New Atlanta Pop-Up, La Chingana, Serves Peruvian Cuisine Inspired By Chef’s Family Background

Arnaldo Castillo at his last pop up dinner at Gato, toasting with a pisco sour.

Sunny Sin

Arnaldo Castillo has been serving delicious flavors from Latin American regions for years, all over Atlanta. Formerly the executive chef for Ponce City Market’s Minero restaurant, Castillo also cooked for Little Trouble and Empire State South. His new pop-up, La Chingana, serves Peruvian cuisine traditional to his own family’s background. His family is from Lima and regions of northern Peru, and Castillo’s food is served alongside stories from his family tradition. He joined “City Lights” senior producer Kim Drobes via Zoom to talk about La Chingana and the traditions that inspired his cuisine.

Interview highlights:

The life that led to La Chingana: