What to eat when you visit Quito and Ecuador.
If you come to Ecuador, from your first day you can try the best food in South America.
If you arrive at the Ecuadorian coast, the mountains, the amazon or the Galapagos Islands you will enjoyreally great flavors.
The best dishes to try in Quito.
Potato soup
This is a soup that you must try when you visit Quito. It is a dish made with special potatoes that we call "papa chola" We cook it and accompanied with a piece of fresh cow's cheese, a piece of avocado and a little toasted corn to feel another texture when we enjoy it.
If you are on a private tour in Quito you could go to eat in one of the many restaurants that the historic center has or in while you visit the middle of the world 
Guinea pig - Cuy
Cuy is one traditional indigenoues foods of Ecuador. We can find it in every area where the Incas were.
If you are on tour in Quito, the middle of the world is one of the places where you can find this traditional dish.
They generally serve it with potatoes and a peanut sauce as well as a lettuce leaf.
One guinea pig is enough for 4 people but in small pieces, 1 guinea pig is recommended for two people.
Fried Pork Chunk - Fritada
Fritada is one of the most consumed typical Ecuadorian dishes in all regions of the country.
This dish comes with pieces of fried pork accompanied by fried potatoes in the same oil in which the pork was fried. It brings some of white corn and we call "mote", toasted corn to give a texture, fried plantain and tomato and onion salad.On the Ecuadorian coast, due to the presence of green plantains, they prepare plantain chips to accompany the meal instead of toasted corn and mote.Wherever we eat this dish we will always have chili sauce to add a spicy flavor to our food. Very soon we will talk about the famous word "ají" 
Ceviche
Ceviche is the most recognized Ecuadorian food by locals and foreigners.
Ceviche can be made with elements from the sea or with products for people who do not consume animal protein.
Some ingredients vary from area to areaIn the first photo we have the mango ceviche, a ceviche made with fruit and an intense but delicious acid flavor.
We find this ceviche in the northern part of Ecuador, mainly in the Ambuqui sector 
Ají
The Magic of Ecuadorian Ají: A Spicy Must-Try for Every Traveler
If there’s one thing you can’t skip when exploring Ecuadorian cuisine, it’s ají. This fiery, flavorful sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s a cultural experience. Whether you’re sitting in a cozy restaurant in Quito or enjoying a meal in a local market in Guayaquil, there’s always a small bowl of ají on the table, waiting to take your food to the next level.
Ají is Ecuador’s signature hot sauce, made with a blend of fresh ingredients like tree tomatoes, hot peppers, cilantro, onions, lime, and sometimes a touch of fruit for sweetness. Each region and even each household has its own variation, making every encounter with ají a unique experience.
The beauty of ají lies in its simplicity. The basic recipe includes blending or finely chopping hot peppers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, then adding vinegar or lime juice for a tangy kick. Some versions incorporate peanuts for a creamy texture, while others use ripe fruits like passion fruit or mango to balance the heat with sweetness. The result? A perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors that complement any dish.
Ají is the perfect companion for Ecuadorian dishes like empanadas, llapingachos (cheesy potato patties), and hornado (roast pork). It adds a layer of depth and heat that enhances the natural flavors of the food. Plus, you can control the spiciness—just add a little for a mild kick or go all in if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re traveling in Ecuador, don’t hesitate to try the different ají variations you find. Each restaurant and street vendor has their own secret twist, and you might just find your new favorite sauce. And if you fall in love with it (which you probably will), you can even learn to make it at home and bring a taste of Ecuador with you wherever you go.
So, are you ready to spice up your Ecuadorian food experience? Grab a spoonful of ají and enjoy the heat.