The Story Behind Candela
It all started with a fire.
To us, candela means far more than just a flame—it is memory, family, and tradition.
Some of my earliest culinary memories belong to my great-aunt, Tía Rosita, who helped raise our big family in my grandparents’ home. Her kitchen was an unforgettable sanctuary where she cooked exclusively with wood fire and clay pots, using traditional beef or pork fat because she believed the fire itself was a crucial ingredient. Her daily rhythm revolved around the flame:
“Voy a prender la candela.” (I’m going to light the fire.)
“La candela está muy fuerte.” (The fire is too strong.)
“Ya es hora de apagar la candela.” (It’s time to put out the fire.)
Those words echoed in my mind long before Candela St. ever came to life.
For years, I missed the sensory richness of Peruvian street food—walking through a plaza as the aroma of charcoal and native spices fills the air long before you even spot the grill. When developing our concept, I kept returning to those streetscapes and Tía Rosita’s kitchen. The name emerged naturally: CANDELA.
Every dish on our menu carries a piece of that upbringing:
Anticuchos: The irresistible scent of Peruvian seasoning and charcoal lingering at sunset.
Tía Rosita’s Chicken Skewers: Paired with charcoal-roasted potatoes and traditional ají ground in a batán.
Pachamanca: Gathering around the harmonious union of food, fire, earth, and family.
Causa: Sneaking Tía Rosita’s ají amarillo as kids to make our homemade causa taste just like hers.
These aren’t just recipes; they are our heritage. Candela is our way of bringing those moments back to life and creating a portal to Peru. For those who know Peru, we hope one bite brings back a cherished memory. For those discovering it for the first time, we hope to spark a new passion for our culture.
At Candela St., the open flame isn’t just a cooking method—it’s the smoke, the charcoal, the crackle of the grill, and the connection we share with you.
CANDELA ST.
Peruvian Street Food
Rooted in memory. Cooked over fire. Made for the street.