300 Ingredients, 1 Tasting Menu, World's 6th Best Restaurant

Chef Virgilio Martínez is dedicated to sourcing, archiving, and serving native Peruvian ingredients at Central in Lima, which has been voted one of the world’s 50 best restaurants. In this episode of Immersed, Virgilio takes us through a typical day at Central, where he investigates and integrates indigenous ingredients into the menu of contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
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[@mychannel29]

I'm travelling the world viting many contries, different cities and to this day I haven't found a single place that has better food than Peru. Trust me, they have unbelievably good food.

[@ants08031236414]

Totally agree!

[@JosiahWarren]

Oh my god food. You eat it and then it becomes sht. This is the most magnificent thing in human experience . Ever. Poops

[@JosiahWarren]

This incoherent baker is imprtant only because wimin want to go for brunch on sunday morning to post photos on instagram

[@as1mov666]

@@JosiahWarrenhahhaha you're pathetic bro you can't even spell anything right

[@user-cn2ft7ir1g]

He is literally the Peru Willy Wonka

[@harrytomandl]

jajaajajaajj

[@sweetblue8886]

Jjjajaja

[@Smileater]

Accurate description ❤

[@vengefulspirit99]

This guy is an absolute monster. He's basically living the food life.

[@miggysalazar9177]

Guy? Wtf

[@actualangel5133]

Monster 👹????

[@JosiahWarren]

And thats the most important thing in 2023. Potatoes

[@goblingimp195]

This guy is an inventive chef and obsessed scientist wrapped in one

[@arnasbananas1146]

Im assuming thats a good thing?

[@pututunik8748]

@@arnasbananas1146 *perhaps*

[@GentleGrenade]

the sad thing is that you get paid 12-17/hr to have the knowledge of a cook, and an experienced scientist in the Food Industry. Its pathetic.

[@goblingimp195]

@@arnasbananas1146 Yeah he searches for new stuff, experiments with cooking methods and logs his findings, sounds good to me

[@joshy.poo1247]

Paulie yeah But at least he has the chance to do what he loves and found his passion. Not many people who earn a lot more can say the same.

[@mereth13]

I have so many questions now. This deserves a full-length documentary.

[@fowdandanfow]

Mereth watch chefs table on netflix, he’s got a whole episode to himself

[@_StandardIssue]

Here you go: www.imdb.com/title/tt6546636/

[@r31ya]

Pretty sure anthony bourdain have visited this man in his ccn travel. I would recommend that episode

[@bathwindow]

@@fowdandanfow thank you very much

[@javiercarballosa5084]

His name is virgilio Martinez. Look him up.

[@ngaston-mcdonald3744]

The artistry and science involved with his labor of love is awe inspiring. This is the kind of work that not only seems fulfilling but feels less like a job, more like getting paid for an obsessive hobby. If we could all find passion in what we do on this level.

[@EGOCOGITOSUM]

hobby? do you have any idea how much people like him sacrifice?

[@AbsurdJosh]

@@EGOCOGITOSUM People can sacrifice for a hobby. He turned a hobby into a career.

[@ngaston-mcdonald3744]

@@EGOCOGITOSUM I'm not calling his sacrifice a hobby. I'm calling the pleasure he takes in it more like a hobby and less like a job. I think you misinterpret the context of my post

[@Smileater]

What a nice and observant comment

[@ghunmape4145]

This guys deserves more recognition for what he does, literally that’s his home, he is so passionate about nature that it motivates to find your passion and show it to the world. thanks munchies.

[@feoysabroso]

Few years ago he was chosen the best chef in the world for that year by the culinary community

[@VinylHead94]

His restaurant Central is now the best in the world! What a journey!

[@shuang90740]

We ended our Peru trip with a meal at Central & it was amazing to see diverse ingredients from all over Peru represented in a single meal (15 courses). Even the non-alcoholic drinks pairing was amazing. No other restaurant can compete with the sheer uniqueness of the experience at Central. A must-try if you’re in Peru. It’s incredible!

