Chewing Happiness is a dedicated space for authentic Peruvian recipes, reimagined for the modern home cook. It is my way of showing the world how approachable, vibrant, and unique Peruvian cooking really is.
Hi, I’m Brandon Castillo.
I’m the chef, commercial photographer, and the unapologetic Peruvian expat behind Chewing Happiness.
I was born and raised in Lima—one of the absolute culinary capitals of the world. But when I moved to the USA, I hit a wall. Living abroad is tough, and the truth is, I started this blog out of pure homesickness. Cooking the dishes I grew up eating was the only way I knew how to bring a piece of Lima into my “new home”.
Along the way, I realized something: I didn’t just want to cook for myself. I wanted to share my culture and show people exactly how to recreate these massive, authentic flavors at home, no matter where they live.
The Chef & The Lens
My culinary journey started in culinary school in Peru and took me through demanding restaurant kitchens across both South and North America. I’ve seen both sides of the industry—from the high-pressure line of fine dining where I learned advanced flavor building, to the gritty, real-world reality of restaurant management.
Today, I combine that professional kitchen experience with my career as a commercial photographer. That means every recipe you see here isn’t just developed with culinary precision; it is captured exactly as it should look, so you know what you are aiming for before you even turn on the stove.
Can You Actually Cook Peruvian Food in the US?
Absolutely. You don’t need to live in Lima to make this work.
Peruvian food has exploded in global popularity, and getting your hands on authentic ingredients is easier than ever. Brands now sell their authentic pastes, spices, and specialty items online, meaning you can order almost everything you need directly from Amazon or local specialty shops.
Because I cook here in the US, I know exactly how frustrating ingredient sourcing can be. That is why my recipes are built for the American home cook—I include exact brand recommendations, direct links, and smart ingredient substitutes whenever possible so you never hit a roadblock.
Recipes You Can Trust
I don’t believe in compromises on flavor. Here is what you can expect from every post on Chewing Happiness:
– Tested Reliability: Every recipe is tested multiple times before it ever sees the front page. No guesswork, just results.
– Real-World Practicality: The techniques of a fine-dining kitchen, translated into steps that actually make sense for a Tuesday night at home.
– Uncompromising Authenticity: The real flavors of Peru, made accessible.
Let’s Connect!
Whether you are looking for a private chef experience, an interactive cooking demo for your next event, a brand collaboration, or you want to connect, I’d love to connect.
Reach out to me directly on Instagram @ChewingHappiness or use the contact form below
