Quito Ecuador Video

Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Quito Ecuador to Try

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. One of the best ways to experience the local flavors and culture is by indulging in the street foods that line the city’s bustling streets. From savory snacks to sweet treats, Quito offers a wide array of street food options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will explore some of the must-try street foods in Quito Ecuador.

Empanadas

• Empanadas de Viento: These crispy fried empanadas are filled with a mixture of cheese and onions. The name “de viento” translates to “of the wind,” referring to the air that gets trapped inside the empanada and creates a puffed-up appearance. They are typically served with a side of ají, a spicy Ecuadorian sauce.
• Empanadas de Morocho: These empanadas are made with morocho, a type of corn that has been soaked and ground. The filling usually consists of cheese, chicken, or beef, along with a variety of vegetables and spices.
• Empanadas de Verde: Made with green plantains, these empanadas have a unique flavor and texture. They are often filled with cheese, meat, or seafood, and are a popular street food option in Quito.

Ceviche

• Ceviche de Camarón: This refreshing dish features shrimp marinated in citrus juices, typically lemon or lime. The shrimp is then mixed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and served with crunchy plantain chips.
• Ceviche de Pescado: Similar to ceviche de camarón, this variation uses fresh fish instead of shrimp. The fish is marinated in lime or lemon juice and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
• Ceviche Mixto: As the name suggests, this ceviche combines a variety of seafood, including shrimp, fish, and octopus. It is marinated in citrus juices and served with a side of popcorn or corn nuts.

Hornado

• Hornado de Cerdo: This traditional Ecuadorian dish consists of roasted pork that is marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs. The meat is slow-cooked until tender and served with llapingachos (potato patties), mote (hominy), and aji criollo (spicy sauce).
• Hornado de Pollo: For those who prefer chicken over pork, hornado de pollo is a delicious alternative. The chicken is marinated and roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
• Seco de Chivo: This hearty Ecuadorian stew features goat meat cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is typically served with rice, avocado, and a side of llapingachos.

Salchipapas

• Salchipapas Clásicas: This popular street food dish consists of thinly sliced sausages (salchichas) and fried potatoes (papas). It is often served with a variety of sauces, such as ketchup, mayo, and mustard.
• Salchipapas Especiales: In addition to sausages and potatoes, this version of salchipapas includes additional toppings like fried eggs, cheese, and avocado. It is a more indulgent and filling option.
• Salchipapas de Pollo: For those who prefer chicken over sausages, this variation replaces the traditional salchichas with grilled or fried chicken pieces. It offers a tasty twist on the classic dish.

Encebollado

• Encebollado de Pescado: Considered Ecuador’s national dish, encebollado de pescado is a flavorful fish soup made with albacore tuna, onions, tomatoes, and yuca (cassava). It is typically served with pickled red onions, lime wedges, and crispy corn nuts.
• Encebollado de Camarón: This variation of encebollado features shrimp as the main protein. The rest of the ingredients and preparation method are similar to encebollado de pescado.
• Encebollado Mixto: For seafood lovers, encebollado mixto combines both fish and shrimp in a delicious and hearty soup. It is a popular choice for a filling and satisfying meal.

Helados de Paila

• Helado de Paila de Frutas: This traditional Ecuadorian ice cream is made in a large copper pot called a paila. It is prepared by mixing fresh fruit juices, sugar, and ice, then continuously stirring until it reaches a creamy consistency. Popular fruit flavors include maracuya (passion fruit), mora (blackberry), and guanábana (soursop).
• Helado de Paila de Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, this variation of helado de paila combines the rich flavor of Ecuadorian chocolate with the creamy texture of traditional ice cream. It is a decadent treat that shouldn’t be missed.
• Helado de Paila de Nuez: This nutty ice cream is made by incorporating chopped nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, into the ice cream mixture. It adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the creamy dessert.

Tigrillo

• Tigrillo de Plátano: Tigrillo is a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast dish made with mashed green plantains, scrambled eggs, cheese, and achiote (annatto) for color and flavor. It is often served with a side of avocado or hot sauce.
• Tigrillo de Yuca: This variation of tigrillo replaces the green plantains with yuca (cassava). The rest of the ingredients and preparation method remain the same.
• Tigrillo de Choclo: Choclo refers to large-kernel corn, and in this version of tigrillo, the mashed green plantains are replaced with choclo. It offers a unique twist on the traditional dish.

Fritada

• Fritada de Cerdo: Fritada is a popular Ecuadorian dish made with deep-fried pork. The pork is marinated in a mixture of spices and then cooked until crispy. It is typically served with llapingachos, mote, and aji criollo.
• Fritada de Pollo: For a lighter alternative, fritada de pollo replaces the pork with chicken. The chicken is marinated and fried to achieve a crispy texture, making it a delicious option for poultry lovers.
• Fritada Mixta: This version combines both pork and chicken in the fritada, offering a variety of flavors and textures in one dish. It is a great choice for those who can’t decide between the two meats.

Conclusion

Exploring the street foods of Quito, Ecuador is a culinary adventure that should not be missed. From the savory empanadas to the refreshing ceviche and hearty hornado, there is something to satisfy every palate. Don’t forget to indulge in the sweet treats like helados de paila and tigrillo for a perfect ending to your culinary journey. So, next time you find yourself in Quito, be sure to hit the streets and discover the delicious flavors that await you.

References

• petitpalace.co.uk
• ecuador.travel
• quito.com.ec