Food and Dining in Ecuador

Best of the jungle fruits include chirimoya, with a delicious custard-like inside; mamey, which has a red, sweet, squash-like meat; and pepinos, a sweet white and purple striped cucumber-like fruit. Specialities include llapingachos (pancakes stuffed with mashed potato and cheese); shrimp or lobster ceviche.

This is traditionally accompanied by popcorn and chifles (thinly sliced and fried green bananas); locro (stew of potatoes and cheese); humitas (flavored sweetcorn tamale); and the national delicacy of roasted guinea pig.

Bakeries offer delicious sweet pastries and empanadas (hot crispy meat-or cheese-filled pastries). Another popular snack is patacones (squashed fried green bananas). You will often find that most Ecuadorian homes have a special pounding stone for making this tasty snack. Restaurants have waiter service and there are cafe-style bars.