Chaina Lab

If you're craving amazing Asian food in Cusco, Chaina Lab should be at the top of your list. Located in the Magisterio neighborhood, this modern restaurant has built a fantastic reputation for serving authentic Chinese-inspired cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Their menu features handmade dumplings, bao buns, fresh noodles, fried rice, stir-fries, delicious appetizers, and creative desserts, all prepared with fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and consistently excellent food have made Chaina Lab one of the city's favorite hidden gems.
Whether you're looking for a comforting bowl of noodles after a trek, sharing dumplings with friends, or enjoying a full dinner with cocktails, Chaina Lab offers one of the best Asian dining experiences in Cusco.
With outstanding reviews from both locals and international travelers, it's one of Loki Hostel's favorite restaurant recommendations.
Address
Avenida Fortunato Herrera 204
Urbanización Magisterial I Etapa
Cusco 08003, Peru
Phone / WhatsApp
+51 984 060 107
Website
Chaina Lab Official Website
Instagram
@chainalabcusco

Handmade dumplings
Fresh bao buns
Delicious noodle dishes
Chinese-inspired fusion cuisine
Vegetarian options available
Great cocktails
Modern stylish atmosphere
Friendly service
Popular with locals
Worth the short taxi ride from Loki Hostel
Excellent value for money
One of Cusco's highest-rated Asian restaurants

Usage Instructions

Take a taxi (approximately 10–15 minutes) from Loki Hostel to Magisterio, or ask reception to help arrange transportation.

Recommendations

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    Cercanía Pan y Café

    Just one block from Plaza de Armas, Cercanía Pan y Café has earned a reputation as one of the very best artisan bakeries and specialty coffee shops in Cusco. Known for its incredible sourdough bread, buttery croissants, focaccia, pastries, cakes, and expertly brewed Peruvian coffee, Cercanía is a favorite among locals, chefs, and travelers looking for a high-quality breakfast or brunch. Everything is baked fresh daily using slow fermentation techniques and premium local ingredients. Their menu includes artisan sandwiches, avocado toast, seasonal brunch dishes, homemade desserts, and excellent coffee prepared by skilled baristas. The original café is located in Plazoleta Santa Catalina, just behind Arequipa Street and less than five minutes from Plaza de Armas. They also have a second location, Cercanía Obrador, near Plaza Santo Domingo, where many of their breads and pastries are produced fresh every day. Whether you're grabbing coffee before a tour, enjoying a relaxed brunch, or picking up fresh sourdough for your travels, Cercanía is one of Loki Hostel's top food recommendations. Original Café Address Directions Plazoleta Santa Catalina 219, Cusco 08002 Second Location Cercanía Pan y Café - Obrador Santo Domingo, Cusco 08002 Phone / WhatsApp +51 901 563 211 Instagram @cercania_panycafe

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    Flora – Brunch & Coffee

    If you're looking for a great brunch spot in Cusco, Flora – Brunch & Coffee is a must-visit. Located in the heart of San Blas, just a short walk from Loki Hostel, Flora has become a favorite among locals, digital nomads, and travelers for its outstanding specialty coffee, delicious brunch menu, and beautiful atmosphere. Founded by coffee enthusiasts Diego Ormachea and Andrea Flórez, Flora is passionate about showcasing exceptional Peruvian coffee. Many of their beans come directly from their family farm and are prepared using methods like V60, Chemex, espresso, and cold brew, giving guests a truly authentic specialty coffee experience. The menu features fresh, healthy breakfasts, avocado toast, eggs, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, homemade pastries, seasonal dishes, and some of the best coffee in the city. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to work remotely, enjoy brunch with friends, or simply relax after exploring Cusco, Flora offers a bright, modern space with a rooftop view and welcoming atmosphere. Address Warankallki 147, San Blas, Cusco 08001, Peru Flora - brunch & coffee Phone / WhatsApp +51 946 224 943 Instagram @floracafeteria.pe

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    Mundo Antiguo Spanish School

    Want to learn Spanish while exploring Peru? Mundo Antiguo Spanish School is one of the highest-rated language schools in Cusco and one of Loki Hostel's top recommendations. Located in the beautiful San Blas neighborhood, just a short walk from Loki Hostel, Mundo Antiguo offers small group and private Spanish classes for all levels—from complete beginners to advanced speakers. Their experienced local teachers focus on practical conversation, grammar, and cultural immersion, helping students gain confidence while experiencing authentic Peruvian life. With hundreds of outstanding reviews and a 5-star rating on Google and TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice, Mundo Antiguo has earned an excellent reputation for its friendly atmosphere, flexible schedules, and high-quality teaching. Address Cuesta San Blas 561 San Blas Cusco 08000, Peru WhatsApp / Phone +51 933 066 788 Email [email protected] Website https://learnspanishinperu.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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    Tak Thai – Fusion Cuisine

