Mauka: What is the new gastronomic temple in Cusco inaugurated by the best chef in the world about?

From this showcase, León reaffirms his commitment to preserve and honor local foods, many of which were once in danger of being forgotten. “The name Mauka, like that of Kjolle [su otro restaurante], has to do with a rediscovered plant. Phonetically we liked it: it is a short, strong word that resonates. It represents something that we need to recognize, reincorporate”, comments the Best Female Cook in the world in 2021 by The World’s 50 Best list.

Cusco has always been a key point for the gastronomic operation created by Pía and her husband, also a chef Virgilio Martínez. Central, Kjolle, MIL Centro (restaurant of the group located on the way to Urubamba) and now MaukaThey are articulated with the same purpose. “MIL will always exist as a base and starting point, our first approach to Cusco as a team, and a place to develop projects and ideas. Mauka is independent, a new space with a new history, which seeks its own”, Leon continues.

“Both MIL and Mauka follow the same line of respect for the product and integration of the local. “It is the result of conversing with the environment, as we do in all our other spaces in Lima and the world”, he points out.

cooking and crafts

Undoubtedly, the contribution of Mater (research project led by Malena Martínez) has been essential for the creation of Mauka, from inspiration to the information available about products and all their uses and possibilities. “A new site is one more platform to communicate and have ingredients and stories, art and crafts. This is our starting point for real decentralization, and our direct access to the countryside, to local knowledge, to the complex and diverse world of the Peruvian Andes. Mater acts as a channel of knowledge and contacts”, Pia points out. “We have a luxury pantry and the region is vast in cultural, historical, ecological content… it is a biodiverse, magical space“, Add.

Exploration in the navel of the world

Mauka arrives at a mature, confident and strong moment for the cook. Her team has grown with her, together they have continued to grow in flavors and wisdom. “I am in a stage of great curiosity and eagerness to carry out new projects, and what better than to do it in a territory as magical as that of the Peruvian Andes”, emphasizes Pía. The restaurant is located in the Palacio Nazarenas (Belmond Hotel), a former 17th century convent in the heart of the city. With colonial frescoes, Inca walls, and an important collection of Cusco paintings, the space is a culinary work of art, a true sacred temple of gastronomy.