Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

Guayaquil, Ecuador, Guayaquil, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador

1. Ceviche Guayaquileño

Fresh seafood marinated in lime juice and spices, served with sweet plantains. Savor the unique blend of flavors that this dish offers.
  • Authentic Flavor: Features local ingredients and traditional preparation methods
  • Seafood Freshness: Uses only the freshest seafood caught daily
  • Traditional Spices: Infused with aromatic local spices for an unforgettable taste

2. Llapingachos de El Muelle

Tasty potato patties filled with cheese and served with fried eggs, avocado, and a side of aji. Try this popular breakfast dish at El Muelle restaurant.
  • Unique Filling: Combines creamy cheese with the texture of mashed potatoes
  • Authentic Location: Serves traditional Ecuadorian food in a setting reminiscent of old Guayaquil
  • Local Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for an authentic taste

3. Cochayuyo con Mariscos en Siete Mares

Seaweed and seafood soup cooked with coconut milk, served with yucca. A hearty dish that's a must-try at Siete Mares restaurant.
  • Rich Broth: The coconut milk adds a distinct flavor and creaminess to the broth
  • Seaweed Ingredient: Features cochayuyo, a unique seaweed commonly found in Guayaquil's waters
  • Authentic Restaurant: Serves traditional Ecuadorian food with a focus on fresh seafood

4. Empanadas de Vivero

Crispy pastries filled with shrimp, fish, or meat. Try these delicious empanadas at the bustling food market in Vivero.
  • Variety of Fillings: Offers a selection of traditional fillings, including seafood and meats
  • Bustling Atmosphere: Experience the energy of a lively food market while enjoying your empanada
  • Traditional Recipe: Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations

5. Chochoca en El Jardín del Mundo

Delicious chocolate drink made with milk and sugar. Sip on this classic beverage at El Jardín del Mundo café.
  • Authentic Drink: A traditional Ecuadorian drink, perfect for chocolate lovers
  • Beautiful Setting: Enjoy your chochoca in a tropical garden filled with exotic plants
  • Rich Taste: Made with high-quality, locally-sourced chocolate for a rich and creamy flavor

6. Sancocho de Mariscos en El Pescadito

Seafood stew cooked with yuca, plantains, and a variety of spices. Savor the rich flavors at El Pescadito restaurant.
  • Hearty Meal: A filling dish that's perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner
  • Unique Seafood: Features local seafood, including shrimp, fish, and octopus
  • Traditional Recipe: Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations

7. Conejo en Tentación

Slow-cooked rabbit dish served with plantains and rice. Enjoy this authentic Ecuadorian dish at the upscale restaurant, Tentación.
  • Tender Meat: The slow-cooking process ensures a tender and flavorful meat
  • Upscale Atmosphere: Enjoy your rabbit dish in a sophisticated, fine dining setting
  • Local Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients for an authentic taste

8. Patacones con Ceviche en El Taita

Thick fried plantain slices topped with fresh seafood ceviche. Try this unique twist on a classic dish at El Taita restaurant.
  • Creative Combination: Combines the popular dishes of patacones and ceviche in one meal
  • Fresh Seafood: Uses only the freshest seafood caught daily
  • Authentic Location: Serves traditional Ecuadorian food in a setting reminiscent of old Guayaquil

9. Cuyumbo en Casa Verde

Traditional dessert made from sweet plantains, sugar, and coconut milk. Indulge in this delicious treat at Casa Verde restaurant.
  • Sweet Treat: A popular Ecuadorian dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth
  • Authentic Recipe: Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations
  • Tropical Flavors: Incorporates the flavors of sweet plantains, sugar, and coconut milk for a unique taste

10. Arroz con Pollo en El Rincón del Tio Toño

Chicken and rice dish cooked with peas, carrots, and a variety of spices. Savor this classic comfort food at El Rincón del Tio Toño restaurant.
  • Comfort Food: A hearty dish that's perfect for a satisfying meal
  • Authentic Location: Serves traditional Ecuadorian food in a setting reminiscent of old Guayaquil
  • Flavorful Spices: Infused with aromatic local spices for an unforgettable taste

11. Carne Asada en La Parrilla de los Chilotes

Grilled meats served with rice, beans, and plantains. Enjoy this classic dish at the popular restaurant, La Parrilla de los Chilotes.
  • Tender Meat: The meat is grilled to perfection, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite
  • Authentic Location: Serves traditional Ecuadorian food in a setting reminiscent of old Guayaquil
  • Traditional Recipe: Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations

12. Pescado Frito en El Delfín de la 7

Fresh fried fish served with rice and plantains. Enjoy this classic dish at the popular seafood restaurant, El Delfín de la 7.
  • Fresh Seafood: Uses only the freshest fish caught daily
  • Authentic Location: Serves traditional Ecuadorian food in a setting reminiscent of old Guayaquil's waterfront
  • Crispy Coating: The fish is coated and fried to create a crispy, delicious exterior

13. Encebollado en El Muelle de los Peces

Fish soup made with onions, plantains, and a variety of spices. Try this popular dish at the bustling seafood market, El Muelle de los Peces.
  • Hearty Soup: A filling soup that's perfect for a satisfying meal
  • Bustling Atmosphere: Experience the energy of a lively seafood market while enjoying your soup
  • Fresh Seafood: Uses only the freshest fish caught daily

14. Seco de Gallina en El Estero

Chicken stew cooked with peanuts, rice, and vegetables. Savor this classic dish at the popular restaurant, El Estero.
  • Hearty Meal: A filling dish that's perfect for a satisfying meal
  • Authentic Location: Serves traditional Ecuadorian food in a setting reminiscent of old Guayaquil
  • Unique Ingredients: Features the combination of peanuts and rice, making it unique from other chicken stews

15. Pastel de Chontaduro en El Chilote

Delicious dessert made with chontaduro palm fruit. Indulge in this unique treat at the popular bakery, El Chilote.
  • Sweet Treat: A popular Ecuadorian dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth
  • Unique Ingredient: Features chontaduro palm fruit, a unique ingredient found in Guayaquil
  • Traditional Recipe: Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations