Inka Mama's South Coast - Santa Ana

When the server approached with the menu, she immediately asked if it was my first time there. She then recommended some of her favorites, which really helped me decide what to order. She was very polite and friendly. Since it was my first time visiting, I went with some popular choices: Arroz Con Mariscos (Peruvian paella), Lomo Saltado (seasoned beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, French fries, soy sauce, and garlic served with rice), and Tallarines Verdes with Shrimp (shrimp served on a bed of spinach and basil cream sauce with spaghetti and parmesan cheese). All three dishes were delicious and generously portioned, leaving me very satisfied with my meal.

As a lifelong lover of Peruvian cuisine, I entered Inca's Mama with high hopes, shaped by years of enjoying the rich flavors at places like Mario's in La Mirada and Hollywood, El Pollo Inca, and many other Peruvian restaurants. My passion for this cuisine has been around since I was five, and I am well-versed in the vibrant tastes and aromas that it offers. Sadly, my anticipation soon turned into deep disappointment. From the moment the bread arrived—a staple that typically warms the soul before the meal—I sensed a deviation from the standard I had come to expect. Instead of the usual warm, soft bread, I received cold and hard loaves that lacked any inviting qualities, making even plain Wonder Bread seem more appealing. This was a troubling indicator of what lay ahead. Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and creative ingredient combinations, yet what I experienced at Inca's Mama was the opposite. The dishes were surprisingly bland, a descriptor I never thought I would associate with Peruvian food. It felt as though all the essence of what makes this cuisine enchanting was stripped away, leaving nothing but a void where flavorful and delightful culinary experiences should have been. Despite my disappointment, I must acknowledge some positive aspects of my visit. The servers embodied kindness and professionalism, and their friendly demeanor added a touch of warmth to an otherwise lackluster outing. Additionally, the ambiance of Inca's Mama is genuinely beautiful, creating an inviting setting that promised much more than the food delivered. It pains me to rate my experience at Inca's Mama with just two stars, a reflection not of the meal itself but of the outstanding service and lovely atmosphere. My critique comes from a place of genuine love for Peruvian cuisine and a yearning for the rich, vibrant flavors that have delighted my taste buds since childhood. Sadly, my visit to Inca's Mama was a stark reminder that not every culinary adventure ends in satisfaction.

This dish, which has Asian influences, is known for being one of the most recognizable and straightforward to prepare, requiring few difficult or obscure ingredients. Unfortunately, the lomo saltado here fell short of my expectations. It lacked many essential flavors, leaving me quite disappointed. The dish was overloaded with onions and included just two slices of tomato. While the beef was edible, its brown color suggested that it hadn't been cooked over a high enough flame. The sauce was almost non-existent, rendering the dish one of the least flavorful lomo saltados I’ve encountered in decades. When prepared correctly, lomo saltado is a delightful combination of flavors. It should be cooked over high heat, using quality beef, fresh tomatoes, and red onions. The sauce needs to be generous enough not only to accompany the rice but also to effectively flavor the fries. In better establishments, the fries may not always meet traditional Peruvian standards, but they are usually cooked well. Some diners choose to add slices of aji amarillo or green onions for added flavor, which are simply personal preferences. Overall, this was an overpriced dish that missed the mark on what a true Peruvian classic should be.

The empanadas were a great starter. We got one beef and one spinach and loved both. The Filet Mignon Saltado was excellent. They initially accidentally gave us just the regular beef and it was a noticeable difference once they fixed the order and brought out the filet mignon. Delicious! We were happy to see that they have Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc wine from New Zealand!

Absolutely love this Peruvian spot across from South Coast Plaza. They have a large menu, plenty of seating, and friendly staff. I've tried several dishes from them and have been happy with everything I've ordered. The appetizers here are definitely fun to share and they have some really tasty ones like their fried chicken and this potato/shrimp/vegetable layered one. Food does take awhile to get to your table.