delight: Inka Grill

Peruvian food definitely ranks as a high favorite of mine with it's unique flavors and preparations.  Their cuisine is interesting as they fuse Latin, Asian, Iranian, African and Portuguese flavors.  Inka Grill, formerly known as Little Dumpling, is a little hole in the wall in Henderson that really gives off that mom and pops restaurant feel. I remember at one point we even saw a little grandma chef come out of the back! Always a good sign.  Now that they've changed to Inka Grill, regulars will notice a few changes, minor in detail including decor, staff and a few dishes with smaller servings but some dishes with larger portions.  One post definitely doesn't do any justice, but hopefully I can highlight a couple dishes because I always find myself back for more.

  

 This dish is Chicharron de Calamar.  I've ordered this before and Inka Grill definitely serves this one generously.  The base of this dish contains chunks of fried Yucca, which are potato-like with a more mild starchy flavor and fibrous texture.  Next is a layer of fried calamari, and they aren't cheap calamari steaks, they actually have fresh calamari sliced into rings and tentacles(my favorite!)  The calamari is topped with a very important layer of salsa criolla which is a preperation of tomato, purple onion, peppers, cilantro quickly pickled in lime and vinegar.  This is the perfect contrast to the fried seafood, as we all know a little acidity is the perfect pairing, it doesn't hurt that I'm a fanatic for purple onions either.  The last component are the canchitas on top.  These are fried chulpe corn kernels which remain unpopped then seasoned with salt.  This is served traditionally with Peru's famous ceviche but I suppose that's a post for another time.  For the masochistic like me, you can request some aji pepper sauce, this is yellow pepper based.  They have a mild and very spicy version with even spicier peppers added in, just let em know you like it hot!  For those not so willing, keep in mind a little bit is sprinkled over this dish.

I'll definitely have more reviews for Inka Grill, there are at least 5 more essential dishes to cover (Lomo Saltado, Tallarines Verdes, Arroz Chaufa, Papa a la Huancaina and Aji de Gallina.)  All running the gambit of Chinese to Latin preparations.  Exciting but sadly I'll leave you with this dish tonight, until next time, let's all Nurse our cravings!

Inka Grill

9400 S Eastern Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89123

(702) 614-8818