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7 Ecuadorian Food Favorites – What To Eat In Ecuador

Wondering what to eat in Ecuador? Cory Lee shares his tips for seven must-eat traditional Ecuadorian food favorites.

Ecuador Mountains
Image: scornejor /Depositphotos.com

Ecuador is famous around the world for its magnificent natural wonders. Highlights include the renowned Galapagos Islands, the incredible Amazon rainforest and the awe-inspiring Andes mountains.

But many people don’t realize that Ecuador also has a flourishing food scene. With so many great choices, the food in Ecuador is worth a visit on its own.

Ecuador Food Guide | What To Eat In Ecuador

Ecuador Food - Fresh Fruit
Ecuadorian Market | Image: Cory Lee

Ecuadorian cuisine is hearty and unique with a diverse whirlwind of flavors. I’m back from Ecuador and ready to share the seven Ecuador foods that all visitors to this equatorial nation must try.

1. Guinea Pig

Ecuadorian Food - Guinea Pig
Guinea Pig | Image: Cory Lee

If you ever set foot in a traditional outdoor Andean food market, one of the first things you’ll notice are the cages full of guinea pigs. No, it’s not that guinea pigs are the favorite pet of Ecuadorians — instead, they’re a famous Andean delicacy, often cooked or ordered on special occasions. Since my trip to Ecuador was a special occasion, I had to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to try a type of cuisine you won’t find outside these mountains.

If you’re at an Ecuadorian restaurant, simply ask for “cuy” (pronounced koo-ey, rhyming with “gooey”). The guinea pig will come roasted on a spit with some delicious side dishes.

Since the small animals usually don’t have a whole lot of meat on them, you’ll probably need to use your hands to lift the cooked guinea pigs to your mouth in order to lick the bones clean. The flavor is quite similar to duck or rabbit, and it’s finger-licking good!

2. Fried Plantains

Ecuadorian Food - Fried Plantains
Fried Plantains | Image: Cory Lee

Fried plantains are everywhere in Ecuador, and there’s a reason for that! Plantains, which look like large bananas and must be cooked to be consumed, grow abundantly in this tropical country.

Not just a popular Ecuador street food, they’re often served as a side with a meal or can be ordered as an appetizer from an Ecuadorian menu. As a traveler, it’s important to know that there is more than one way to enjoy fried plantains.

Yellow plantains (called “maduros”) are ripe plantains, and when they’re fried they are mushy and sweet, almost dessert-like. Green plantains aren’t ripe, so when they’re fried they maintain a crispier consistency.

When green plantains are twice-fried (this is the norm) they’re called “patacones” and they’re really good with salt, though some people like to dip them in ketchup or mayo.

3. Chocolate

Ecuadorian Food - Cory Lee with Cacao Beans in the Amazon Rainforest
Cory Lee with Cacao Beans in the Amazon Rainforest | Image: Cory Lee

Ecuadorian chocolate has been rated as the best in the world. Local Ecuadorian brand Pacari placed first at the International Chocolate Awards more than once, and for good reason. Try unique flavors like rose, lemongrass, chile, coffee, or even Guayusa – a chocolate bar that mixes decadent cacao with a famous Amazonian tea.

Of course, there are many other local brands of world-class chocolate, and I think they’re all worth a try. With its newfound fame, Pacari and other brands of Ecuadorian chocolate can be found everywhere from indigenous artisanal markets to regular old supermarket shelves, so it’s easy for tourists to come by these popular Ecuador desserts.

Pro Tip
Ecuadorian chocolate makes a great gift for those who weren’t fortunate enough to go to Ecuador with you.

4. Ceviche

Ecuador Ceviche
Ecuadorian ceviche is both flavorful and fresh. | Image: pxhidalgo /Depositphotos.com

Ceviche is something that can be found in a number of Latin American countries, but no one else does it quite like the Ecuadorians. Ceviche comes in many forms, but its base will always be some type of Ecuador seafood with shrimp, fish, lobster, octopus, crab, oyster, or sometimes a mix of one or more of those. Since Ecuador has a long Pacific coastline, whatever fish you pick, it’s bound to be fresh!

The fish sits in a flavorful broth of its own juice, is spiked with lime and sometimes orange juice, and is complemented with finely chopped tomatoes, green peppers, and red onions. It’s often consumed with a side of crunchy plantain chips, which locals love to crush and mix in.

In other countries, like Costa Rica and Peru, ceviche is made by letting raw fish sit in lime but that gives it a tart flavor that many who are new to this type of cuisine don’t enjoy. In Ecuador, however, the fish (or other types of seafood) is often cooked, giving the ceviche a much better consistency, with the flavor of lime present but not overwhelming.

5. Viche

Ecuadorian Food - Viche
Viche | Image: Cory Lee

Since the names are so similar, many travelers confuse viche with ceviche. In reality, the only things they have in common are that they contain seafood and they’re both exceptionally tasty!

Unlike ceviche, which is served cold or room temperature, viche is a thick, hot soup. It’s usually made with fish, shrimp or both which cook in a thick broth made from ground peanuts and water.

In addition to the fish, this Ecuadorian soup includes vegetables like corn, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yucca, sweet plantain and a surprise treat of peanut and green plantain rolled up into a rich, meatball-esque shape. Often consumed with a little bit of rice, this is one of the heartiest soups you’ll ever taste. Viche is a great and filling fuel for your vacation.

