Peruvian chef Helen Oberling has over 20 years experience, including a tenure at Chicha por Gastón Acurio in Arequipa, Peru. A graduate of the Instituto del Sur in Arequipa, specializing in Peruvian cuisine, Oberling’s early career was shaped by a mentorship under the legendary Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura and teachers Paquita Siu and Nilton Alcocer. Known for her bold creativity, refined technique, and deep respect for Peru’s rich culinary heritage, Oberling crafts unforgettable dishes that celebrate both tradition and innovation.
Apu Sonqollay supports children with disabilities in Peru and in the US, focusing on offering music, art, dance workshops in hopes to increase the visibility of Peruvian culture in Tucson
“I am originally from Peru but I have been living in Tucson since 2014 The A Picantear Project was born from a deep sense of nostalgia—an effort to reconnect with the flavors and traditions of the dishes prepared for me by my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Each recipe holds not just taste, but memory, love, and legacy.
I come from a large, close-knit family where meals were more than food—they were experiences filled with laughter, music, dance, and connection. It was around those lively tables that we celebrated life, culture, and togetherness.
With A Picantear, my goal is to recreate that spirit here in my new home in Tucson, with the chosen family I’ve built in this community. I want to see tables grow, stories shared, and memories made—one dish at a time. Through this project, I hope to invite others to discover, connect, and celebrate the richness of Peruvian heritage while building a space where everyone feels at home.”
-Helen Oberling
MENU
MAIN COURSE
Anticuchos de res – $14 Tender skewers of marinated beef grilled to smoky perfection with traditional Peruvian spices, garlic, vinegar, and ají pepper. Bold, savory, and full of street-food flavor, served hot with classic Peruvian sides or salsa.
Ceviche – $13 Fresh fish marinated in bright lime juice with red onion, cilantro, and Peruvian spices, served chilled with tender sweet potato and corn. A vibrant, refreshing taste of Peru—zesty, bold, and full of coastal flavor.
Papa rellena de res carne molida – $10 Golden fried mashed potato stuffed with savory Peruvian-seasoned ground beef, onions, spices, and herbs. Crispy on the outside, warm and flavorful inside, served with your choice of traditional Peruvian salsa such as creamy Huancaína or Ocopa Arequipeña.
Sandwich de chicharrón – $10 Crispy, juicy Peruvian-style pork served on fresh French bread with bright Creole salsa made with onions and tomatoes, finished with golden fried sweet potatoes. A hearty, flavorful sandwich with the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, and zesty freshness.
Sandwich de Pescado – $10 Crispy fried tilapia served on soft bread with fresh lettuce and zesty Creole dressing made with onion, tomato, lime juice, salt, and pepper, finished with your favorite condiments. A light, flavorful fish sandwich with a bright Peruvian touch.
Papa rebozada – $7 Tender potato coated in a golden batter of flour, egg, and cheese, then fried until crisp and flavorful. Served with fresh Creole salsa and creamy Huancaína sauce for a comforting Peruvian bite with a bright, savory finish.
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DESSERTS
Alfajores – $5 Peruvian cornstarch-based cookies filled with dulce de leche and coated in powdered sugar
Arroz con leche – $6 Rice pudding with cinnamon, milk, and sugar
Mazamorra morada – $6 Peruvian purple corn beverage cooked with añeja, cloves, apple, pineapple, and spiced with chuño flour (dried potato)
SPECIAL ON DESSERTS!
Buy any two for $10!
ALLERGY INFO
Food Items May Contain: Gluten, Dairy
