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What to eat in Ecuador? Top 97 Ecuadorian Foods

Last update: Thu Mar 27 2025
Top 97 Ecuadorian Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Ecuadorian Foods

01

Side Dish

AMBATO, Ecuador
4.5
Llapingacho
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Llapingachos are typical Ecuadorian potato patties that are often served with a spicy peanut sauce on the side. They consist of cheese and mashed potatoes. The combination of those ingredients is flattened and cooked on a griddle until it develops a golden-brown color.


Llapingachos are traditionally served as a side dish along with avocadoes, salads, fried eggs, pork, and chorizo.

Serve with

MOST ICONIC Llapingacho

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02
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Arroz con camarones is a dish that is popular throughout Latin America, especially in Peru, Ecuador and Mexico. It consists of rice that is cooked in a flavorful shrimp broth, combined with shrimp, peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, garlic, and achiote, with the addition of finely chopped parsley used for garnishing.


Arroz con camarones can be served with numerous accompaniments such as lime wedges, hot sauce, avocado slices, or fried plantains.

03
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Encebollado is the national dish of Ecuador, a fish soup that is characterized by a large amount of onions. Very useful in curing hangovers, the dish is made with fresh tuna meat, cassava root, tomatoes, onions, coriander, and various spices. Tomatoes, onions, chili, coriander, and cumin form a pungent mix and a base for the soup, called sofrito, while pickled onions go either on top of encebollado or into it, giving it its name that is literally translated to onioned.


The soup originates from Ecuador's coast during the time when the fishers were out at sea and made the soup out of necessity. As they had some spices, and fresh fish was readily available, encebollado was created and became widely consumed throughout the country. 

MOST ICONIC Encebollado

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04
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Fanesca is a unique Ecuadorian soup characterized by its thick consistency, consisting of fresh Andean grains, beans, peas, and lentils, combined with salt cod cooked in milk. There should be 12 different grains and beans in the soup, symbolizing the 12 disciples, as the soup is prepared only during the Easter festivities.


Fanesca is traditionally served in round bowls, garnished with fried plantains, parsley, and hard-boiled eggs.

MOST ICONIC Fanesca

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05
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Caldo de bolas is a traditional dumpling soup originating from Ecuador, and it's also popular in the Tumbes region in Peru. In order to prepare the dumplings, cooked ripe plantains are mashed, mixed with eggs and shaped into a ball. The dumplings are filled with a combination of ground beef, garlic, peanut butter, onions, and bell peppers.


The soup is made with a combination of oil, onions, bell peppers, stock, cumin, tomatoes, salt, and hot peppers. The dumplings are then dropped into the simmering broth and cooked until tender. Once done, caldo de bolas is usually garnished with chopped coriander and served hot.

MOST ICONIC Caldo de bolas

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06
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Traditional Ecuadorian fritada is a dish which consists of diced pork boiled down in water and left to fry in its own drippings. Pork is generously seasoned, while onions and garlic are usually cooked alongside the meat. Depending on the region, potatoes, plantains, hominy, fava beans, or corn can be served as side dishes accompanying tender and juicy chunks of pork.


Fritada has been eaten in Ecuador for centuries, and it can be found in many traditional restaurants and typical roadside eateries, popularly called huequitos.

MOST ICONIC Fritada

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07

Street Food

ECUADOR and  one more region
4.2
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Typically associated with Ecuador and the Peruvian region of Piura, chifles are thinly sliced, fried green plantains. They can be sliced crosswise or lengthwise, and while homemade varieties are usually sold as a convenient and portable street food item, they also come in form of factory-produced snacks that are available in supermarkets.


Chifles are typically sided with charqui - shredded dried and salted meat - or other snacks. Similar versions of fried plantains are found in many Latin American countries such as Guatemala, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.

08

Bread Roll

ECUADOR and  one more region
4.2
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Pan de yuca is a traditional bread consisting of cassava flour, eggs, and cheese. It is usually shaped into small, round balls. The bread is popular throughout Colombia and Ecuador, although there are variations on pan de yuca throughout Latin America.


It makes for a delicious warm appetizer or an afternoon snack, preferably paired with a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.

