… We share everything about Ecuador food. Seafood is excellent, even in the highlands. Naranjilla – bitter orange, too sour to eat in its solid form, but the thick green juice is delicious. The higher you go into the mountains, the smaller the villages, the fewer people and even fewer tourists, but you will still find cuy. Cuenca’s cuisine blends two different food cultures, Spanish and Native Ecuadorian. This is a list of Ecuadorian dishes and foods. Cuy restaurants in Banos [E]ating cuy was high on my to-do list in Ecuador, despite having a guinea pig named Patches as a pet when I was a kid. Plantains, … After a visit to the equator in Quito, Ecuador some friends and I decided to … Cuy, alternately called Cobayo or conejillo de indias is a guinea pig or cavy. A popular street food in mountainous regions is hornado (roasted pig), which is often served with llapingacho (a pan seared potato ball). I might have mentioned that the only thing I really didn’t like to eat in Central America was menudo or mondongo as it was also called. The taste is compared to rabbit. Bookmark the permalink. This is a very popular dish in the Sierra (especially Cuenca) but … No, Ecuadorians do not have some cruel predisposition to kill and eat guinea pigs when there are plenty of other meat-providing animals around. The taste of cuy is similar to chicken wings and many visitors who have tried the dish have enjoyed it. Cuy or roasted guinea-pig is a traditional Ecuadorian food usually served at special events or celebrations. Cuy (Guinea Pig) - A Traditional Ecuadorian Food! Encebollado de pescado is the first on this list and is one of my personal favorites. The geography of Ecuador determines what people eat in different parts of the country. They warm the house, keep the rats away and are used for medicinal purposes. Guinea pigs are cute and cuddly and eating one is like eating your pet dog. Also, there are a variety of soups based on local vegetables, like sopa de queso (vegetables and white cheese), caldo de bolas, a soup based on plantains to name a few. Fried plantains are everywhere in Ecuador, and there’s a reason for that! Cuy, also called cobayo or conejillo de indias, is a guinea pig and a traditional entrée in South American Andean culture. Click to Subscribe: https://goo.gl/ZJ4OdNKarens uncle grows Cuys (Guinea pigs) out side of the city Cuenca in ecuador. All over Peru, towns honor the importance of cuy to their cuisine. The taste of cuy is similar to chicken wings and many visitors who have tried the dish have enjoyed it. People’s impression of Ecuadorian cuisine is often negative – after all, this is the country famed for roasted guinea pig (cuy). Hopefully you'll find some cuy. Cuy While this dish may be hard for some visitors to comprehend, it is a huge part of Ecuadorian culture. Ceviche is a mix of raw seafood and shellfish “cooked” in citric juices, especially lime … The most traditional seafood dishes are ceviche (de camarones, mejillones, ostiones, pescado, etc) and encebollado de pescado. From a personal point of view, I would definitely recommend Cuenca’s restaurant ‘Tres Estrellas’ in which to try guinea pig. Ecuador is one of my favourite countries and I’m always discovering new Ecuadorian food each time I go. Fried Plantains. Tried This? They are called "cuy" for the sound they make cuy, cuy. 100. You just might find the answer here. A bit more about comida típica. Ecuador Food and Drink. Are you looking for a culinary adventure while you visit Ecuador or Peru? 7 thoughts on “ Weird Food: Eating Cuy (Guinea Pig) in Quito, Ecuador ” Galen Darrough February 16, 2010 at 10:04 am. Ecuadorian seco de chivo is a goat stew dish braised in a sauce of garlic, cumin, peppers, onions, cilantro, tomatoes and various other spices. Cuy is most often eaten for special occasions, an indigenous tradition that dates back hundreds of years to the Incan empire. And I know what you’re thinking. 