[@losfrail6142]

I live in peru and my eyes boggle at the price. Considering the fact that native peruvians earn less, would you recommend saving up for a visit to Central?

[@enzopatricio1390]

@@losfrail6142 650 soles por persona, lo vale!

[@losfrail6142]

@@enzopatricio1390 Tendré que comenzar a ahorrar desde ahora entonces. Ya veré si el siguiente año tendré suficiente para ir a cenar allí. :v

[@actualangel5133]

@@enzopatricio1390 how many soles is a dollar 💵???

[@santiagocernasalcedo866]

@@actualangel5133 it's 3.79 soles

[@ImranAli-qj4ir]

First chef I've seen on the internet who has so many books in his workplace 🔥

[@Ace______]

Dudes not a chef. He's a scientist. Man I wish I was as passionate about anything as he is about food

[@marcelloruiz9032]

I’ve been to Central twice and had both of their tasting menu’s as well as drink menu’s and the culinary journey was incredible. The environment of the restaurant was extremely modern and elegant and the food was delicious and sophisticated. Definitely going back again soon for this one of a kind experience.

[@Jackydiamond]

Bienvenidos a Perú

[@themostpiola]

This is Perú for the world We are almost closer to become the #1 Food and the world and this man is representing us such well

[@ysach.891]

and now one year later :) Central #1! ... Peruvians should be proud of our diversity.

[@linezero3]

Ever since i saw Chef's Table, i've been obsessed with Virgilio's work !

[@kinngrimm]

When i hear the saying 'we are standing on the shoulders of giants', i think of people like him. Collecting, Conserving and creating new out of a huge cultural fundament. Peru is lucky to have him, even though not many people of Peru may be able to afford to dine there.

[@ProfessorFatMan]

Not many in Peru probably know him.

[@Arima-kun]

@@ProfessorFatMan he and Gaston Acurio (another top chef) are famous in Peru

[@anonymousperson6084]

@@ProfessorFatMan How would you know, are you peruvian?

[@themostpiola]

I thought you mean Oasis

[@GBCrOnIkGB]

I love how peruvian food is on the map.

[@JoseArias-od1mh]

soy de Perú y ahora estoy empezando a trabajar en un restaurante aquí en Sydney, tu historia me inspira.

[@StefanyeAndrea]

To live his life whew I mean he has completely become his passion which is amazing. His restaurant is like a Willy Wonka chocolate factory and he is the man behind the operations. Much respect to this man and the time and effort he puts into being great at what he does.

[@MrMoose233]

Man this guy should be a Hogwarts professor because what hes doing seems magical.

[@therealkingfrances3242]

This is crazy, my family and I just got back from vacation in Peru.. this was the best restaurant ever!

[@dieguismama2330]

THE REAL KING FRANCES how much was it?

[@klayman2]

@@dieguismama2330 their site sets reservations at $180 usd most of the dishes themselves are around $14-25 a piece

[@Jackydiamond]

Gracias por visitar Perú

[@nastynate838]

Munchies has been putting out some really good content , lately ! good shit , guys 👌🏾

[@bkeene12]

Definitely agree, imagine the refrain and will power it took the director and producer not to focus on Bill Gates as one of the guest @12:35 and keep the focus on the chef, his story and his out-of-this-world food.

[@BeKoed]

pLeAsE dOn ' T pUt SpAceS bEtWeEn CoMmAs , tHaNkS .

[@Paul-kdat23]

This guy (Virgilio) and his team. Thank you for caring so much about what comes from the ground in a natural way. The effort required, is beyond most people to preserve our Heritage. Thank you Central, Muchas Gracias!

[@christophercremo3020]

Brilliant. A master stroke. Unique is not a strong enough word to describe what this man has created. May he live many years.

[@nicolasmoya9156]

I ate here with my friend 3 years ago and oh my goodness the food taste absolutely incredible and Virgilio is an amazing person and chef. Hands down best food I've had in my life!

[@playersclubworldwide]

#1 in 2023!! Go back and film again, let’s get an update 🙏

[@eduardofreddycotrina2389]

2023 the best of the world . Greetings from Lima Peru we are waiting for you.

