I visited Puka Rumi after reading reviews that raved about their burritos. I spent several days in Ollantaytambo, Peru, which provided me an opportunity to visit the top rated restaurants in the small village. Because of the bustling tourist trade, Ollantaytambo has a surprisingly large number of small restaurants scattered around the Plaza del Armas, ruins and the small road leading to the train station. The restaurants cover a wide range, from small family restaurants (dives) to fancier dining options.
Puka Rumi does not appear very fancy. The restaurant is located across from the entrance to the Temple Hill ruins. The rather nondescript entrance leads down a narrow hallway into a small courtyard. The kitchen faces the courtyard with the dining area to the left and restrooms to the right (the restrooms are free and stocked with appropriate paper supplies).
When my wife and I entered the restaurant, the server was not standing inside. We waited for a few minutes outside the empty dining area before the waitress arrived and seated us at a table near the front of the restaurant. My apprehension started to grow when I noticed several flies buzzing around the open restaurant. However, the interior appeared clean and well maintained, so I remained seated.
The waitress brought our menus, which were written in English with descriptions of the meals. Because I had read about the awesome burritos, I opted for the beef burrito. My wife selected the chicken burritos, so we ended up sharing. The burritos arrived as two empty tortillas on a ceramic plate. The toppings arrived in separate clay pots. They included a variety of beans, tomatoes, crispy ultra-thin french fries, cheese and guacamole. The french fries were intended to go inside my burritos, but they were awesome. I ate them as a side order and ended up ordering a second bowl. By the time my wife and I finished our meals we were absolutely stuffed.
The menu at Puka Rumi included a limited number of offerings that managed a decent variety of selections. There are three types of burrito to choose from, along with several pizza options and even some local favorites, like Saltado Loma (a beef and vegetable dish in gravy). The pricing was a bit high for Peru, but average for restaurants that are "safe" to eat at. With soft drinks, the total for our diner came in around twenty dollars. At ten dollars each, the price is fair. You can find a better deal with little trouble, but you may regret it in the morning.
Puka Rumi has an interesting atmosphere. From the open windows overlooking the courtyard to the adobe walls, the place has an understated charm. The walls feature a variety of rustic decorations like rope and other implements. Some of the cubby holes in the wall are filled with wine bottles. The front end of the restaurant is consumed by a small bar with overhead racks lined with glasses. The wooden tables are covered with simple cloth coverings and complemented with hardback wooden chairs. The restaurant does not try for a luxurious feel as much as a cozy country charm. On that point, it succeeds.
I enjoyed my meal at Puka Rumi, which is one of the higher rated restaurants in Ollantaytambo. It was the second best restaurant we dined at in Ollantaytambo, behind El Albergue. They made an excellent and filling meal at a reasonable price.