51 Comments . Unbeatable. If you are not a vegetarian, you can’t visit Ecuador without tasting the … Cuy, or guinea pig, could be called the “turkey of the Andes” because its flavor and texture is … Ecuadorian Food: Hornado. Unusual varieties include: Tomate de arbol – literally tree tomato, similar in shape to a plum tomato, but much sweeter. Ecuadorian dinner tables are blessed with some of the finest produce in South America; a testament to the country's fertile soil, varied typography and wildly different climates. The meat is usually served whole after being baked or barbecued, and the taste is said to be similar to wild fowl or rabbit. Ceviche is very traditional and shrimp ceviche is … Apparently it can be delicious grilled, roasted, fried or even in soup. Cuy are not only used for food. "El encebollado, un plato que evolucionó con los marineros españoles de antaño", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Ecuadorian_dishes_and_foods&oldid=992295817, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 December 2020, at 15:21. Be sure to send me some cuy jerky upon your return. Traveling and experiencing cultures often leads to a meal you once thought you would never attempt. You’re going to be surprised by the variety of flavors and foods in Ecuador. Usage of ingredients such as seafood, rice and coconut milk are much more prevalent near the coast. Remember that even dogs are eaten in many countries and guinea pigs have been a source of nutritious food for the Inca for centuries. 6. Cow foot soup is a typical Ecuadorian dish, it's made with cow feet, yuca, corn … Ecuador is one of the 17 megadiverse countries for its unique biodiversity. Aji is the hot sauce that accompanies … In the streets of Hornado, you will find roasted pig with potatoes served with plantain, salads, or the tasty traditional fried potato cakes. Cuy pronounced (COO-ee) is an exotic dish and also one of the most traditional dishes found in the Andes. Ceviche. You’re going to be surprised by the variety of flavors and foods in Ecuador. The cuisine of Ecuador is particularly diverse for a small country, owing to its varying geography that includes the Amazon, the Pacific coast and the Sierra. Morocho is made with cinnamon, ground mote (a savory corn), milk, sugar, and raisins. If you decide to explore the richness of the Ecuadorian kitchen, you must visit the coastal region and taste the dishes that are prepared there. Though difficult to accept for people in other countries who regard guinea pigs as pets, the cuy is a staple of Andean cuisine. Local specialties include ceviche, seafood prepared in lemon juice; lechón, suckling pig; and cuy, whole roasted guinea pig-however, some delicacies may only be for the most adventurous stomachs! La Cocina De Mayri 1,010 views. I might have mentioned that the only thing I really didn’t like to eat in Central America was menudo or mondongo as it was also called. Empanadas: Corn pasties stuffed with meat, cheese or … The taste is compared to rabbit. A variety of stewed steak and chivo are very traditional too. But there’s actually lots of delicious food in Ecuador: roast meat and fish dishes (especially on the coast); lots of carbohydrates like potato, yucca and cassava root; and plenty fried green plantain. One portion of Cuy is good to share between two people and also comes served with potatoes, beans and corn. Ecuadorian food is one of the most underrated cuisines in South America. A cuy is a South American guinea pig. Caldo de patas - Cow's Foot Soup. Wondering how to prepare that new fruit you picked up at the market? Ecuadorian cuisine, the cuisine of Ecuador, is diverse, varying with altitude, and associated agricultural conditions. Guinea pig or ‘Cuy’ as it is widely known in Ecuador, is considered a delicacy. The mote has a texture like oatmeal and sits on the bottom of the glass. Bizarre Food, Cuy in Ecuador March 31, 2015 . But it does make sense; they’re easy livestock to keep and reproduce extremely fast, as well as being relatively low in fat but high in protein – similar to that other fluffy delicacy, rabbit. It’s a favorite among photographers and bloggers. In one ceremony, a shaman will rub the sick person in question with a black cuy for about 15 to 30 minutes, or until the guinea pig suffocates. Peruvian Guinea Pig Recipe (Cuy Chactado) | Travel Food Atlas Ecuadorian cuisine is very diverse despite its small size. In Ecuador, guinea pigs are actually referred to as cuy, which is word for the animal in the indigenous language of Kichwa. * cuy - guinea pig * Fritada - roast pork, corn, cheese, avocado, potatoes and plantains * locro - a combined cheese, avocado and potatoes soup * humitas - cornmeal