[@gab.lab.martins]

Viva Sudamerica! Virgilio makes me so proud and emotional of being from this great continent. I want to work with him for at least a few months.

[@owenedwards9807]

Very inspiring guy, he is obsessed but in a healthy way which is extremely rare I feel.

[@katery28]

This guy better watch out for me, I just put red pepper flakes and parsley (freshly harvested from stop n’ Shop) in my ramen noodles.

[@aus-li]

I think you have massive potential to be a great chef!

[@SurprisinglyDeep]

Looks like somebody's gunning for the guy in the video's crown lol

[@markozejak1122]

Nice, can i call you a chef?

[@into_the_void]

(☉｡☉)!(ﾉ*0*)ﾉヽ(｡◕o◕｡)ﾉ.＼(◎o◎)／ヾ(*’Ｏ’*)/✧\(>o

[@MyHotStream]

Pretty amazing, and something we've lost in the modern age. Really would like to see more of this all around the world. Not just farm to plate, or "buy local" it's really about looking locally, historically, perhaps bringing back the foods and ingredients lost to modernity. So much lost but so much to regain as well.

[@chylli1921]

The place is legit both a lab and a restaurant at the same flippin time!!

[@danartriatmojo]

If there's 5 Michelin stars, this chef should be one of those to earn it.

[@MarcosAmparo]

This is the guy from Chefs Table on Netflix. I really want to go to Peru for this restaurant.

[@rmknicks]

I was just in Lima last year and I didn't go to Central. Damn it!

[@jofmantivar9710]

Dont go without first reading reviews on google from this restaurant. Many complain for the really tiny portions other the food dont have taste and $$$$$.

[@rmknicks]

@@jofmantivar9710 But it looks like a fun experience so I probs would have found it worth it. I'm on vacation anyway so the $$$ is whatever.

[@TheRootsRiders1]

@@jofmantivar9710 Yeah must be pretty bad since it's only ranked 6th best restaurant in the world, let's stick to Mc Donalds.

[@Matzes]

@@jofmantivar9710 you book a table in the 6th Best restaurant in the World and complain about The prices (that you knew before). People will buy a fucking iPhone that was made in China or whatever for 1000$, never complain.. But if They have to spend a few Hundred bucks on food and tastes that are unique in this World, where Hundreds of people obsessively work for to achieve... Then they complain.

[@dolibasumatary1308]

My one of the favourite chef, who not only cares about food but also this world, nature.. One of the most inventive and creative chef of this generation..

[@nastynate838]

Doli Basumatary absolutely

[@Marcelino44]

He is living proof of how knowledgeable and what a master chef is

[@jackinparadise]

He is a chef version from the movie “perfume”

[@sanketochavan]

imagine the bond that one will develop with peru after working here.

[@masterdeepzie5851]

Well, my cup noodle got 300+ types of chemicals and MSG.

[@aznthy]

Most fast food has MSG, whats your point, you moron.

[@Ru77ian]

you add MSG to that list like it’s bad for you, why?

[@chuarh7393]

Master Kuo msg literally has the same effect on your body as salt. Stop whining about how msg is bad for u. Msg can be obtained naturally too mushrooms so it's not some poisonous synthetic chemical

[@SniPYo]

MSG scare is created by Westerners

[@kidyuki1]

Sweet Jesus, you guys. I know there's been a lot of misinformation about MSG and people baselessly saying that it's dangerous, but like chill with the witch hunt. They just said that cup noodles have MSG, and you're all like "WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT MSG?? ARE YOU SAYING BAD THINGS ABOUT MSG??? HOW DAAAAARE YOU!!!!"

[@kathyerickson9402]

It feels like the Noma of Peru. Love the endless curiosity about everything around him!

[@alexbielovich]

Was looking for this comment.

[@ryanhartwell6972]

That chef is a Artist.His presentation is phenomenal.

[@gilyorell1100]

OMG!!! now am so proud to be a PERUVIAN!..

