Traditional Food Of Ecuador: 9 Must-Try Dishes For Your Next Trip
What is the one thing that separates a good holiday from an unforgettable one? The answer is usually the food.
Traveling to Ecuador can be a truly amazing experience, and you would want to make sure that you take advantage of some of its delicious local dishes. So, embark on a scrumptious journey to the enchanting land of Ecuador, where tantalizing flavors and tasty dishes await.
From creamy ceviche to hearty stew, here are nine must-try traditional dishes that will captivate your taste buds during your Ecuadorian food experience:
1. Fritada:
Fritada is a traditional Ecuadorian dish made from fried pork and onions. It’s a popular street food served with potatoes, tomato, lettuce, avocado, and freshly rendered pork fat. The meat is cooked slowly in a pan with onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder until it is golden brown.
It’s usually served with a side of traditional Ecuadorian sauces such as Ají or Salsa Criolla. Fritada can also be made with beef or chicken, depending on preference.
People usually eat Fritada with a side of rice and beans, which is known as “locro de papa” in Ecuador. It’s a hearty meal that will fill you up!
2. Locro De Papas:
Locro de papas, or potato stew, is a traditional dish from Ecuador typically served during special occasions such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It is made with potatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, coriander, and cumin.
The potatoes are boiled until tender and then fried in a pan along with the other ingredients to create a thick, hearty stew. The stew is then served with a side of avocados and yucca. It can also be topped with hard-boiled eggs or cheese.
Locro de papas is the perfect comfort food to enjoy during any special event or just when you need something warm and delicious to eat.
3. Encebollado:
One of the most famous dishes in Ecuador is encebollado, a fish soup with tomato broth. It’s usually made with mackerel or tuna and served with alliums such as onions, cilantro, and green peppers.
The fish is cooked in the broth and then combined with the onion mixture to make a flavorful dish. Often boiled cassava is also added to give it a bit of extra flavor. The soup is usually served with lime juice, popcorn, and plantains for an even more delicious experience.
Encebollado is often enjoyed as breakfast but can be eaten any time of day in Ecuador. It’s a great way to start the day with a warm and filling meal.
4. Fanesca:
Fanesca is a traditional Ecuadorian soup that’s typically served during the Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter. It’s made up of different types of beans, codfish, grains, and vegetables such as squash, corn, and carrots.
The soup is usually served with hard-boiled eggs and topped with fried plantains. Not only is fanesca full of flavor, but it’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a must-try Ecuador food for anyone traveling to Ecuador!
5. Llapingachos:
Llapingachos are traditional Ecuadorian potato pancakes. They are typically made with mashed potatoes, onions, and cheese and served with a fried egg on top.
The traditional preparation method involves grating the potatoes and then forming them into cakes before frying them in oil. Llapingachos is one of the most popular traditional dishes in Ecuador and can be found in restaurants and traditional markets.
6. Cuy:
Cuy is an Ecuadorian food dish made from guinea pig, usually served grilled. It’s a popular dish in Ecuador and can be found throughout the country. The traditional preparation involves stuffing Cuy with an onion and garlic mixture before roasting it over an open flame or wood fire. This gives it a smoky flavor that many people find delicious. If you’re feeling brave, you can try Cuy.
It is definitely an acquired taste, but it’s worth trying at least once if you have the opportunity. The meat is tender and has a unique flavor that many people enjoy.
The dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is often accompanied by a spicy sauce such as aji criollo or chimichurri. It’s a delicious traditional dish you must try during your next trip to Ecuador!
7. Morocho con leche:
Morocho con Leche is a traditional Ecuadorian dish made of maize flour and milk. To create a thick porridge-like consistency, the cornmeal is boiled in water, sugar, and cinnamon. It is usually served with cheese, avocado slices, or Natas (clotted cream).
This comforting pudding-like dish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only is it a delicious savory dish, but it’s also high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. It’s an ideal meal choice for vegetarians or vegans as the main ingredient is maize flour.
The combination of different textures and flavors makes this traditional Ecuadorian dish a must-try during your next trip.
8. Bolon de Verde:
Bolon de Verde is one of the most popular dishes in Ecuador and typically consists of a fried green plantain patty filled with two or three types of cheese, accompanied by a side dish such as chicken, pork, or beef.
The savory flavors make it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. The dish can be served both hot and cold, and is usually topped with tomato salsa, avocado, and fried egg. Bolon de Verde is a great way to experience traditional Ecuadorian cooking while also enjoying the delicious mixture of flavors.
9. Mote Pillo:
Mote Pillo is a traditional Ecuadorian dish that consists of cooked corn kernels and scrambled eggs. The corn is usually boiled until it’s soft, then mixed with chopped cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and spices to create an aromatic combination.
Once the ingredients are all combined, they’re fried in oil. Mote Pillo is served hot and often accompanied by a spicy sauce or cheese. It’s famous for breakfast but can also be enjoyed as a side dish or snack. This hearty, flavorful dish has been an Ecuadorian favorite for centuries and will satisfy your taste buds on your next trip.
Don't Forget To Try Some Desserts
Ecuador is a land of desserts! You can find traditional cakes like Bolon de Verde, a sweet green plantain-based dish made with cheese and eggs.
Melcocha is another dessert commonly served at holidays – its name means “thick honey” in Spanish, consisting of thickened honey infused with cinnamon and oranges.
For something a bit more unique, try the Llapingachos – little potato patties filled with cheese and onion. It’s usually served with spicy peanut sauce or fresh cream.
Lastly, don’t forget to sample some of Ecuador’s traditional ice creams! The country has a variety of flavors, all made with local ingredients like Maracuya and Lulo.
No matter what you choose to try, your visit to Ecuador will be filled with delicious desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Want to learn more about our trips to Ecuador? Click here to get in touch with our Travel Expert Designers for all things Ecuador!
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