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Ecuadorian Food: Traditional Recipes from Ecuador

Ecuadorian food is one of the most varied cuisines in Latin America: seafood and green plantain on the Pacific Coast, hearty potato and corn dishes in the Andes, and a soup for every occasion. Every recipe here is explained step by step, with tips to find the ingredients in the US and Canada.

Ecuadorian soups

Ecuador is a soup country. Start with these two classics.

EncebolladoSoupEncebolladoTuna and cassava soup with pickled onion, the famous hangover cure.FanescaSoupFanescaThe creamy Holy Week soup with salt cod, squash and twelve grains.

Traditional main dishes

Hearty lunches from Ecuadorian markets and family kitchens.

GuatitaMain dishGuatitaTripe and potato stew in a creamy peanut sauce.LlapingachosMain dishLlapingachosCheese-stuffed potato patties with peanut sauce, egg and chorizo.

Classics from the Coast

Green plantain, shrimp and lime: the flavors of Guayaquil and Manabí.

Ecuadorian Shrimp CevicheAppetizerEcuadorian Shrimp CevicheCooked shrimp in a tangy lime and orange broth.Bolón de VerdeBreakfastBolón de VerdeGreen plantain balls stuffed with cheese or pork cracklings.TigrilloBreakfastTigrilloGreen plantain scrambled with eggs and fresh cheese.

Breakfast and wrapped foods

Steamed in leaves and served with black coffee.

Ecuadorian HumitasBreakfastEcuadorian HumitasFresh corn cakes steamed in their own husks.Ecuadorian Tamales with Chicken or PorkBreakfastEcuadorian Tamales with Chicken or PorkFluffy corn dough with chicken or pork, egg, raisins and olives.

Snacks and traditional drinks

The afternoon favorites, perfect for a cold day.

Empanadas de VientoSnackEmpanadas de VientoPuffy fried cheese empanadas dusted with sugar.MorochoDrinkMorochoWarm drink of cracked white corn, milk and cinnamon.Colada MoradaDrinkColada MoradaSpiced purple corn and berry drink for the Day of the Dead.

More Ecuadorian recipes are on the way. Looking for more? Browse our full collection of more than 100 recipes in Spanish.