[@LiberalsCauseCancer]

This guy gives Puck a run for his money when it comes to attention to detail and vision..... remarkable that he is so young

[@eatmyshorts2007]

Ate here last year, it was an unforgettable experience!

[@jeraimie]

They could film a series on this place, the traveling, the menu.

[@constellacion]

Verte y escucharte es despertar el amor a nuesttra naturaleza. Gracias!

[@barbj672000]

I love this man and his approach to food. I would love to be his intern!!

[@jacobmullins3838]

I literally talked to this man yesterday! I knew i recognized him, he was in the restaurant i work at and asked me how it works. I can’t believe i didn’t remember who he was

[@octopu5ie]

Do you work in a restaurant in Peru? :)

[@jacobmullins3838]

@@octopu5ie no I work at Greenstreet smoked meats in Chicago, 90% sure this legend was there

[@adamgordon3465]

Nothing but Respect it’s amazing what he has done 🤯 if your in the restaurant business this is want you desires to do

[@estevesmartins7935]

That’s the most chilled / relaxed Michelin chef I’ve ever seen…

[@dee5903]

I am a fan. He is a master

[@jephaniadarngawn6782]

Voted the best restaurant in 2023👏

[@silverplayr6988]

Nowadays world´s best restaurant, what a journey, completely deserved.

[@Soopatone]

So creative. I would love to taste everything in that restaurant.

[@dark2light96usaisa9]

I'm going to Peru one day for sure! Fantastic to see this :) we have lost a great deal of diversity in the grain, fruits, and veg that we eat.

[@RFrancisName]

Muy impresionante la atención a detalle de cada paso de el proceso. Indudablemente una labor monumental una inversión gigantesca y muchos años de trabajo. Me encanta ver qué todos exhiben pasión por su rol en el restaurante.

[@Brahlam]

Really inspiring to see people passionate about a specific topic like this.

[@hitman99687]

*Gordon Ramsay has left the chat*

[@jordon8485]

Spelt his name wrong bud lol

[@alfonsogarcia3461]

roflol

[@soldn6068]

@@jordon8485 who gives a shit if he spelt his name wrong BUD

[@simplelife6318]

His restaurant in london is one of the best in the world his chef de cuisine Matt abe is one of the best palates on the planet and one of the most talented chefs not talking shit but worlds 50 best list doesn’t mean shit its just bunch of rich people who vote which one is the most worth it? But who can really define whats the best restaurant if everyone has different perspectives and approach to food?

[@soldn6068]

@@simplelife6318 the guy in the video has restaurant in london ?

[@rogerfournier3284]

Extremely passionate about food! My father had a Mexican restaurant while growing up. I would like to work for this man for free. I would love to live in Peru!

[@BallisticKnifeJesus]

If someone showed me only clips of the food and told me it was from an alien world I would totally believe it

[@Charcoal_Ranger]

I don't normally buy into these "we're revolutionizing food" things but these people literally actually are! I have never ever seen people so visibly committed to food. Good on ya mate!

[@eliaschefpenamartinez]

This CHEF is awesome! Thank you for this video.

[@justary_9790]

Proud Peruvian ❤️🇵🇪

[@josevelazquez1874]

VIRGILIO EVOLUCIONA Y LLEVA EL SABOR Y COCINA DEL PERÚ CON AMOR Y PASIÓN

[@liamhalliday8437]

Awesome video, and I have to say, I was so impressed with the chef, and his obvious passion.

[@Nero.Was.Also.Pharaoh]

This is an exciting concept. What a wonderful way to celebrate the land of your country! I would love to see every region on the planet have a type of restaurant like this one. That would be an interesting theme of travel, and I hope it catches on.

[@hirat9730]

Huge respect for him for preserving and introducing the flavours of his region.

[@jeffward1106]

Great video. I truly hope that guy's head doesn't explode. He is a genius. Awesome work.

[@adammoore7447]

Great video! I can't really afford Central, so I appreciate you showcasing Virgilio and his restaurant.

