Chakana, Hackney review: Unmatched Peruvian food in Broadway Market

Located in Broadway Market and just a short walk from Regents Canal, it may just be the perfect dinner spot for the summer. 

We were able to grab a table outside ahead of the dinner rush. 

Neither of us had ever tried Peruvian food before, but our experience at Chakana easily made it one of the best restaurant experiences we've had. 

We started with a classic Peruvian Pisco Sour each, which was refreshing while and tart.

The cocktails were the perfect start to the meal and we were able to grab a table outside Chakana on Broadway Market. (Image: Olivia Carter)We then shared the Huancaina potatoes with Botija olives, which were as delicious as they were colourful. 

The potatoes were buttery and sat on a bed of creamy sauce topped with a slightly spiced oil. The olives cut through the creaminess with a welcomed savouriness. 

The colours of all the meals made them even more enjoyable to eat (Image: Olivia Carter)My boyfriend ordered the beef causa which came with crispy yucca, fresh avocado and sweet mint. 

He was immediately impressed with the appearance of the dish, commenting that "it has been really well presented". 

The menu is understated in its descriptions but the dishes are presented beautifully (Image: Olivia Carter)I went for the asparagus causa with diced asparagus, black garlic, and spring onion. 

The texture of the causa was surprisingly pleasant for a potato-based dish, and had a good amount of bite still from the toppings. 

The dishes were all perfectly balanced in texture and spice (Image: Olivia Carter)Our waiter recommended the corn ceviche which was the best dish of the night in my opinion. 

It contained at least four different types of corn including choclo, a Peruvian large-kernel corn species and canchita, a popped corn. 

The range of textures and the depth of flavour from the tiger's milk (a citrus-based marinade) was like nothing I have ever tasted. 

The corn was unlike anything I have ever eaten (Image: Olivia Carter)We were both so impressed with everything we had tried that when it came to mains, we opted for dishes we wouldn't usually order. 

My boyfriend went for the braised octopus with baked Jerusalem artichoke and olives. 

He said: "I've never had octopus like this. The sauce goes so well with it, it's great."-

The octopus was not at all rubbery and the ink based sauces added even more flavour (Image: Olivia Carter)I went for the roasted aubergine with miso, fermented purple corn and fava beans. 

The aubergine was cooked to perfection and melt-in-the-mouth, and the sauces and vegetables on top were incredibly fresh, which helped to balance out the saltiness of the miso. 

All the ingredients tasted so fresh and perfect for a summer evening meal (Image: Olivia Carter)My boyfriend had been eyeing up the Alfajores on the dessert menu, which was a shortbread style biscuit filled with dulce de leche and with a strawberry sorbet. 

He complimented the light biscuit and the fresh sorbet.

I went for the Picarones in fig leaf syrup, which were almost doughnut-like in texture but made of squash and sweet potato. 

The Alfajores on the left and the Picarones on the right. The restaurant has outdoor heaters for those sat outside. (Image: Olivia Carter)They were slightly too rich for me but still delicious. 

After our experience, I think Peruvian food is something that everyone should try and Chakana is a great option for first-timers.