Nankar Brasa Peruana (Peruvian Grill)
13938 Estate Manor Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155
(571) 316-9330
www.nankarperuvian.com

Peruvian | $

On a weeknight around 5 PM it was not very busy. Nice and quiet, just the way I like it.

They were crushing it in the kitchen.

 
When we visit a restaurant for the first time, we usually skip the appetizers—we never know how big the entrées will be. So we go straight for the main course.

The fried plantains my wife ordered were outstanding, expertly cooked to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle smokiness. Her beef empanadas were equally impressive. The pastry was crisp and delicately thin, avoiding the heavy, doughy texture often found in casual dining establishments. The beef filling was well-seasoned and thoughtfully portioned, without the excessive filler that tends to overwhelm flavor in mass-produced versions. These empanadas felt authentic, more like a home-cooked dish one might be served in a Peruvian household.

I ordered the Chaufa, a breakfast-style fried rice that showcases the unique fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors known as chifa cuisine. I chose the beef version, which was richly seasoned and full of savory depth. It’s easy to understand why this dish is a staple in Peruvian households and restaurants—it’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Chaufa can also be made with chicken, pork, or seafood, making it a versatile option for a range of tastes.

If you’re in Northern Virginia and looking for a dining experience that’s a bit different, consider making the trip to Gainesville for authentic Peruvian cuisine. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is exceptionally friendly. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by a Spanish music soundtrack—occasionally mixed with unexpected Michael Jackson songs—that adds a fun and energetic vibe to the dining experience.

They do a brisk take-out business and I imagine they are busy on the weekends. Whenever you go you won’t be disappointed.