The best stuffed potatoes in Lima? The history of the famous stall in the Magdalena Market

To get to position 89 of the Magdalena Market, just ask for the King of Potatoes. No matter who, or which door you enter through, all roads seem to lead to this family business that, in one way or another, saw its beginnings more than 20 years ago. Regarding National Potato Day, at Provecho we wanted to celebrate it by telling the story of the stand that offers one of the best stuffed potatoes we have ever tried. 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 enjoy some of the stuffed potatoes that are prepared to order and also enjoy the atmosphere of a classic market: enough movement to stay alert and the necessary calm to Enjoy a break with a delicious bite like these fried foods.

Among fruit, vegetable and meat stalls, we find The King of Potatoes, 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 while walking. I prepared them at home and went out to sell them here,” the founder of this business tells Advantagewith a slow and warm smile, in the middle of rush hour for the position.

For many years, he and his family knew how to overcome different challenges and continue conquering palates with their 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 four years ago we arrived at this position,” Acuña remembers, while handing out some dishes to the diners.

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

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

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

The key to flavor

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

Each bite, accidentally or on purpose, has the precise amount of potato dough, prepared with two kinds so that it has the precise point, and filled with ground meat, its small and soft onion and olives. Even, according to Leandro, you can prepare minced meat filling to order.

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

The add-ons are another reason not to miss out on this incredible bite. To the classic mayonnaise and onion with lemon, a spicy and curious green chili is added, prepared with hot pepper from Huaraz. Of course, be careful with those who have a delicate palate because it tastes delicious.

He King of Potatoes It 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. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy your stuffed potatoes and, at the same time, celebrate this Peruvian product that is so present in our kitchens.