Choza’s Peruvian Food

Closed as far as i can tell… Are you guys in a different location?

CLOSED!!! Was hoping to hit one of the two carts downtown the first was not open on Friday’s and after searching for about 45 minutes and 3 times around the block, finally asked one of the vendors for Mexican told us that he thought his cart was actually the location for Choza’s. Alas we settled for a plate lunch at Hawaiian Breeze instead of the Peruvian we were craving.

Loved the food! This little place of a cart has really tasty food! I luvs me some Peruvian food!
El causa would be an ideal dish to offer given its served cold.

3.5*
With so many selections of food karts, and all the different aromas of foods being cooked for the afternoon rush. What is not to like for Peruvian food…
I got the Lomo Saltado.
Good portion of steak
The fries was just a filler, not that good
Flavorful rice.
Salad was ok
The combination of their tasty hot sauce (not too spicy, a warm burn) with their steak is the money maker.

This is one of the most little known carts around town. This is partly due to the owners inconsistent schedule and long stretches of being closed (they take long trips to Peru). However, if you see them open, make sure to stop by. I have only ever had the #3, because it’s just too good to risk ordering something else. Thus, I cannot speak to the authenticity of flavor of some of the other offerings.
I think the real magic here is in their sauce. Number 3 (rice & meat), extra meat (add $ 1), extra sauce = awesome, flavorful, super-​filling meal.

I love this place but then again I love Peruvian food. Yeah it has potatoes or spaghetti in it but keep in mind how many cultures have influenced its food. The spicy Beef Lomo Saltado is my favorite. If you like southen Mexican food just heartier, give it a try!

Never quite understood the connection with Latin and Chinese cuisine (Chino Latino) but somehow it works. Simple flavors and this cart nails it. All is made to order and they did something that was really nice… I asked if mine could be made with very little salt and they gladly did it :) The green sauce they give you is addicting!

I have not been here in a while. I need to go back, but I am in love with this cart. I want to try all the carts, but this one called me back. I had never tried Peruvian food before, but whatever I ordered made a lasting impression.
I honestly can’t remember the name of what I have ordered, but I have been back 3 times.
It is a noodle dish with the most delicious eggplant I have ever had. It also come with cabbage?, tomatoes and onion I believe. I seriously crave it. you have to try it! Get the eggplant and noodle dish. You will not be sorry!

Seems like most of the other reviews start with «well, I know squat about Peruvian food…» But not me — my best friend was born in Peru so that naturally makes me an expert on the food and culture of the country.
I know that Peruvians: invented the potato, fight with Chile over who can lay claim to Pisco and don’t mind when you call them «little brown people.”*
I picked Choza’s (which sounds strikingly similar to «chones» when I say it in my brain, but my brain is usually in the gutter so that makes sense) to get me out of my Asian/​Middle Eastern food rut at this particular pod. I also figured I could impress the people behind the counter with my vast knowledge of their culture and customs.
I chose the lomo saltado — chicken, onions, romaine and french fries, all cooked up together and served on rice.
The fries resembled those crinkle fries your babysitter used to make you. I wasn’t aware that Peruvians had invented Ore-​Ida after they invented the potato. But that’s me — always learning. I’m a big fan of grilled romaine so the warm lettuce was no prob for me like it would be for the rest of you gringos.
But…when eaten together it was pretty boring. Nothing really screamed «Peru!» to me. Nicely spiced, yes. But a lot like eating fajitas (which I have a strange aversion to) mixed up with fries and served on crunchy-​ish rice. The food came quickly and the counterman was muy friendly so an extra star for that.
*only one of these statements is true

It’s all about the green sauce.
I’m no expert in Peruvian food, but I love this cart. This is one my fave places to get a healthy salad with a nice pile of stir-​fried chicken or beef. The lomo saltado is my other fave, which sounds bizarre when described: part stirfry, part salad, part french fries, with that ubiquitous spicy green sauce that just makes the dish really pop.
Nice service, usually Mom, sometimes Pop, sometimes both. You can often grab a plate here when the other carts are teeming with lunchers. Make sure you eat it quick, this isn’t the kind of food that makes for good re-​heats, as the freshness of the veggies and sauce need to be savored on the spot.

I had their non-​vegetarian fried rice and oh gosh, it was delicious! so glad i stopped by after passing it so many freaking times. however, their menu is not very long, therefore, not a lot of options to choose from. but yeah, try the fried rice!

I’ve never been to Peru and the only second-​hand knowledge of authentic Peruvian cuisine is from my friend who came back informing me that everything had french fries in it. Choza’s has fries in several of their dishes, so there ya go.
Since my friend got the recommended Lomo Saltado (sauteed beef, fries, rice and veggies), I opted for a different dish: the ill-​advised peppery spaghetti noodle dish called Tallarin Saltado. This, my friends, did not have fries. Again, I don’t know Peruvian food, but my taste buds told me I was eating an asian dish, but instead of yakisoba noodles I was eating spaghetti noodles. Identity crisis or is that just how they roll?
I would never eat my dish again, but my friend’s Lomo Saltado was pretty good. I really want some Peruvian reviewers to speak up.

I know food carts. And when I say that, I mean, I realllly know food carts. Not just, oh I know there are some carts on 9^th, and some on 5^th, and some on the East side. I’m talking, I’ve rocked carts in Portland, Cairo, Mexico City, Quito, Prague, etc. My stomach is an iron trap.
That being said, they don’t come around much better than this one.
Imagine being a 6 year old and wanting to pick out something to eat. I want spaghetti, with french fries, and some steak, with some green stuff I can drizzle on top. Your mother then informs you that you need to be a healthy and have some veggies, so she throws in some lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
BAM. There you have it. Tallarin Saltado (beef or chicken). Sauteed meat, veggies. Served with spaghetti noodles. And it only runs you $ 6.00. If you ask for fries, you’ll always be taken care of for an additional 50 cents. Throw in a Squirt and you’ve got a meal fit for a King… Of Peru… or Never Never Land.
Only reason I don’t give it 5 stars is the wait, which is completely understandable considering there is just one delightful Peruvian woman controlling the kitchen.
Point well taken from the first poster. Dirty outside means delicious food inside.

for months, I’ve wanted to visit the food carts on 9^th and Alder. since my boyfriend had the day off on Monday, I suggested we head down there. free parking on holidays is another bonus, though it probably would have taken us the same amt of time on the MAX.
we explored all of the options and ended up at Choza’s. there were a lot of Thai and Asian influenced places that seemed pretty popular, but honestly why not try something new and unique instead of the typical pad thai. I was so glad we did!
we stepped up to the cart and immediately given suggestions on what to order. my boyfriend and I both took the suggestion — beef lomo saltado made spicy. a few minutes later, we took our plastic containers over to a picnic bench and dove in. steak. tomatoes, romaine. onions. french fries. rice. all of this topped with a tasty sauce with a hint of garlic for a mere $ 6.
the next time I find myself downtown around lunchtime, I’d definitely visit Choza’s again.