6. Bolon De Verde

By tasting a bolon, you’ll witness yet another innovative way that locals base the Ecuador cuisine around the plantain. Green plantains are cooked and smashed, making up a doughy base which is then usually mixed with cilantro as well as an additional ingredient like ground peanuts, local cheese or pork. Sometimes both cheese and pork are added to the mix.

My favorite part about eating a bolon is that you can find it anywhere – on the menu at restaurants and cafes (often for breakfast) or readily available as street food. It makes an excellent breakfast, a light dinner or a filling snack.

7. Encebollado

Encebollado may be Ecuador’s famous hangover cure, but even many sober tourists laud Encebollado as a perfect breakfast or late-night snack. Encebollado is one of those Ecuadorian dishes that Ecuadorian grandmothers cook best, and many families from the coast have their own secret recipes that they swear by. Basically, it’s a stew made with tuna fish and yucca, cooked in an energizing broth filled with mellow spices, red onions, and cilantro.

If you’re eating Encebollado in Guayaquil, one of Ecuador’s major cities, it will often be served with rice and/or large pieces of toasted corn. If you’re eating it coastal style, you’ll find it served with plantain chips which are meant to be crushed up and mixed in.

Perhaps my favorite part about encebollado is that everyone likes to add his or her own touch — some people season it with a dab of ketchup or mustard, while others like to top it with lime juice, hot sauce or even oil.

Final Thoughts

Ecuador Quito
Image: leospek /Depositphotos.com

In summary, travel with an empty stomach and an open mind to the food of Ecuador. Even if you don’t have an adventurous palate, you’re sure to find a local Ecuadorian dish you’ll love — whether it’s a regal bite of guinea pig, a spoonful of warming viche or refreshing ceviche, or a locally-made bar of the best chocolate on earth.

As they say in Ecuador when you’re about to take a bite of something extraordinary – Buen Provecho!

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Ecuador famous for?

Ecuador is famous for Cuy (guinea pig), Fried Plantains, Chocolate, Ceviche and Viche Bolon de Verde.

What is traditional Ecuadorian food?

Traditional food in Ecuador is as diverse as the country itself. The country’s cuisine features soups, stews, fish dishes, fresh produce, chocolate and guinea pig. Yes, guinea pig.

Is it necessary to tip at Ecuador restaurants?

No. Tipping is optional in Ecuador.

What are Ecuador most popular drinks?

People in Ecuador have unique drinks. Typical Ecuadorian drinks include Canelazo, Chicha de Piña, Colada Morada, Horchata Lojana and Pinol.

Is it safe to drink the water in Ecuador?

No. Since the water isn’t chlorinated throughout the country, the safer option is to drink bottle water in Ecuador.

Useful Ecuador Facts

  • Ecuador is in South America.
  • Ecuador’s currency is the US Dollar.
  • Spanish is Ecuador’s official language.
  • Service is often included. If not, it’s typical to round up the bill or leave a small tip.

Ecuador Planning Checklist

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About the Author

After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee’s thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the US when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned fifteen.

Since then, Cory has traveled across 7 continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog curbfreewithcorylee.com, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not so accessible, travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).

Cory has been fetured n the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet and many others. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.

Disclosure

We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.

Original Publication Date: June 20, 2017

Luis Pinos

Sunday 6th of November 2022

Very good descriptions of each plate, Encebollado, Bolon de Verde and Viche, should probably be first in your list. All is good and cold be e very long list if You make it by regions Congratulations

Zairy

Thursday 1st of September 2022

Nice

Barcillo

Thursday 18th of August 2022

Caldo de manguera Guatita Bandera Arroz con menestra y carne. Con chifle o patcones Lo invito a comer en l la costa del Ecuador. Aqui no ha cuy. Pero hay mejor comida

Herly

Saturday 9th of July 2022

Contrary to your comments here, Peruvian "Ceviche" is regarded as the most sought after ceviche around the world. The freshness of fish cooked by lemon in combination with simple but exquisite mix of herbs makes this Peruvian flagship dish the undisputed champion in the world of ceviches. If you are writing for the world to read, I recommend to inform yourself better in the subject so that "your personal preference" does not taint the article. There is social media for personal opinions. Ecuadorian ceviche is good, but it does not even compare to Peruvian ceviche. On a side note, I think your list is backwards, most Ecuadorians I know have recommended " Encebollado" first and " Cuy" last. By the way, you should look up " Cuy chactao" from Arequipa- Peru.

Ronald

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

@Herly, toda la razĆ³n

Rambo

Monday 13th of February 2023

@Herly, Dude I have tried your Peruvian ceviche and it taste terrible, Peru always tries to make Ecuador look bad, donā€™t believe this guy, Ecuador ceviche taste a LOT better, what you are saying in your article is true Ecuadorian ceviche is better.

MarĆ­a Julia

Thursday 28th of July 2022

@Herly, ceviche from Ecuador is completely different from Peru, it is could be the champion worldwide because they didnā€™t try the one from Ecuador which is juicier than the Peruvian ceviche which is dryer and personally I donā€™t like it.

Saul

Friday 27th of May 2022

2. Fried Plantains :You got it wrong. This ones are grilled.. to perfection... this ladies do an amazin job..you have to try it with fresh cheese and sal prieta.

Fried platains are served as well in the majority of restaurants with fresh cheese.

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Monday 30th of May 2022

Thanks for the clarification. We'll let the author know.

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