In 2019, NAZKA made a bold entrance with its contemporary take on Peruvian cuisine. At its core, Peruvian cuisine tells a story of connection—an intricate tapestry woven from continents, cultures, and ingredients. It reflects centuries of migration and cultural exchange, blending African, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous traditions into something uniquely vibrant and profoundly flavorful.

Riding the wave of Peruvian cuisine's growing global acclaim, NAZKA quickly captured the hearts of Amsterdam's food lovers and critics alike, earning a 9+ from Het Parool. The Michelin and Gault&Millau guides soon took notice—and we've remained in the spotlight ever since.

Based in cosmopolitan Amsterdam, we find ourselves at a cultural crossroads, constantly shaped by local and global influences. We embrace this with open arms. Diversity and multiculturalism are integral to our identity. Our team, comprised of over 10 nationalities, reflects the city itself—a vibrant mix of people who now call Amsterdam home. When asked if we are Peruvian, our answer is: yes—and so much more. We are a living amalgamation of cultures, both inherited and embraced. We thrive at these intersections.

No one embodies this better than our chef, Koosh Kothari. Born in Gujarat, India, and raised in Peru, Koosh carries both cultures with pride. His cooking blends Peruvian tradition with Indian flair and Dutch seasonality—an eclectic fusion that honors both legacy and locality.

This approach feels natural. Peruvian cuisine has always been fusion at its heart. At NAZKA, we simply carry this legacy forward. Peruvian-Latin at heart and inspired by global flavors and techniques, we are part of a cosmopolitan tribe, moving fluidly with the waves of inspiration that reach our shores. And we love it.

It is our Latin embrace, bringing you what we call Sabor a tu Vida – a taste of life at its fullest. It’s in those fleeting moments when everything falls into place- the flavours linger, the room glows with laughter, and time seems to pause. A gentle pang of happiness rises, that quiet realisation: this is what life is all about. We cherish creating spaces for those moments to unfold- breezy, beautiful, and full of soul.

Helena and our wonderful team are here to make your time with us feel easy and enjoyable. Got something special in mind? Just drop Helena a line at hola@nazka.nu.

Born in India, raised in Peru, Koosh trained at some of Lima’s top culinary institutions - Le Cordon Bleu, Central, Kjolle, and Mérito. (Yes, that Central, named the world’s best restaurant in 2023 by The World’s 50 Best.) Under the guidance of Virgilio Martínez, he dove deep into Peru’s wildly diverse food landscape, later refining his craft as sous-chef at the rising star Mérito.

After stints in India, Peru, and Mexico, Koosh landed in Amsterdam two years ago—and somehow, it just clicked. He found a new home here. At NAZKA, he brings all those influences together- Peruvian know-how, Indian memories, and the best local ingredients - into a bold, generous cuisine with roots in Peru and flavors from all over.

Raul Lansink founded NAZKA as a bridge between his Dutch life and Peruvian roots. During his early childhood in Venezuela, family visits to Peru were a regular part of life. And after his parents migrated to the Netherlands, Peru remained present through the flavors of his mother’s cooking.

Though the memories of those family gatherings in Lima may have faded over time, the lingering aftertaste of his grandmother’s dishes stayed with him. After building a successful career in advertising and consultancy, Raul felt a pull back to his roots, which led him to open Amsterdam’s first modern Peruvian restaurant.

The passion for Peruvian cuisine runs in the family. Raul’s sister, Katinka Lansink, has become a well-known ambassador for Peru’s food culture through her cookbooks Mi Casa Peru and Cocina Nikkei.