Ecuadorian Breakfast – Home to the beautiful Galapagos Islands and some of the most beautiful and exotic animals and nature in the world, Ecuadorian food and the traditional breakfast in Ecuador (rice, plantains, mote pillo and more) are the next things that we get curious about.
Let’s look at Ecuador, another of Latin America’s top travel destinations and their delicious cuisines and its traditional breakfast in Ecuador to try.
What is a typical Ecuadorian breakfast?
A traditional Ecuadorian breakfast reminds us of food in Colombia – bread, eggs, cheese, coffee and dulce (jam). For a bigger Ecuadorian breakfast, hominy (mote pillo) with eggs is a typical breakfast in Ecuador as well.
While lunch or almuerzo is considered the biggest meal of the day, a breakfast in Ecuador can be as light or heavy as you want it to be, and differs from what is easily available in your region. A typical, regional Ecuadorian breakfast can be tuna soup or encebollado, ceviche and fried fish with rice and plantains, and other types of vegetables like habas or fava beans, corn, yuca or cassava.
In this post below, you’ll see different types of food that are eaten as breakfast in Ecuador. Food and more travel guides to Ecuador included as well.
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Where to Stay in Ecuador – Best Breakfast in Ecuador
There are many types of accommodation you can choose from when in Ecuador. You can find hostels offering fair comfort for a cheap price. You can get a dorm for $8-10 USD. There are rooms available mid-budget for $30-40 USD and if you prefer luxury accommodation starting from $60 USD.
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Top Traditional Breakfast in Ecuador
1. Pan de Yuca – Ecuadorian Breakfast
Pan de Yuca is a tapioca flour-based Ecuadorian cheese bread. Pan de Yuca bread is perfect for an afternoon snack and breakfast with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
2. Bolon de Verde
Bolon de Verde is a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast or side dish.
Bolon literally means large ball while verde means green. Bolon are green plantain dumplings filled with cheese and either chicharron or chorizo.
Bolon de verde is typically eaten with fried eggs, hot sauce and some coffee.
3. Huevos al horno
This is a dish made with baked eggs and is often served with vegetables and cheese.
4. Bollos
Cornmeal balls filled with cheese or other fillings and steamed in a banana leaf.
5. Panqueques
Thin, crepe-like pancakes that are often served with fruit, syrup, and butter.
6. Empanadas
Savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
7. Ceviche
A dish made with raw fish or seafood that has been marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
8. Fanesca
A rich and flavorful soup made with beans, grains, and a variety of spices and topped with a variety of toppings, including fried eggs, avocado, and cheese. Fanesca is traditionally eaten during the Easter holiday.
9. Menestra
A stew made with beans, vegetables, and a variety of meats.
10. Llapingachos
Fried potato cakes are often served with a fried egg and avocado.
11. Churrasco
Grilled meat, usually beef, is served with rice, beans, and avocado.
12. Arroz con Leche
Rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
These are just a few examples of traditional breakfast dishes in Ecuador. Many of these dishes are hearty and filling and are often served with a variety of accompaniments such as fresh fruit, bread, or cheese.
13. Granola
A type of cereal made with oats, nuts, and dried fruit.
14. Yogurt
A type of fermented milk product that is often served with fruit or granola.
15. Arepas
Cornmeal cakes are often served with cheese, butter, or eggs.
16. Tamales – Breakfast in Ecuador
Cornmeal cakes are filled with meat or vegetables and wrapped in a banana leaf.
17. Tostadas
Toast is made with a variety of toppings, such as butter, jam, or avocado.
These are just a few examples of the many different breakfast foods that are popular in Ecuador. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.
Breakfast Drinks in Ecuador – Top Traditional Drinks for Breakfast in Ecuador
18. Jugo de frutas / Juices in Ecuador – Best Breakfast in Ecuador
It would help if you tried fruit juices in Ecuador. You will find them everywhere as street food. Depending on the flavors, prices are around $2-3 USD for a small glass. Lulo with citrus flavor, and Guanabana creamy flavor and is one of the most popular. Tomate de Arbol means tomato tree and more options. Just try all of them and choose your favorite one!
19. Batidos / Smoothies
Batidos (Smoothies) is a drink made with seasonal fruit mixed with powdered milk in Ecuador. Smoothies are made with milk instead of water. Choose your favorite seasonal fruit like mango, banana, and papaya. All of them are delicious and prices are around $2-3 USD.
20. Coconut Water
Coconut water is a must to try in Ecuador. You will see street vendors at the beach passing by with coconut water and when you are under the sun is so refreshing plus so healthy.
21. Ecuadorian Coffee
Ecuadorian Coffee is really good. Ecuadorian most popular coffee is Arabica coffee in the Western foothills of the Andes South of Guayaquil. You will find many places to visit around and we recommend you to visit a farm where you will learn about how they pick their coffee and where is exported and of course, you will try it!
22. Café con Leche
A traditional coffee drink made with milk.
Hope you had a great time learning about breakfast in Ecuador in this post, and til our next guide!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.