Inkanto: Fine Peruvian International Cuisine
“Our main courses were Lomo Saltado and Super Combinado Seco y Frejoles, they were both amazing.”
“Byob, feels like you're in someone's home having a meal not a restaurant.”
“The empanadas are really good and different from the typical empanadas you can get else where.”
Inkanto: Fine Peruvian International Cuisine
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
3 reviews
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Came here for a few weeks ago with no idea what to expect. I grew up in Hazlet and this location has always been a weird spot as I have memories going here as a child when it was an ice cream parlor and it then turned into a liquor store.
I was unsure of what Peruvian cuisine entailed, but I am glad that I decided to give it a try. We ordered the empanadas and the tamales for appetizers, which were okay. My friend's mom makes the best homemade empanadas on the planet so I am slightly biased when it comes to empanadas. There were four of us and we ordered four different entrees to swap, so we could try everything. We ordered the Bistec a lo Pobre (steak with french fries, egg and rice), Arroz Chaufa de carne (a peruvian style fried rice), Tallarin Saltado (which reminded me of lo-mein) , and the Super Combinado Seco y Frejoles (beef in a cilantro sauce with rice and beans). All were very good but my favorite was the Arroz Chaufa de carne.
The owner/chef came out to introduce herself and was so sweet. We asked her about the live latin music that their website noted they had on Friday nights and she mentioned they stopped because customers were complaining that it was too loud. However, I found that it was too quiet so maybe they should consider another form of entertainment/music for the weekends. She brought us out at a free homemade pumpkin dessert for each of us to try, and gave us coupons for future visits. She was extremely genuine and you could tell that there were many regulars who travel far distances to come to Inkanto for the delicious food and excellent customer service.
It is BYOB and has a very comfortable ambiance. I noticed that another Yelper referred to it as "being in someone's living room", and that is the perfect way to describe it. I would come back next time I am home visiting my parents.
I am no means Peruvian or an expert on peruvian cuisine, but I don't get the high ratings for this restaurant. I've actually had peruvian food before and like some other reviews noted, it's not as authentic. Even if you go by if the food tastes good I would give a similar rating.
The restaurant itself was clean and liked nice inside, the manager was nice but the food itself makes you feel like you ways your money. I ordered the Lomo Saltado, the half chicken with salad and fries entree and 2 beef empanada appetizers.
Let me say the food in general was light on flavor, and meat was over cooked and chewy. The lomo saltado didn't have much sauce so overall the meat was dry and light in flavor. Even the cilantro green sauce known in peruvian was sweet and lacked cilantro flavor. The Rotisserie chicken was dry, even the dark meat. The worse of all was beef empanadas. The shell of the empanada was as if the dough was not cooked and just hardened. It was not soft or flaky. The beef did not taste good. Inedible! Went to the garbage.
Granted this review is only based on 2 dishes and an appetizer but even eating in the restaurant the food should be the same. If you want to try better peruvian go to Norkeys Dos in perth amboy. The restaurant may not be as nice, nor the area but your stomach will thank you for it.
I have been waiting for this place to open for a few weeks now doing a little shopping at the farmers market in Hazlet I decided to pass by to see the place and surprise they were open. I just had lunch at home and was far from hungry but curiosity and obsession with food made me sample their menu.
You walk into a friendly greeting and a bright inviting dining area. They have a few TVs in their but they don't detract from the handsome ambiance. The wait staff is uniformed and it definitely adds to the Peruvian theme. There a counter space and the waiting area has a comfy couch.
I tried the empanada which was served with a cilantro cream sauce and a home made red spicy sauce that was crazy good. I was just slightly disappointed that they microwaved the empanada, still good but a bit doughy that where the 5th star went I then tried the Causa Limena which is a coarse mashed potato with a chicken salad stuffed inside this was delicious and had real nice eye appeal. It's enough for two so plan to share it. My entree was Arroz Chaufa o Tallarin Saltado o pollo or Peruvian chicken fried rice, you can also get beef instead. Next time I will get this as a side dish.
Since it was between lunch and dinner I got to chat with Rosanna the owner and her brother plus a few wait staff. This is the families first joint they came from Peru and want to showcase their cuisine for its art and beauty as well as provide an upscale menu and not focus on the traditional roasted chicken other Peruvian places are known for.
Here's the bottom line, a stand alone restaurant serving a unique menu of affordable gourmet dishes ample dining area eager staff a great location and BYOB this place is a winner and once the word spreads it will be harder and harder to get a table.
Try this place and enjoy
FoodDude!