tamales * trucha - trout *choclo (barbecued Andean corn) However, whilst soups are undoubtedly Ecuador's specialty food, every Ecuadorian gets involved with making their own "aji". Cuy (Guinea Pig) - A Traditional Ecuadorian Food! Cuy While this dish may be hard for some visitors to comprehend, it is a huge part of Ecuadorian culture. This is an exotic and tasty dish you can taste in Ecuador and other neighbouring countries. Ecuadorians use aji, a spicy chile pepper hot sauce, to season just about everything. Cuy. Specialities. Cuy used to be reserved for ceremonial meals, but now the poor things are eaten throughout Ecuador. A traditional food, Guinea pig (called cuy in Peru) has been served whole on special occasions since Inca times. Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse, varying with altitude, and associated agricultural conditions.Beef, chicken, and seafood are popular in the coastal regions and are typically served with carbohydrate-rich foods, such as rice accompanied with lentils, pasta, or plantain, whereas in the mountainous regions pork, chicken, beef and cuy are popular and are often served with rice, corn, or potatoes. Cuy restaurants in Banos [E]ating cuy was high on my to-do list in Ecuador, despite having a guinea pig named Patches as a pet when I was a kid. People’s impression of Ecuadorian cuisine is often negative – after all, this is the country famed for roasted guinea pig (cuy). Mar 14, 2020 - Wondering what the food is like in Ecuador? Another prime example of popular Ecuador food then, popular Ecuador food now is the simple, humble tortilla. Aguardiente – a sugar cane spirit that is very popular in Ecuador.Canelazo – a warm / hot beverage often made with fruit juice such as naranjilla, mora (blackberry) or maracuya juice, cane sugar and water boiled with cinnamon. 7 thoughts on “ Weird Food: Eating Cuy (Guinea Pig) in Quito, Ecuador ” Galen Darrough February 16, 2010 at 10:04 am. The name “cuy” comes from the sound the animal makes, and it’s often prepared in the highlands of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. This is a list of Ecuadorian dishes and foods. Encebollado. El cuy es un mamífero roedor originario de la Cordillera de los Andes de Colombia, Ecuador, Perú y Bolivia, donde ha mantenido una estrecha relación con el pueblo preincaico, ya sea como fuente de alimento alto en proteína y bajo en grasa o como animal asociado a tradiciones que se mantienen hasta la actualidad. Cuy: Roast guinea pig. They are served with a variety of carbohydrate-rich foods, especially rice, corn, and potatoes. In the coast, a lot of seafood, rice and beans with grilled steak and/or chicken are served along with maduros and/or patacones. Enjoy the rest of your trip! and sadly yes, guinea pig or cuy is deemed a delicacy in Ecuador; More about other typical Ecuadorian food. Staples of the Ecuadorian diet include potatoes, fish, yuca, rice, beans, shellfish, plantains, chicken, beef, and pork. The most traditional seafood dishes are ceviche (de camarones, mejillones, ostiones, pescado, etc) and encebollado de pescado. Cuy, alternately called Cobayo or conejillo de indias is a guinea pig or cavy. Most food isn't spicy, but is inevitably accompanied by a bowl of aji, a hot pepper sauce for the bold to add at their peril. However, it is a staple of the Andean diet because they breed rapidly and have a taste comparable to rabbit. The country has the most biodiversity per square kilometer of any nation. Ecuador’s ultimate creamy comfort food. Preparación del Cuy plato típico de Cuenca- Ecuador - Duration: 4:17. Ecuadorian food is one of the most underrated cuisines in South America. Ecuador Food & Delicacies: Top 7 Ecuadorian Food Dishes Ecuadorian Food is known for its versatile culinary pattern that differs from highlands to the coastal regions. We first encountered cuy during our time in Cusco, Peru, several years ago. Cuy The guinea pig is both food and pet in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Guajibamba hueca para probar el cuy asado - Duration: 9:37. If you’re visiting this beautiful city, each of these traditional foods is definitely worth trying. :) . Mora con guanabana – blackberry mixed with a thick white juice reminiscent of pear. We're at a food fair in Cuenca and the main dish is guinea pig, or