Ecuadorian Food: 19 Best Ecuadorian Dishes You Have To Try

We didn’t know how passionate the people of Ecuador were about their food until we spent two weeks traveling throughout the country to enjoy different Ecuadorian dishes from different regions. Ecuadorian food amalgamates history, blending indigenous and colonial cooking techniques and dishes. You can taste traditional food with roots in the Amazon, Spanish colonial foods in Quito, and Andean dishes in the surrounding Mountains. While the Ecuadorian coastline is known for its seafood dishes, the inland region has hearty grilled meats and river fish.

The country’s layout and history result in a massively exciting modern cuisine, with plenty of traditional Ecuadorian food to try. Of all the South American countries, Ecuador is one of our favorites in terms of cuisine.

Traditional Ecuadorian Food

It’s hard to pinpoint a single national dish in Ecuador. There are the famed roasted guinea pigs, deep-fried bolon de verde, and grilled pincho meats. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the most traditional foods you must try in Ecuador. Whether you fancy a hearty soup or pan de yuca, we’ll find a traditional Ecuadorian dish for you.

1. Fanesca

Fanesca is a rich, hearty soup deeply ingrained in Ecuadorian culture and tradition, particularly associated with the Easter season. This Ecuador dish symbolizes the fusion of Indigenous and Spanish influences.

The ingredients reflect the country’s biodiversity, incorporating 12 different kinds of beans and grains, such as lentils, peas, corn, and broad beans, each representing one of the apostles. Bacalao (salt cod) is at its center, with milk and pumpkin thickened into a creamy consistency. It is both nourishing and complex in flavor.

It is customarily consumed during Holy Week across Ecuador but visitors can order it at restaurants in Ecuador, particularly in Quito.

Fanesca is often garnished with hard-boiled eggs, fried plantains, cheese, and sometimes empanadas, adding layers of texture and richness.

2. Llapingachos

Llapingachos are a traditional Ecuadorian dish known for their delightful taste and texture. These fried potato cakes are a staple in the country’s cuisine. They are essentially potato pancakes, made from a mixture of mashed potatoes and cheese, seasoned with a hint of annatto for color and flavor.

Once formed into patties, they are pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and gooey on the inside. Llapingachos are commonly enjoyed across Ecuador,…