MAUKA  

Located within the historic Palacio Nazarenas in the heart of Cusco, Mauka, a Belmond restaurant, celebrates hyperlocal diversity under the direction of Pía León. The restaurant combines native crops, grains and seeds with innovative culinary techniques, offering a dining experience that reflects a deep connection with its surroundings. The name ‘Mauka’ draws its inspiration from a local word steeped in cultural significance. This term refers to an endangered root vegetable, classified as one of the “lost crops of the Incas” and cultivated by a small number of farmers in Peru. The fundamental essence of this project lies in the preservation of history; every carefully selected grain, herb or edible plant tells the story of a moment, an ecosystem and a unique culture. To reflect the deep connection with the land and local ingredients, the heart of the branding expresses the preservation of stories: the fusion of tradition with innovation. Mauka’s approach is to emphasise the awareness, passion and reintegration involved in the revival of crops, grains and seeds—an endeavour that can only be achieved by fostering relationships between farmers, chefs and diners.