Must Eat: The Best Street Food Quito
Ecuador may not have the foodie fame of it’s Latin American neighbours, but wander Quito and you’ll discover a food scene that rewards curiosity. Markets, plazas and street stalls serve comforting classics and surprising regional flavours that tell the story of Ecuador. Think hearty fritters, fresh fruit drinks and seafood bites to get the best sense of Quito’s street-food identity.
As you move from the Centro Histórico to busy markets and the Mariscal area, expect bold flavours, quick service and affordable portions that invite sampling. Our guide points you to the must-try dishes, where to find them and practical tips so you can eat confidently and safely while soaking up the city’s atmosphere.
Quito’s street food scene centres on hearty, affordable dishes and bustling markets where cooks prepare food to order. Expect potato-based specialties, skewers, fresh fruit juices and light soups served from stalls, carts and small market kitchens.
Iconic Quito Dishes to Try
Llapingachos
Potato patties, mashed until silky, stuffed generously with melting cheese, then griddled until crisp and golden on the outside. You’ll often spot them sizzling on flat-top grills in the heart of Centro Histórico, where vendors plate them up with a fried egg, smoky chorizo, and avocado. It’s humble street food that feels indulgent.
Canelazo
Quito’s signature warm cocktail, a soothing blend of cinnamon, panela (unrefined cane sugar) and citrus, spiked with a local sugarcane spirit known as aguardiente. Gently heated and ladled out steaming, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a cool evening, wandering through Centro Histórico.
Seco de chivo
Seco de chivo is a slow-cooked goat stew that leans deep into Ecuador’s bold, earthy flavours. Simmered with cumin and achiote, the meat turns tender and richly infused. It’s typically served with fluffy rice, sweet plantain and sometimes a sharp salsa to cut through the richness. You’ll come across it in local markets and no-frills neighbourhood spots, where recipes have been passed down for generations. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in.
We’ve mapped the best locations to try these dishes and more, into an easy-to-follow self-guided food tour
Overview of our Quito Self-Guided Food Tour
- Duration: Best enjoyed over a few days in order to taste and appreciate every dish.
- Budget: The price of each dish is shared in the guide and varies from place to place, but our guides are aimed more towards budget conscious travellers than those looking for fine-dining experiences.
- Best Time to Explore: Anytime! Once you purchase the guide, you’ll have access to opening hours and can plan your route accordingly. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed so you’re always near interesting landmarks, meaning you can easily plan your meals around your sightseeing and other activities
- Areas Covered: In and around the Centro Histórico
Our guide includes instant access to:
- 🍴 A minimum of 10 dishes to try
- 🍜 Local favourites that you won’t find in guide books
- 📍 The location of each dish
- 💻 A desktop pdf for your pre-trip planning
- 📱A convenient mobile version for on-the-go
- 🗺️ A map link showing all of the locations
Further Reading
→ Where to Eat in Quito: An Introduction to Quito’s Centro Histórico
→ Why Quito’s Best Food is Hard to Find (And How to Spot it)
→ Is a Food Tour Worth it? – A Practical Guide to the Pros and Cons
→ Self-Guided Food Tour vs Guided Tour: Which is Better?
Explore More Self-Guided Food Tour Destinations
Each city offers a completely different food experience — and we’ve mapped them all.
FAQ
What’s included in the guides?
Each guide includes a minimum of 10 must try foods for your chosen destination, and our recommended location to try them. You will receive a desktop pdf for your pre-trip planning, a convenient mobile version for on the go, plus a map link with all of the locations pinned and labelled
Why should I pay for a tour when I could read a food blog for free?
Our guides are clear and concise. No ad spam and no unnecessary story telling. A few clicks and a small fee will save you heaps of time and frustration leaving you more time for what’s important – eating!
Why should I buy one of your guides?
Every single one of our recommendations has been independently researched and tasted by us. No sponsorship, no bias.
How much does the food cost?
The food costs vary depending on the location but the price of each item is listed in the guide. Our guides are catered more towards budget conscious travellers, rather than fine dining experiences.
Who are the guides suitable for?
Anyone! Anyone with an interest food. The great thing about doing a self-guided tour is that you can go at your own pace and to your own capabilities and schedule. Had enough of walking? Jump in a taxi to your next stop. Feeling full? Continue your tour the following day.
How do you choose what goes in the guides?
By eating… a lot! We take our time in every destination, sampling dishes at a range of eateries and comparing the experience. We also speak with locals and ask them to share their favourite spots.