better known here in these parts of the Americas as cuy. See more ideas about New fruit, Ecuador, Food. Cuy remains a major part of the cuisine in highland regions in Peru and Ecuador, where they are farmed. Cuy is what Ecuadorians call the South American guinea pig dish that they consider a delicacy. One portion of Cuy is good to share between two people and also comes served with potatoes, beans and corn. It can mean sampling of the local delicacy usually made up of items most people can digest or something totally bizarre like eating fried insects in Thailand, cured horse heart in Budapest, or wood worms in the Philippines. Mote pillo. A variety of meats like goat, pork, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are popular foods in Ecuador’s mountainous regions. From a personal point of view, I would definitely recommend Cuenca’s restaurant ‘Tres Estrellas’ in which to try guinea pig. The bolon de verde or “The Ball” is a national dish of Ecuador. Ecuador is a small country but its food is so diverse. Cuy - Guinea Pig. Be sure to send me some cuy jerky upon your return. In the coastal Ecuadorian cuisine, ingredients that tend to be used are seafood, coconut, green plantains, and peanuts, among others. In this guide, you’ll learn about traditional dishes (like cuy and secos), chicha (yes, it actually contains fermented saliva), and drinks, fruits and other typical, local dishes. Canelazo: Warm spiced sugar cane alcohol. Roasted Cuy (guinea pig) is not only still a tradition, but a frequently eaten dish, and widely available. Like hornado, cuy is another attention grabber. This is one of the most important dishes of Andean food. If you go to baños you also can find cuy easily there. Curious about what Ecuadorian food is like? The cuy grow up in family farms and are minutely elaborated with special seasoning. Find out what cuy is and where it’s most popular, Owner of iconic Katz's Deli talks life and business during coronavirus. The average price of a guinea pig between two people in Ecuador is … The meat is usually served whole after being baked or barbecued, and the taste is said to be similar to wild fowl or rabbit. Want to Try? Guinea pig or ‘Cuy’ as it is widely known in Ecuador, is considered a delicacy. We're at a food fair in Cuenca and the main dish is guinea pig, or better known here in these parts of the Americas as cuy. Ecuadorian food: cuy; Maito: A dish not to be missed in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest; Locro, the best traditional potato soup in Ecuador! Ecuadorian cuisine, the cuisine of Ecuador, is diverse, varying with altitude, and associated agricultural conditions. It takes about 60 minutes to grill, cuy serves with potatoes, salad, corn, and avocado. Here, cuy serves as a good source of low-on-the-food-chain animal protein for people living in the hilly regions of Ecuador. I’m told that local herbal doctors use cuy in their healing rituals. … Cuy has a naturally greasy, dark meat. Usage of ingredients such as seafood, rice and coconut milk are much more prevalent near the coast. In the coast, a lot of seafood, rice and beans with grilled steak and/or chicken are served along with maduros and/or patacones. A variety of stewed steak and chivo are very traditional too. From dishes prepared with potatoes, beans, herbs in the sierra cities to seafood and spices with coconut milk near coastal areas, you will soon find that major restaurants and hotels have lots to offer. This baseball- or … … From dishes prepared with potatoes, beans, herbs in the sierra cities to seafood and spices with coconut milk near coastal areas, you will soon find … This endearingly cute and tiny animal is highly regarded among Ecuador’s indigenous culture and is utilized in several ways, but primarily as a food source. Cuy has been a Peruvian delicacy for over 5,000 years; Peruvians even gave the animal its own national holiday, which is celebrated every year on the second Friday in October. Marine iguana and blue-footed boobies. Exotic Ecuadorian food. Or is it? Some examples of Ecuadorian cuisine in general include patacones (unripe plantains fried in oil, mashed up, and then refried), llapingachos, and seco de chivo (a type of stew made from goat). Bolon de Verde. In Ecuador, cuy is often cooked over an open flame and served with boiled potatoes. Cuy is a local delicacy in Ecuador. Alse, there are a variety of soups bas… Chicha – a fermented or non-fermented maize (corn) beverage. Ecuador Facts | Animals in Ecuador. … After all, having dogs as pets didn't stop me from trying that meal in Cambodia. It can also be made of quinoa, grape, apple, or various other fruits. 