I’m about to take you on a flavor trip straight to Ecuador, and trust me, you won’t need a passport. These 25 traditional Ecuadorian foods are ridiculously good and way easier to make at home than you’d ever guess. I’m talking empanadas, ceviche, hearty stews, and so much more.
1. Morocho (Ecuadorian Spiced Corn Pudding Drink)
Morocho is a spiced corn pudding drink from Ecuador. Yes, a drink!
It reminds me a lot of bubble tea with all that fun texture. Creamy and sweet with warm cinnamon spice, the corn gives it this playful, almost bouncy feel that I just love.
2. Aguado de Gallina (Ecuadorian Chicken Rice Soup)
This chicken rice soup is way more than just a creamy hug in a bowl. It's a whole symphony of spicy, savory notes that will leave you wanting another bowl immediately.
The first spoonful hits you with fragrant seasonings, then that gentle heat, juicy chicken, and tender potatoes all come through. It's pure comfort, with a kick.
3. Vegan Locro De Papa (Ecuadorian Potato and Cheese Soup)
Locro de papa is Ecuador's answer to potato and cheese soup, and here's the fun twist: it's completely vegan. You only need a handful of ingredients, but together they deliver a bowl that's absolutely incredible.
4. Dulce de Higos (Fig Preserves in Syrup)
Dulce de higos is a stunning, unique dessert that's perfect for your next dinner party. It's surprisingly straightforward but will absolutely wow your guests.
The caramelized figs turn insanely sweet, sticky, and bursting with fruity flavor. And you don't even have to peel them, how easy is that?
5. Pescado Encocado (Fish in Coconut Sauce)
Fish in coconut milk is a combo I never get tired of, and pescado encocado nails it. The creamy sauce has this gentle sweetness that pairs so perfectly with mild white fish. You might guess the red color is from tomatoes, but surprise, it's actually achiote powder doing all that beautiful work.
6. Mote Pillo (Hominy with Eggs)
Mote pillo is one of those easy, crowd pleasing dishes that works any night of the week. It's a simple, tasty mix of hominy and eggs.
The hominy brings a hearty, nutritious base, and the eggs add a nice protein boost to keep you satisfied. Everyone at the table will be happy.
7. Espumilla (Ecuadorian Meringue Cream Dessert)
Espumilla is this dreamy Ecuadorian dessert that swirls together light, fluffy meringue and soft fruit pulp. The flavors kind of melt into each other in the most heavenly way.
You'll catch gentle notes of guava and passion fruit for a mild, fruity sweetness. Honestly, it tastes like biting into a perfect summer day.
8. Ecuador Encebollado de Pescado (Fish Soup)
You absolutely cannot skip encebollado de pescado, a one of a kind seafood soup from Ecuador. It’s loaded with tangy pickled onions and a bright, juicy tomato salsa, along with tender flakes of fish.
Tuna or mahi mahi both work beautifully here, and please don’t forget the avocado and a big squeeze of lime right before serving. It’s everything.
9. Ecuadorian Seco de Chivo (Braised Goat Stew)
In my book, braised goat stew is one of Ecuador's most fascinating and delicious creations. You've got bone-in goat meat simmering with garlic, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a whole bunch of fun spices. Naranjillas can be tricky to find, but trust me, the final dish is so worth any extra effort.
10. Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake is a South American superstar, and for good reason. Soaked in three kinds of milk evaporated, condensed, and whole it's so impossibly moist that one bite will make you swoon.
It's creamy, rich, and beautifully sweet. And bonus: it stays good in the fridge for days because of all that milk.
11. Menestra de Porotos (Ecuadorian Bean Stew)
Menestra de porotos is a soul satisfying stew that brings together tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powder, and a whole lot of beans. Cilantro and cumin add that warming, perfectly balanced spice that makes it so rich and comforting. The textures in this stew really set it apart, so honestly, you'd be crazy not to try it.
12. Llapingacho Recipe (Ecuadorian Potato Pancakes)
Move over, corn fritters and boring potatoes, because llapingachos (yah peen GAH chos) are about to dominate your summer table. These potato pancakes mash together potatoes, cheese, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices.