09

Pancake

ECUADOR and  6 more regions
4.2
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Cachapa, chorreada, arepa de choclo, güirila, toquera, tortilla de choclo, and tortilla changa, are all names that describe a Latin American corn dish that can be categorized as either a pancake, tortilla, or flatbread, depending on the country.


It can be made only of corn or have additional ingredients like sugar, water, milk, salt, butter, cheese, and oil. They are typically prepared by street vendors and are either fried or griddled (in Nicaragua, they’re cooked between two banana leaves!) and characterized by a sweet-savory flavor. 
10
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This classic Ecuadorian soup is made with a combination of onions, garlic, potatoes, annatto, cumin, milk, and queso fresco. The soup is simmered until the ingredients become fully cooked, and the cheese is then mixed in until it melts. Locro de papa is served hot, topped with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and ají hot sauce, which is the reason why this hearty soup is especially popular on colder days.


If desired, choclo corn can also be added to the soup for extra flavor. The word locro is derived from the Quechua word ruqru, which means stew, while papa means potato.

OTHER VARIATIONS OF Locro
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Breakfast
EL ORO PROVINCE, Ecuador
4.1
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Stew
SANTA ELENA PROVINCE, Ecuador
4.1
15
Fish Soup
ECUADOR  and  one more region
4.0
16
17
Vegetable Dish
ECUADOR  and  4 more regions
3.7
18
Pork Dish
LATACUNGA, Ecuador
3.4
19
20
Pork Dish
CARCHI PROVINCE, Ecuador
4.1
21
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23
Sweet Bread
ECUADOR  and  2 more regions
3.9
24
Cheese Dessert
LOJA PROVINCE, Ecuador
3.9
25
Soup
LOJA PROVINCE, Ecuador
3.7
26
Freshwater Fish Dish
PASTAZA PROVINCE, Ecuador
n/a
27
Fish Soup
PASTAZA PROVINCE, Ecuador  and  one more region
n/a
28
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Ecuadorian Food Producers

01
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AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Flos Olei - The Best

2024

BEST Aceites Almenara Olive Oils
02

Chocolate

QUITO, Ecuador
4.5
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Pacari Chocolate, based in Quito, Ecuador, is dedicated to producing high-quality organic chocolate. They maintain a direct relationship with small-scale farmers, ensuring fair trade practices. Pacari uses only native Arriba Nacional cacao, which is recognized for its unique flavor profile.


Additionally, their chocolate has won numerous international awards, emphasizing their commitment to quality and innovation in crafting fine chocolate.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze

2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

BEST Paccari Chocolates
03
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Conexión Chocolate, based in Quito, Ecuador, produces premium chocolate made exclusively from Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional cacao beans. The company emphasizes direct relationships with local farmers and focuses on sustainable, organic farming practices.


They offer a range of products, including chocolate bars, couverture, and cocoa powder.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2018, 2017

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

04
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Hoja Verde Chocolate, based in Quito, Ecuador, produces high-quality chocolates using locally sourced cacao. The company focuses on organic, fair-trade products and is committed to sustainable farming practices. Hoja Verde’s chocolate range includes single-origin bars that highlight the unique flavors of Ecuadorian cacao.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2018, 2017

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2022, 2018, 2017, 2016

05

Chocolate

QUITO, Ecuador
4.3
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Huma Chocolate, based in Quito, Ecuador, specializes in producing high-quality artisanal chocolates. The company focuses on sustainability, sourcing organic and fair-trade cacao from local farmers. Huma Chocolate utilizes traditional practices combined with modern techniques to craft a variety of chocolate products.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze

2023

BEST Huma Chocolate Chocolates
06
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Llankhay Chocolate is a Quito-based chocolate producer that specializes in high-quality, artisanal chocolate. They use locally sourced cocoa beans from various regions of Ecuador, known for their rich biodiversity, which contributes to the distinct flavor profiles of their chocolates.


