10 Must-Try Traditional Foods in Ecuador You Can’t Miss

Ecuadorian cuisine is vibrant, diverse, and packed with flavor, yet it remains underrated internationally. For those lucky enough to visit this South American country, the local dishes are a must-try, offering a unique experience through every bite. From hearty stews to refreshing seafood dishes, Ecuadorian food caters to all tastes.

Here are the 10 best traditional Ecuadorian foods to try, perfect for food enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike.

Visiting Ecuador: A Food Lover’s Dream

Ecuador is an ideal destination for culinary exploration, offering a mix of highland, coastal, and Amazonian flavors.

Ecuador is a vibrant country with diverse landscapes. From the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest, it offers rich cultural and natural experiences. Travelers can explore bustling markets, historical sites, and stunning natural beauty.

BOOK YOUR TOUR: You can book your tour in Quito. Travelers can also book their Quito gastronomy tour in advance.

Booking a tour to enjoy some of the highlights of Ecuador is feasible! I decided to bring that magic to you, by joining an amazing tour operator.  By filling out this form I will be able to start working on your perfect trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Visiting the Galapagos Islands

While in Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are a must-visit. Known for their unique wildlife, these islands offer more than just natural beauty.

The Galapagos Islands, a part of Ecuador, are world-famous for their unique wildlife. Visitors can witness giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and various bird species.

While the Galápagos Islands are famous for their unique wildlife, they also offer a chance to sample Ecuadorian cuisine.

Book a tour to Galapagos

Booking a tour to enjoy the amazing Galapagos Islands is possible! I decided to bring that magic to you, by joining an amazing tour operator.  By filling out this form I will be able to start working on your perfect trip to the Galapagos Islands.

If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.

10 Must-Try Traditional Foods in Ecuador

Here’s a quick guide to 10 traditional foods you can’t miss in Ecuador:

Cazuela

This hearty stew, made with seafood and green plantains, is a coastal favorite.

Learn more about this tasty dish that is our favorite.

Hornado

Roasted pork with crispy skin, hornado is served with potatoes and llapingachos (cheese-stuffed potato patties).

Another dish not to miss out on is hornado.

Ceviche

A refreshing dish made with shrimp or fish marinated in citrus, perfect for warm days.

You will find that there are different versions and variations to ceviche  in Latin America, and  for us Ecuadorian ceviche is one of our best and most tasty dishes.

Empanadas de Viento

These “wind empanadas” are filled with cheese, fried until golden, and dusted with sugar.

There are several empanadas, doughs and flavors to choose from and for us empanada de viento is a delicious option.

Locro de Papas

A creamy potato soup with cheese and avocado, perfect for a chilly day.

I recently heard of a book showcasing over 500 different traditional Ecuadorian soups, so today I will only share my favorite Andes one, locro.

Melcocha

This sweet, chewy candy made from sugarcane is popular in towns like Baños.

There are nowadays melcochas that have different flavors, as traditionally they were made from sugarcane and that was the only one.

Bizcochos

Crumbly, buttery biscuits are often served with hot chocolate or fresh cheese.

For us, having my mom’s side of the family in Ibarra, eating bizcochos has been and is a must on our road trips from Quito to Otavalo or Ibarra.

Humitas

These steamed corn cakes, wrapped in corn husks, are slightly sweet and filling.

There are humitas, quimbolitos and tamales, there are also chiguiles and there are now timbulos and all are unique and delicious in their own way. Try one of them at least while you visit the country.

Fritada

Delicious pork pieces seasoned and cooked to perfection are usually served with hominy.

Fritada is a tasty savory dish you should try and that is mostly found during a road trip from Quito to Ibarra.

Llapingachos

Potato patties with cheese typically served with a side of chorizo or fried egg.

In a country nestled in the Andes cordillera, potatoes abound, and so are the different ways of cooking and preparing them we have in Ecuador, llapingachos is one of the delicious dishes made with this ingredient.

Fanesca

And if you are lucky and are here around Easter, you should definitely try to taste some fanesca.

Interesting Ecuadorian food facts

Chigüil or chibil,  (not the same as humita and tamal), is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of Ecuador’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Quito or the serene landscapes of Guaranda, Azuay, or Cañar,  this traditional street food is a must-try. Make sure to sample chigüil or chibil, at a local festival and bring a bit of Ecuador home with you.

Another dish we recommend trying while you are in Latacunga or on a road trip from Quito to the Cotopaxi Volcano, or from Quito to Cuenca passing through Latacunga is the delicious chugchucaras. 

Conclusion

Ecuador’s food scene is truly a hidden gem, offering a variety of dishes that delight the senses. These 10 best traditional Ecuadorian foods to try will make your trip unforgettable, whether you’re exploring Quito’s markets or relaxing in the Galápagos. Make sure to seek out these dishes to experience the full depth of Ecuadorian flavor.

Enjoy!

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Have you tried any of these dishes? Leave your comment below!

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Want to Learn to make some of these dishes and many more? Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America, This book comprises 500 well-written recipes from all Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, providing great information and recipes of the exciting food you can prepare at home. At the same time, you plan your visit to South America.

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