The King of Potatoes: the story behind the stall that sells the best stuffed potatoes in the Magdalena Market

To get to post 89 in the Magdalena Market, all you have to do is ask for the King of Potatoes. No matter who, or which door you walk through, all roads seem to lead to this family business that, in one way or another, saw its beginnings over 20 years ago. Regarding National Potato Day, at Provecho we wanted to celebrate it by telling the story of the stall that offers one of the best stuffed potatoes we’ve ever tasted. Therefore, we visit them and tell you everything about the experience.

Arriving at 11 am on any given day seems to be the right time to be able to enjoy some of the stuffed potatoes that are prepared to order and also enjoy the atmosphere of a classic market: enough movement to keep you alert and the necessary calm to enjoy a break with some delicious snack like these fried foods.

Among fruit, vegetable and meat stalls, we find El Rey de las Papas, Mr. José Antonio Leandro Acuña, who for more than 20 years has been perfecting the art of preparing stuffed potatoes. “I started selling these chips by walking. I prepared them at home and went out to sell them here,” the founder of this business tells Advantagewith a leisurely and warm smile, in the middle of the rush hour for the position.

For many years, he and his family knew how to overcome different challenges and continue to conquer palates with his perfect recipe. “I had to face an illness that almost led me to lose everything, but with the help of everyone here we were able to get ahead and it’s been four years since we got to this position,” recalls Acuña, while handing out some dishes to the diners.

Few people knew about it, until various media, gastronomic influencers and curious tiktokers came to try its seasoning and were delighted. Currently, they have other stalls in the same area, where they prepare between 200 and 300 stuffed potatoes daily.

The gastronomic proposal began with quite simple options (the stuffed potato in two sizes), but it expanded and is currently also known for its causes stuffed with chicken or crab meat, its salted loin prepared at the moment or its seafood dishes. (like ceviche or leche de tigre, to name a few).

One of the combinations that we recommend is ceviche with stuffed potato: the juice from our flagship dish goes perfectly with the potato dough and the touch of acid balances the Creole stuffing with meat. A delicacy!

The key to flavor

But what is it that makes this a stuffed potato that influencers, tiktokers and the media recommend? Here we are going to offer some keys to highlight so that they take into account. First of all, they offer the perfect balance between the amount of dough and the filling, regardless of whether you order a classic (as a starter) or a special one (for lunch, even as a main course).

Each bite, unintentionally or on purpose, has the precise amount of potato dough, prepared with two classes so that it has the precise point, and filled with ground beef, its small and soft onion, and olives. According to Leandro, he can even prepare minced meat filling on request.

Another point in their favor is that they are prepared and fried at the moment. This means that it is not an extremely restful and dry dough, but rather, it comes out with the perfect temperature and the ideal texture: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Add-ins are another reason not to miss out on this amazing morsel. To the classic mayonnaise and onion with lemon, a spicy and curious green chili is added, prepared with rocoto from Huaraz. Of course, be careful with those who have a delicate palate because it is rich.

He king of potatoes is a brand that knew how to survive different challenges and shine thanks to its seasoning, fair prices, portions and, above all, the family behind the brand, which strives to offer the best. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy your stuffed potatoes and, incidentally, celebrate this Peruvian product that is so present in our kitchens.