Llankhay Chocolate is involved in sustainable practices, focusing on ethical sourcing and supporting local farmers.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2018

07
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AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2015

BEST Productos Sks Farms Chocolates
08
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Republica del Cacao is a chocolate producer based in Quito, Ecuador. They focus on sustainable production practices and primarily use locally sourced cacao from small-scale farmers. The company is dedicated to preserving the diverse cacao varieties of Ecuador, contributing to both biodiversity and the local economy by supporting traditional cacao farming methods.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Ecuadorian Food Products

01
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AWARDS

Flos Olei - The Best

2024

02
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AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

03
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Juniper-Enebro is a chocolate product made by Paccari Chocolate. This product is one of the many varieties offered by Paccari, a company renowned for its commitment to producing premium organic chocolate. It is infused with the distinct flavor of juniper berries, providing a unique taste experience that sets it apart from traditional chocolate flavors.


Paccari Chocolate emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring that their products are made with high-quality, organic ingredients sourced from Ecuadorian farmers.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2019

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2020

04
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Tutu Iku 70% chocolate from Paccari offers a rich and intense dark chocolate experience. With 70% cacao content, it strikes a perfect balance between bitterness and subtle sweetness. Sourced from Ecuadorian farms, the cacao beans impart unique fruit and spice notes.


Paccari is committed to organic, sustainable, and fair trade practices, ensuring each bite is both delicious and ethical. Ideal for dark chocolate lovers, Tutu Iku is perfect for enjoying on its own or as an ingredient in desserts.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2017

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2016

05
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The Pacari Lemon Verbena Chocolate Bar is a product created by Pacari Chocolate, a company renowned for its high-quality, organic chocolates sourced directly from Ecuador. This particular bar combines the rich, complex flavors of premium dark chocolate with the unique, citrusy notes of lemon verbena, a herb native to the Andes.


The chocolate is organic, vegan, and produced using fair trade practices. Each bar is made from cacao that is carefully selected to ensure exceptional taste and sustainability.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2017, 2015

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2023, 2018, 2016, 2014

06
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Andean Mint by Paccari Chocolate is an artisanal product that combines organic cacao with Andean mint to create a refreshing and unique flavor profile. Paccari Chocolate is well-known for its commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices, ensuring that the ingredients are ethically sourced from small-scale farmers in Ecuador.


This chocolate product not only highlights the rich, complex taste of high-quality cacao but also incorporates the invigorating essence of Andean mint, providing a delightful sensory experience.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2016

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2019, 2018, 2015

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze

2017

07
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Montubia 70% made by Paccari Chocolate is crafted using Arriba Nacional cacao beans, which are a prized variety from Ecuador. This chocolate bar features a 70% cacao content, providing a robust and rich flavor profile. Paccari Chocolate is well-regarded for its commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their products are both high-quality and environmentally friendly.


The Montubia 70% bar often highlights notes of tropical fruits and hints of spices, making it a unique and exquisite choice for chocolate connoisseurs seeking a taste of Ecuadorian heritage.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2014

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2016, 2015

08
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Paccari Chocolate is known for its commitment to high-quality, organic ingredients and sustainable practices. They produce a variety of chocolate products, including Organic Chocolate Covered Bananas. These treats are made from organically grown bananas coated in rich, dark chocolate.


The chocolate used by Paccari is often sourced from single-origin cacao, ensuring a premium product with unique flavor profiles. The company emphasizes transparency and ethics in its production processes.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2015

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2019, 2018, 2017

09
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Lemongrass by Paccari Chocolate is a unique and innovative offering that combines rich dark chocolate with the refreshing zest of lemongrass. The chocolate is crafted using the finest organic ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and fair trade practices.


Paccari is known for its dedication to producing premium quality chocolate with an emphasis on ethical sourcing. Each bar is carefully made to ensure a delightful balance of flavors, providing a truly unique tasting experience.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Gold

2012

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2022, 2018, 2017, 2015

International Chocolate Awards - Bronze

2023, 2016

10
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Lacumbia Arauquita 70% is a chocolate bar produced by Paccari Chocolate, a company known for its organic and premium quality chocolates. The chocolate is made from single-origin cacao beans sourced from the Arauquita region, which is celebrated for its distinct and rich cocoa flavors.


Paccari emphasizes sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, ensuring that the chocolate is organic and ethically produced from bean to bar.
AWARDS

International Chocolate Awards - Silver

2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014

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TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 97 Ecuadorian Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 4,621 ratings were recorded, of which 853 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Ecuadorian Food