Former Hornets chef opens street-style Peruvian restaurant in south Charlotte

Panca Peruvian Street Food, from former Hornets Chef Kyle Van Hess, serves fresh Peruvian in South Charlotte. Van Hess opened the restaurant with his wife Candy, who’s Peruvian, earlier this month.

If you’re not familiar with traditional Peruvian food the menu might confuse you at first, but fear not, Panca’s employees are patient and willing to answer your questions.

Menu: The menu includes six main sections: aperitivos (appetizers), anticuchos (popular street food served on skewers), bowls, ceviches, tiraditos (a traditional Peruvian raw fish dish), and sides and snacks. It also offers family style meals that feed about four people

Entrees range from $8 to $16.

For my first visit I tried a couple staples: lomo saltado (a rice bowl with sautéed sirloin, onions, tomatoes, rice, and fries), yuca fries, and chicha morada (a bright purple drink made from purple corn and seasoned with cinnamon). Portions are generous, and I think I’ll try one of the ceviches for my next visit.

Art: The restaurant’s main wall is decorated with a mural of two Moche warriors by Juan Tresierra (@nony_clt). Customers will also notice another wall featuring an Anthony Bourdain quote about how incredibly unique Peruvian flavors are.

“There are so many flavors in Peru that are unfamiliar to people in the states,” reads Bourdain’s quote displayed on Panca’s wall. “Whole different flavor spectrum. All new. It’s almost like you need a new section of your tongue.”

Location: 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road Unit 10A-2. They’re closed on Saturday but open every other day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Though the restaurant is only about a month old, it already attracts sizable lunch crowds.

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