Ecuadorian food is diverse, and underrated.
South American food has some similarities but Ecuador enjoys putting its
own twist on South American favorites, as well as making some pretty unique
dishes of its own.
Each of the country’s three geographic regions, the
Amazon, the Sierra, and the Pacific Coast features its own array of local
delicacies.
Ecuadorian Dishes on the coast normally contain seafood whereas up in
the Andean region you will find more meat, rice and potatoes.
Soups seem to be popular everywhere.
Besides the typical delicacies Ecuador offers its own variety of street
food.
If you are adventurous eater at heart, or even if you prefer more
familiar options, you are sure to find something to enjoy.
Although
street food suffers from bad reputations, Ecuador’s streets offer unique and
delicious options.
And
if you keep few tips in mind (and let your stomach get accustomed to the food
gradually first) it is possible to eat, and enjoy, street food.
Leave
your preconceived notions at the border, and make it a point to step outside
your comfort zone while traveling through the country.
There
are some Ecuadorian street foods that you will find in every region (Coast,
Highlands, Amazon, and Galapagos Islands) of Ecuador and almost every city or
small town.
There
are also some street foods that are very regional and unique to specific
cities.
One
of the best places to find delicious street food is at ferias or local fairs
and fiestas (local festivities).
Other
popular places include markets, main plazas on weekends, beach towns, bus
stops, and at the exits of local schools.
There
are some traditional dishes that are popular at markets and people visit the
markets specifically to be able to eat them.
Keep
in mind that not all street food is cooked equal and if you are worried about the
quality and your health when eating street food, then it’s best to get
recommendations from locals.
I
have gotten very sick from eating Ecuadorian street food.
But
through the years I’ve learnt to recognize the stalls where you can eat safely
and the ones where you cannot.
Always
check how clean the place is and also the utensils, a good thing is to think
about the smell also, does it smell delicious or like something has gone bad.
Many
things can be seen just with the bare eye but an Ecuadorian trick is also to
check how many people are eating in the place compared to the others next to
it.
Usually
the fullest, or the one with most buyers, is the best and safest.
Tips:
1.
Make sure the place is clean looking and smelling, as the person selling and
preparing the food.
2.
Sanitize your hands before eating. Always carry a hand sanitizer with you.
3.
Don’t eat mayonnaise, chili sauce, salads or fresh ingredients without cooking,
or let them come into touch with your food. Sadly these are the ones with most
parasites, and possible diseases.
4.
Make sure the utensils are clean, and clean them with paper towel (and if
necessary with bottled water) again.
5.
Drink only bottled water. Make sure the juices and ice are done from bottled
water.
Extra tip:
Look where the other's are eating. Usually the place that is full has good food, and it is good quality too. If in doubt ask from the hotel reception where to eat, taxi drivers also normally know good places that they can recommend.
