Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Quito, Ecuador
1. Ceviche de Pescado en La Marisqueria La Choza
Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice and spices, served with sweet plantains and corn. Experience the vibrant flavors of Ecuadorian coastal cuisine in Quito.
- Authentic Coastal Flavor: Although not by the coast, La Choza brings the taste of traditional ceviche to Quito.
- Seafood Variety: Offers various types of seafood for a diverse ceviche experience.
- Affordable Prices: Reasonably priced, making it accessible to tourists and locals alike.
2. Empanadas de Verduras en El Telar de Taita
Crispy, savory pastries filled with a mix of vegetables. A vegetarian-friendly option that showcases Ecuadorian baking skills.
- Vegetarian Option: A great choice for vegetarians who want to taste traditional Ecuadorian food.
- Artisanal Baking: Handmade empanadas using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
- Cozy Atmosphere: A warm, inviting space perfect for enjoying your meal.
3. Encebollado en La Encebollada
Spicy fish soup served with plantains and avocados. A hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for breakfast or lunch.
- Traditional Breakfast Soup: A popular choice among locals for a filling morning meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add as much spice as you like to customize the flavor.
- Affordable and Quick: A quick, budget-friendly option for tourists on the go.
4. Hornado en Hacienda La Ruana
Slow-roasted pig served with potatoes, plantains, and sauces. A traditional dish that showcases Ecuadorian culinary techniques.
- Cooking Technique: Traditional slow-roasting technique preserves the unique flavor of the pork.
- Family-Run Business: A family-owned restaurant that has been serving traditional dishes for generations.
- Traditional Atmosphere: Dine in a rustic, farmhouse-style setting to complete the experience.
5. Locro de Papa en La Chola Casera
Potato stew made with milk, cheese, corn, and avocado. A comforting dish that showcases Ecuadorian ingredients.
- Creamy Texture: The creaminess of the stew pairs perfectly with the hearty potatoes.
- Local Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: An affordable option for tourists who want to taste traditional dishes.
6. Llapingachos en La Lupita
Cheese-filled potato cakes served with salsa and avocado. A filling dish that showcases Ecuadorian potatoes in a unique way.
- Unique Potato Dish: A popular dish that combines potatoes with cheese in a creative way.
- Artisanal Cooking: Handmade potato cakes using traditional techniques.
- Spicy Options: Customize your dish with various levels of spice to suit your taste.
7. Sancocho de Gallina en El Café del Carmen
Chicken and vegetable soup served with rice. A comforting dish that showcases Ecuadorian ingredients and flavors.
- Comfort Food: A hearty, comforting soup perfect for cold days.
- Traditional Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Affordable and Filling: A budget-friendly option that leaves you feeling satisfied.
8. Colada Morada y Buñuelos en La Encebollada
Purple corn drink served with sweet cheese-filled pastries. A traditional dessert that's perfect for special occasions.
- Traditional Dessert: A popular dessert during festivals and holidays.
- Unique Color: The unique purple color comes from the purple corn used to make the drink.
- Sweet Treat: A delicious, sweet treat to end your meal.
9. Chochochos en La Choza
Steamed corn on the cob served with butter and cheese. A simple dish that showcases Ecuadorian corn at its best.
- Fresh Corn: Made with fresh, locally-sourced corn.
- Simple Ingredients: Only a few ingredients are used to let the flavor of the corn shine.
- Affordable and Quick: An affordable, quick snack for tourists on the go.
10. Pescado en Tuna en La Marisqueria La Choza
Grilled fish served with rice and salad. A healthy option that showcases Ecuadorian seafood at its best.
- Healthy Option: A grilled, lean protein that's perfect for health-conscious travelers.
- Fresh Seafood: Offers various types of fresh seafood to choose from.
- Authentic Flavor: Grilled to perfection, the fish retains its natural flavor.
11. Cuy en Hacienda La Ruana
Roasted guinea pig served with potatoes and sauces. A traditional dish that showcases Ecuadorian culinary techniques and ingredients.
- Culinary Tradition: A dish that's been part of Ecuadorian cuisine for centuries.
- Rustic Atmosphere: Dine in a rustic, farmhouse-style setting to complete the experience.
- Taste of Tradition: Try this unique dish to immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture.
12. Cena de los Lunes en El Café del Carmen
A fixed menu of traditional dishes served every Monday. A great way to try a variety of Ecuadorian cuisine in one meal.
- Variety of Dishes: Offers a chance to taste several traditional dishes in one sitting.
- Fixed Menu: Enjoy the surprise of a changing menu each week.
- Affordable Price: An affordable way to try several dishes in one meal.
13. Hornado de Borrego en Hacienda La Ruana
Slow-roasted lamb served with potatoes and sauces. A traditional dish that showcases Ecuadorian culinary techniques.
- Culinary Technique: Traditional slow-roasting technique preserves the unique flavor of the lamb.
- Family-Run Business: A family-owned restaurant that has been serving traditional dishes for generations.
- Traditional Atmosphere: Dine in a rustic, farmhouse-style setting to complete the experience.
14. Ceviche de Camarones en La Marisqueria La Choza
Shrimp ceviche served with sweet plantains and corn. A lighter version of the traditional ceviche dish.
- Lighter Option: A lighter alternative to the traditional fish ceviche.
- Seafood Variety: Offers various types of seafood for a diverse ceviche experience.
- Authentic Flavor: Made with the same traditional techniques as the fish ceviche.
15. Fanesca en La Encebollada
A soup made with ingredients typically not consumed during Lent, served during Easter. A unique dish that showcases Ecuadorian culinary traditions.
- Traditional Dish: A popular dish served during the Easter season.
- Unique Ingredients: Includes ingredients not typically found in other dishes, such as peas and eggs.
- Festive Atmosphere: A great way to experience the festive atmosphere of Easter in Quito.