They’re impossibly fluffy inside with a crispy crust that’s just perfect. I love using mature cheddar for the best flavor punch, but honestly any good cheese will work.
13. Corviches
Corviches are crunchy little patties made from mashed plantains, and inside you'll find delicate tuna or shrimp with just a hint of onion, garlic, and peanuts. That contrast between the crispy exterior and the succulent seafood filling is absolutely delightful. They're like a perfect snack symphony.
14. Carne en Palito/Chuzos/Pinchos (Thin Beef Skewers)
These thin beef skewers will make your taste buds pop, no question. The beef strips soak up a marinade of orange juice, achiote powder, garlic, and cumin like, wow.
For that melt in your mouth tenderness, sear them fast over a hot open flame. It's simple and ridiculously flavorful.
15. Pan de Yuca (Cheese Bread)
Don't let the name 'cheese bread' fool you, pan de yuca is more like a fluffy, sweet muffin with a lightly crunchy exterior. Yuca flour and cheese are the stars here, creating a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
A pat of butter on top takes it over the edge. This is a baking project absolutely worth making time for.
16. Fanesca (Ecuadorian Easter Soup)
Fanesca is the ultimate way to celebrate Easter, delicious and so satisfying. It's packed with an intriguing mix of squash, cod, corn, hard boiled eggs, cannellini beans, and green peas. With spices like cumin, parsley, and garlic tying everything together, you'll find yourself craving it year round.
17. Ecuadorian Churrasco
Steak and spices coming together in the most mouthwatering way what's not to love? Churrasco feels like steak and eggs met a full English breakfast and they became best friends.
I am 100% here for it. This is the kind of meal that keeps you going way past lunchtime, though I love saving it for a lazy weekend when I can kick back and digest afterwards.
18. Humitas (Steamed Fresh Corn Cakes)
Humitas might be South America’s best kept secret, but you need to know about them. Think sweet corn, savory cheese, and herby coriander all swirled together into a cake that just melts in your mouth.
They’re similar to cheese and corn tamales, yet totally unique. I’m absolutely sure you’ll fall for them.
19. Muchines de Yuca (Cassava Ball)
Brace yourself for the most amazing little bites: muchines de yuca. Yucca and cheese come together to create this creamy yet crunchy texture that I'm obsessed with. They're incredible served alongside lightly seasoned beef, but honestly, they make a fantastic snack all by themselves.
20. Fried Sweet Plantains
Fried sweet plantains might just solve all your healthy snack dilemmas. They're naturally sweet and way firmer than bananas, so they keep their shape perfectly in the hot oil instead of turning to mush. Crispy on the outside, sweet and tender inside, finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar it's the kind of treat you can feel great about eating.
21. Empanadas de Viento (Fried Cheese Empanadas)
These empanadas de viento are little fried pockets of pure happiness. The dough is tender and crispy at the same time, and inside there’s gooey cheese and savory onions that just work magic together.
Every single bite somehow tops the last one. You’re going to fall hard for these.
22. Bolón de Verde (Ecuadorian Green Plantain Fritters)
I’ve got a new weekend obsession: bolón de verde. The dough is a mix of mashed green plantains, butter, salt, and queso fresco, so it starts out heavy and dense.
Once they hit the hot oil, the outside gets all crispy and golden, and that dense center turns surprisingly light. It’s the best kind of snack magic.
23. Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche (Ceviche de Camarón)
Shrimp, onion, tomato, orange juice, and cilantro come together in the brightest, simplest way, and every bite is a flavor explosion. The bright acidity from the oranges gets mellowed out by tomatoes and cilantro, while the onions
24. Ecuadorian Fritada de Chancho (Pork Fritada)
Pork fritada is what dreams are made of: succulent meat with garlic and cumin. This traditional weekend dish simmers pork in a mix of water and orange juice along with onions and garlic. Braising infuses every bite with flavor, and then the wok gives it this incredible crispy crust that I can’t get enough of.
25. Tigrillo
Tigrillo starts with sweet plantains gently sautéed in butter. Then chopped scallions join in for a pop of texture, flavor, and color. Finish it all off with eggs and melty cheese on top, and yeah, it's pretty crazy delicious.