[@youtriggered_7436]

Majestical. Good to go out of comfort zone and cook

[@adolfobriceno1635]

Awesome. Can't wait to come to Peru and try their rich gastronomy

[@raysilva6175]

Wow! I thought the Noma and Alinea guys were creative. This guy is truly next level!

[@chichifierce4480]

My experience of Central was amazing he is an artist and Peru is his palet so many amazing produce there ( ancient corn , native potatoes , coc aleaf raw cocoa )

[@ekingmasterpuppets]

i wish there was a restaurant like this for indian food in India. Instead of doubling down on what its become famous for, unearthing food and culture that is almost lost.

[@aryamanparashar3238]

yeah man for sure, especially in far flung places like Himachal. loads of ingredients could be uncovered there.

[@richardkennethantolin7016]

you already have a national treasure named gaggan

[@stefanocardenas581]

open one, who and what is stopping you

[@danielvaldez9946]

It would look like that but twice the size and twice the staff. Its not just about the food, its also about chasing stories and things we can learn from each ingredient. In Peru we have 33 million people. For the billion people and thousands of stories you have in India itll take quite an operation!

[@adriang3492]

There is one but its in Thailand, it's run by Gaggan Anand eatatgaggan.com/ amazing Chef, I think he was on Chef's Table too if I remember correctly.

[@Torontoflatlander]

This was a fantastic video, the highest quality I've seen from this channel. Bravo.

[@parthmache4733]

Extremely talented awesome

[@irishelk3]

Looks incredible, would be nice to see more of this place, any other shows about it?

[@basunka1817]

Chef's table in Netflix, Virgilio Martínez is the chef

[@irishelk3]

@@basunka1817 Thank you amigo.

[@carlosmelendez9342]

I wonder how much dinner service cost this guy is badass

[@figpinfiles6584]

Around $175 for a 15-18 course meal. Also, six month waiting list.

[@svvinia]

Am I just high or also felling sad because of thinking how many undiscovered spicies were burnt out in Amazon?:x

[@albertochavez4774]

This is insane I freaking love it man

[@pututunik8748]

6:04 man i though my grandma is odd when she ate clay, turns out im wrong

[@characato2188]

That's art my man

[@jefreetp1483]

Amazing🙌🏻 I love Perú❤️

[@feliperubio5836]

Gracias Virgilio, from Perú

[@joshuavalentino1118]

this one's on a whole other level.

[@valeriantsiklauri3928]

OMG thanks for the awesome video!!!

[@belia1313]

This reminds me of NOMA same idea but different Country and Culture yet bringing nature and fusing them together to create exotic and delicious dishes excellent!!!!

[@bijsh7340]

I don't have a stomach and wallet to fit in all 300 ingredients

[@pfmcoop]

it's under 200 USD

[@Zahrul3]

@@pfmcoop Flying to peru is at least 1000 usd a person, those who fly in just for the food are definitely rich

[@pfmcoop]

Zahrul3 if you fly out of Miami you can usually find round trips from 500 USD. There’s plenty more to see in Peru so I doubt people would fly in JUST for the food. If they do they’re missing out and burning money

[@agustinflores2990]

Cada platillo es una obra de arte

[@ezekieltadese2246]

Very inspirational!

[@sallyjayne777]

Who wants to go to Lima, Peru with me

[@rakithadc7424]

absolutely awesome! keep it up!

[@FootBS]

no.1 next year. 🎉

[@thegrynne]

The scale of that kitchen is immense! It’s like a factory.

[@theapotheosisofgdot2294]

A true test kitchen

[@Fiestasantiagochuco]

Peru is amazing!!!

[@M3du5ana]

This is amazing!

[@jommykahlhoefer5625]

12:35 even Bill Gates likes the food

[@jonascampos1895]

So complex and inspiring

[@cristiangarcia1260]

He is like a scientist / anthropologist / chef / genius / crazy person

[@nuraishamahesabdullah9622]

Super duper respect !

[@rascalw.492]

A food wizard.

[@Fallwax]

the creativity is fucking insane