Alpacas are many people's favorite animal, and it’s no wonder given their adorable appearance. However, now the alpaca is being served up for dinner with increasing regularity. According to Gold Coast Bulletin, there are now over 70 restaurants in Australia offering alpaca meat. Photo: people.cn

The chef of Pastuso, a Peruvian restaurant in Melbourne, says he has been using alpaca in his cooking for four years. The alpaca meat is full of protein and low in fat and cholesterol. Its flavor is closest to that of beef and mutton. Photo: people.cn

Australian chef Matt Moran said he had never tasted the meat of an alpaca until he paid a visit to an alpaca farm. When he finally did, he realized that the taste of the meat was exquisite — especially the meat from the neck area. Photo: people.cn

Early in 2013, alpaca was already being served at the occasional food and wine festival, but back then only 20 Australian restaurants regularly served the animal. Even today, many people still think of eating alpaca as a novelty.Photo: people.cn

In Australia, 1 kilogram of alpaca meat sells for 65 Australian dollars (around 327 yuan). Photo: people.cn