Tallarines verdes, a Peruvian-style pesto pasta topped with steak, from El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)
A visit to El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan, is a trip to two worlds.
This restaurant — a two-minute walk from Shioiri Station — serves traditional Peruvian food and Japanese fusion plates.
It is hard to miss. El Latino immerses you in Latin culture starting with the vibrant colors on the sign outside to the music and decorations hanging on its wall.
The decor at El Latino, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant in Yokosuka, Japan, invites memories of Latin America. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)
Peru, situated on South America’s western coast, is known for diverse geography, the ancient city of Machu Picchu and its pollo a la brasa, or roasted chicken.
Since my arrival in Yokosuka, I have been searching for flavors that remind me of home. When I saw a plate called tallarines verdes, a Peruvian-style pesto pasta topped with steak, it took me back to something similar that my mother used to make for family dinners. The El Latino version is 2,000 yen, or about $12.83.
But, unsurprisingly, the mostrito owned the night — a fusion plate of roasted chicken with fried rice and fries on the side. The chicken was smoky and charred, with just the right amount of seasoning that made my mouth water as I bit into it.
Mostrito, a fusion dish of roasted chicken with fried rice and fries on the side, from El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)
The fried rice was moist and fluffy, without clumping. I paired it with a sweet, creamy avocado smoothie to finish off the meal.
The mostrito is 1,800 yen and the avocado smoothie is 600 yen.
El Latino also serves a traditional roasted chicken in various portion sizes, with salad and fries on the side, as well as various types of ceviche and Peruvian tamales.
At the El Latino in Yokosuka, Japan, you might hear Spanish being spoken as you feast on authentic Peruvian cuisine. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes)
The final cherry on top was something I did not expect. I began to hear conversations in Spanish; it’s hard not to notice when you hear your language spoken outside of its region of origin.
But the surprise was who was speaking it. There was a mix of Japanese, and I can only assume Latin Americans eating together, speaking Spanish, enjoying a meal.
El Latino
Location: 2−33−17 Shioiricho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan 238-0042
Directions: From the Shioiri Station exit, turn left toward the main road and cross the street at the crosswalk to get to El Latino. Google plus code: 7MH6+XP Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Times: Open noon to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Costs: 1,500 yen to 2,200 yen for an entree. A whole roasted chicken is 2,800 yen.
Dress: Casual
Information: Online: tinyurl.com/ellatino
