From the streets of Rímac to the streets of Alkmaar, Paola Cruz has brought the taste and passion of Peruvian cuisine to a corner of the world few could have imagined.
With over 22 years living outside of Peru and 16 years in the Netherlands, Paola is the founder and chef of Pukitas Catering, a business dedicated to bringing authentic Peruvian gastronomy to Holland. Her story is one of resilience, love for cooking, and deep pride in her roots. In this lively conversation, Paola opens the doors to her life and shares the experiences that have made her an icon of Peruvian cuisine in Europe.
A Childhood Filled with Tradition and Flavor
Paola was born in Jesús María, Lima, but grew up in Rímac, near the Alameda de los Descalzos, a neighborhood rich in history, music, and above all, delicious food. “I fondly remember the celebrations with cajón and guitar, the smell of food from street vendors, especially the anticuchos,” she says nostalgically. Her family, with northern Peruvian roots, was always tied to the culinary arts. Her father was a doctor, and her mother, initially a nurse, later dedicated herself to cooking, following the family tradition.
Desde pequeña, Paola se interesó por la cocina. “One time, the family restaurant was short-staffed, and everyone had to pitch in. At first, it was stressful, but over time, I realized that the adrenaline of preparing dishes was my thing, and I wanted to pursue it professionally.” And thus, the seed of her passion began to grow.
An Unexpected Journey Fueled by Love and Destiny
Before settling in the Netherlands, Paola lived in Buenos Aires. It was there she met her partner, and together they decided to move to the Netherlands to build their family. “It was for love,” she says with a smile. Though she had to adapt to a culturally different environment, she never let go of her Peruvian roots.
“I initially ran a business importing and selling Peruvian products, and with a friend, I started organizing events for the Peruvian community here. I realized that in my area, there was a lack of professional Peruvian cuisine, and that’s how the idea for Pukitas Catering was born.” With passion and dedication, Paola has managed to bring the authentic flavors of Peru to the Netherlands, conquering palates and connecting hearts.
A Menu that Embodies the Soul of Peru
From ceviche to criollo dishes and Andean specialties, Paola has managed to conquer Dutch palates with authentic and memorable flavors. Pero no fue fácil al principio. “Introducirnos al público holandés fue complicado; no estaban muy animados a probar ingredientes y sabores desconocidos para ellos. Sin embargo, poco a poco nuestra gastronomía se fue haciendo más conocida”, comenta. Today, Pukitas Catering offers catering services, tastings, workshops, weekly menus, and even the experience of having a personal chef at home.
“Many times the expense was greater than the profit. They told me to close down, that it wasn’t worth it, but I kept going. I got up at 4 am, and even though I felt physically exhausted, I never stopped fighting.”
For Paola, Ceviche is the dish that best represents her venture. “I prepare it Lima style, but with a northern touch. It is a simple dish, but full of elements and flavors,” she explains. Her secret is in the balance between the traditional and the creative, always respecting the essence of Peruvian ingredients.
Challenges that Strengthen and Teach
Starting a food business in the Netherlands hasn’t been easy for Paola. “The most difficult part was meeting all the standards required to operate a catering company here. I also had to acquire professional equipment gradually; at first, I borrowed large pots for events,” she recalls with laughter. She also highlights the challenges of earning client trust and overcoming cultural barriers.
Moments That Inspire Perseverance
Among Paola’s greatest achievements is cooking for the Dutch Minister of Defense and Latin American ambassadors at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But what stands out the most is a rainy afternoon after an event where sales didn’t go as expected. “A family approached me, hugged me, and told me they were proud of me and encouraged me not to give up. It was a very emotional moment that gave me the strength to continue,” she recalls.
Balancing Family and Culinary Passion
Paola is not only an entrepreneur but also a mother. With a Dutch-Surinamese partner and a teenage son, finding a balance between family life and work has been another challenge. “It was tough, but I always tried to provide quality time. Now, with better organization, I can enjoy my family more,” she says. For her, instilling love for Peruvian culture and cuisine in her son is essential. “Since he was little, we cooked together, read stories in Spanish, and I taught him about our ingredients. Now, he knows how to prepare some dishes on his own.”
Dreams, Goals, and an Invitation to Discover Peru in Every Bite
Paola’s dreams with Pukitas Catering are far from over. In the short term, she hopes to have a new studio where she can create cooking videos. In the long term, she dreams of owning a food truck to take her delicious dishes to every corner of the Netherlands. Her vision goes beyond serving food; it’s about showcasing Peru’s rich culture and sharing the flavors that emotionally connect her to her homeland, with ají amarillo being one of the ingredients that best represents her.
“My advice to other Peruvian entrepreneurs abroad is not to compare yourself to others and not to give up. There will always be challenges, but we must remain humble and support our community.”
Learn more about Pukitas Catering
Paola invites all lovers of gastronomy and Peruvian culture to explore her services. If you want to learn more, follow her on social media, where she shares recipes, stories, and the magic of Peruvian cooking.
Have you tried Paola’s food yet? Leave us a comment, share this article with your friends and help us continue celebrating Peruvian cuisine around the world.
If you have any questions about Paola or our website, please contact us at hola@peruanos.nl
