What and Where to Eat in Cuenca, Ecuador, Cuenca, Ecuador

Ecuador may not be considered a top gastronomic hot spot, but we were pleasantly surprised to find the food to be not only affordable but also really good!

During our time living the heart of Cuenca, we enjoyed eating out for almuerzos, a set lunch of the day. For as little as $2.50, you can get fresh juice, soup, entree, and sometimes a small dessert. We then made most of our own breakfasts and dinners with fresh produce from the markets.

This is an overview of our top recommendations for what and where to eat in Cuenca. There are certainly more high-end options available out there, which you can find through Trip Advisor. A majority, though not all, of the restaurants we list here will be more budget-traveler-friendly.

1. Almuerzos - This refers to a set lunch menu of the day. Often three courses for a very reasonable price. Some restaurants also have the same concept for breakfast, desayunos, or in the evening, called meriendas.

3. Tropical fruit - Mangos, papaya, pineapple, banana, plantains, avocado, guanabana, maracuya (passion fruit).

7. Tortilla de yuca, platanos maduros, or choclo - Yuca pancakes, ripe plantain, or corn are common sides.

14. Espumilla - Whipped egg whites with fruit juice, often sold on the streets like an ice cream cone that won’t melt. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).