Food
Throughout the country there is a lot of variety. In the mountain areas rice is the base staple, while down on the coast it is potatoes. Soups are unique and a popular meal at lunch and dinner. Breakfasts are mre likely to be eggs, toast, and fruit juice as opposed to cereals..
Meals at restaurants range from $2 for local food to comparable prices found in the U.S, especially from international food chains. More expensive restaurants often add a a 10% service fee and a 12% sales tax. Tea and coffee is usually served after a meal. Smoking is allowed in most restaurants.
Meals
- Locro de papa is a famous Ecuadorian soup with avocados, potatoes and cheese.
- Ceviche is a common dish found on the coast. It is a cold seafood cocktail that is usually served with "chifles" Thin fried plantains.
- Encebollado is a hearty fish soup with yuca, also found on the coast: A tomato-fish soup filled with chunks of yucca, marinated vegetables with "chifles" thrown in for added crunch.
- In the Highlands, Ecuadorians eat cuy, or guinea pig. The entire animal is roasted or fried and often served skewered on a stick.
- Empanadas are also a common local food that are usually consumed as snacks in the afternoon. The most common varieties of this filled pastry are cheese and/or chicken.
Drink
Aguardiente is an alcoholic drink made from sugar cane.
Bottled mineral water is very common and is safe to drink. Comes in carbonated and non-carbonated.
Coffee is popular due to coffee growing areas like Colombia being close by.
Teas including herbal teas are popular.
Soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and others are widely available.
Fruit juice is widely available and there are many types due to Ecuadors location in the tropics and and encompassing part of the Amazon Basin. Popular fruit juices include: piña (pineapple), naranja (orange), mora (blackberry), maracuya (passion fruit), sandia (watermelon), guanabana, guava, naranjilla, melon, taxo, etc. They can also be made with milk if you ask for a batido or name the fruit followed by con leitche.
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