    Looking for something different from traditional Peruvian cuisine? Tak Thai – Fusion Cuisine is one of Cusco's most exciting restaurants, blending the bold flavors of Thailand with the incredible ingredients of Peru. Located in the heart of Cusco's historic center, just a short walk from Plaza de Armas, Tak Thai offers a creative menu featuring dishes like Pad Thai, Thai curries, ceviches with Thai influences, grilled meats, fresh seafood, vegetarian specialties, and beautifully crafted signature cocktails. Every dish combines authentic Thai cooking techniques with locally sourced Peruvian ingredients, creating a unique dining experience that has earned the restaurant outstanding reviews from travelers around the world. Whether you're craving spicy noodles, aromatic curries, fresh seafood, or innovative fusion cuisine, Tak Thai delivers one of the most memorable meals in Cusco. It's also an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners, with plenty of delicious options available. Address Second Floor, C. Hatunrumiyoc 487, Cusco 08002, Peru Phone / WhatsApp +51 912 555 394 Website https://takthairestaurant.com Instagram @takthai.restaurant

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    Vinilos Cusco Record Store

    Whether you're a lifelong collector or just discovering the magic of vinyl, Vinilos Cusco Record Store is a must-visit for music lovers. As Cusco's first dedicated vinyl record store, it has quickly become a favorite among locals, travelers, DJs, and collectors. The shop stocks hundreds of carefully selected records spanning rock, jazz, funk, disco, electronic, hip-hop, indie, Latin music, Peruvian classics, and more. They also carry brand-new releases, limited editions, and hard-to-find albums from around the world. In addition to records, you'll find quality turntables, speakers, cartridges, cleaning kits, sleeves, and accessories from trusted brands like Audio-Technica and Edifier. The knowledgeable owners are passionate about music and always happy to recommend albums, help build your collection, or chat about your favorite artists. Address Jr. Antonio Raimondi G-6 Urbanización Santa Mónica Wanchaq, Cusco 08002 Phone / WhatsApp +51 912 565 605

Loki's Local Picks

Ask anyone at reception where to eat, grab a coffee or spend a rainy afternoon and you'll get an honest answer - because these are the places the Loki crew go on their own days off. No sponsored lists, just the cafes, restaurants, shops and schools we genuinely rate, most of them a short walk from the hostel.

What You'll Find in Our Picks

  • Coffee & brunch: Proper coffee and slow breakfasts for the mornings after the night before.
  • Restaurants: From Thai fusion to local favourites, spots we send hungry guests to again and again.
  • Learn something: Pick up some Spanish at a local school and get more out of your time in Peru.
  • Shops & culture: Record stores and independent shops worth a browse between adventures.
  • All nearby: Most picks are an easy walk from reception, so you can explore on foot.

How to Use These Picks

Ask the Crew

Reception knows these spots inside out and can tell you what's good today, what's busy and how to get there.

Go on Foot

Most of our picks are within walking distance, so lace up and discover the neighbourhood the local way.

Try Something New

A Spanish class, a new cafe, a record you didn't know you needed - these picks are how travellers turn a stopover into a story.

Support Local

These are small, independent Cusco businesses. Choosing them keeps the neighbourhood thriving and your welcome warm.

Loki's Local Picks Questions

How far is Chaina Lab from Loki Hostel?

It's approximately a 10–15 minute taxi ride to the Magisterio neighborhood.

What is Chaina Lab famous for?

Handmade dumplings, bao buns, fresh noodles, and modern Chinese-inspired cuisine.

Is Chaina Lab worth visiting?

Absolutely. It's widely considered one of the best Asian restaurants in Cusco and is a favorite among both locals and travelers.

What does Loki recommend to do near the hostel in Cusco?

The Loki crew keep a list of local favourites - cafes and brunch spots, restaurants, a Spanish school and independent shops like a record store - most of them a short walk from reception. Ask the crew and we'll point you to what's good right now.

Where can I get good coffee or brunch near Loki Cusco?

There are a couple of cafes and brunch spots the crew love just a short walk from the hostel, great for a slow morning or a caffeine fix before you head out exploring. Reception can point you to the closest one.

Can I take Spanish lessons in Cusco while staying at Loki?

Yes - we recommend a local Spanish school where you can take lessons and get more out of your time in Peru, whether it's a few days or a few weeks. Ask reception and we'll help you get in touch.

Are Loki's local picks within walking distance?

Most of them are. We focus on nearby cafes, restaurants and shops you can reach on foot from the hostel, so you can explore the neighbourhood without needing a taxi.

Do you recommend any independent shops or things to do in Cusco?

Beyond food and drink we point guests to independent local spots like a record store and other small shops worth a browse - the kind of places that give you a feel for everyday Cusco.

Are these recommendations free to visit?

The recommendations themselves are free - you just pay the businesses directly for whatever you order or book. We suggest them because the crew genuinely rate them, and reception is always happy to help you find your way there.

Good to Know

Location
Avenida Fortunato Herrera 204, Urbanización Magisterial I Etapa, Cusco
Distance
10–15 minutes by taxi from Loki Hostel
Phone
+51 984 060 107
Website
https://chainalabcusco.com
Highlights
Handmade dumplings, bao buns, noodles, Chinese fusion cuisine