77. Drinks . Where to eat, what to eat, cultural dishes and recipes. Locro: Soup of potatoes, corn, cheese and avocado. These are soup "alike" dishes cooked with lemon. There is a town near Cuenca called Gualaceo which is known for leather handicrafts and you can see how people grill the guinea pigs right outside the food market and eat it there. Some dishes, like figs cooked in spiced sugar syrup, are infused with Mediterranean flavors, while others rely on local ingredients prepared with European cooking techniques. Cuy is what Ecuadorians call the South American guinea pig dish that they consider a delicacy. Guinea pig or Cuy as it is called in South America is a local delicacy that’s unique to the highlands of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Travel in the highlands of Inca country, and you're likely to be offered cuy, a traditional Andean entree, on the menu. The animals are raised in the home, but are never viewed as pets, much like the way in which chickens are raised in the United States. In the mountains, "Sierra" area ——Pork, chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig). Ecuadorian food consists mainly of soup and stews, corn pancakes, rice, eggs, and vegetables. A wide variety of fresh fruit is available, particularly at lower altitudes, including granadilla, passionfruit, naranjilla, several types of bananas, uvilla, taxo, and tree tomato finally a drink made from fruits known as the colada or even the colada morada. Seco de chivo . Curious about what Ecuadorian food is like? The cuisine of Ecuador is particularly diverse for a small country, owing to its varying geography that includes the Amazon, the Pacific coast and the Sierra. This spit roasted pig is a dish that is often found at family celebrations and larger events. In this guide, you’ll learn about traditional dishes (like cuy and secos), chicha (yes, it actually contains fermented saliva), and drinks, fruits and other typical, local dishes. Morocho is a popular breakfast food in markets, on menus in some restaurants, and now has popped up in a few fast food chains paired with empanadas. View all photos Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 . “Cuy chactado” is a deep-fried, flattened version of the meat served in the Arequipa region, and it’s typically served alongside yellow potatoes and corn on the cob. Sugar cane alcohol is frequently added. Mote pillo. On the main street in Banos, there are two cuy restaurants adjacent the Mercado (market). Jugo natural – freshly squeezed juice. THE DAILY MEAL ® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF TRIBUNE PUBLISHING. On the main street in Banos, there are two cuy restaurants adjacent the Mercado (market). Hoping to see a recipe for cazuela de camaron sometime, apart from Andean people rarely buy cuy, as it’s common for a mating pair to be given as a gift to children, special guests, or newlyweds. Ecuadorian Food is known for its versatile culinary pattern that differs from highlands to the coastal regions. Mote is corn that has been dried and then rehydrated in an alkaline solution, similar to … Even though the dishes that we are going to describe to you are traditional to the coast, they are so popular and in high demand that they can be found in any part of the national territory. 4:17. Hornado. Comida típica (typical food):Ecuador and Cuy (guinea pig) This entry was posted on February 4, 2013, in Ecuador, Food, Travel and tagged barbeque, bucket list, cooking, culture, Eating, food, food reviews, photography, recipe, Travel, wildlife. Cuy. After all, having dogs as pets didn't stop me from trying that meal in Cambodia. Cuy is a local delicacy in Ecuador. In the Andes, Ecuadorian food is full of pork and root vegetables like yuca. Ecuadorian food: cuy. The name “cuy” comes from the sound the animal makes, and it’s often prepared in the highlands of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. 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