Ecuador might be small but its culinary scene is mighty and unfortunately, this is something many don't realize until they're eating food there while on vacation. This country is home to some of the most diverse - and some would argue best - culinary dishes in the world, with a wide range of cooking methods and ingredients, with a common thread being a bold spice and comforting flavors. In short, a menu in Ecuador can be described as fun and bold, with so many options to choose from and new dishes to try in every restaurant travelers visit.

Some are admittedly stranger than others but the ever so called for, 'don't knock it until you try it' is definitely the motto of Ecuadorian food, although most of it looks and smells so delicious that this is often unnecessary. The Ecuadorian food scene is something that few people outside of the country or their heritage have the chance to experience, but it's definitely worth bragging about thanks to these dishes. For foodies especially, Ecuador should definitely be on the list of 'must visit' places in order to experience all this tiny country has to offer in terms of dynamic flavor.

Llapingachos

Llapingachos don't need much talking up in order to convey how delicious they truly are. This dish consists of fried and stuffed potato patties and those of the pro-potato culture will surely agree that anything with a potato, especially one that's fried and stuffed, is definitely something worth trying. This is also one of the most famous dishes in Ecuador and can be found quite easily; potato patties are stuffed with cheese before getting fried, then topped with a fried egg, avocado, peanut sauce, and usually meat. Fun fact: Ecuador gives Idaho a run for its money in terms of potatoes since they were originally grown in South America and there are more than 4,000 types spanning between Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Empanada de Viento

These are a fun find in Ecuador and it's pretty spectacular that such a simple dish can turn into something so delicious. An empanada de Viento is basically a cheese-filled dough pie that's fried until it's enormous in size. The dough can get pretty hollow on the inside aside from the cheese that's inserted prior to frying but don't worry - the topping of sugar makes up for that. It's a delicious treat and one that's great for grabbing on the go or splitting with some friends.

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Churrasco

Not to be confused with the Brazilian BBQ dish of the same name, in Ecuador, churrasco is completely different. The main component of the dish is grilled steak which is then served with a wide array of accompaniments, from rice, plantains, salad, avocado, and a sauce called aji, which has a base of spicy garlic. The steak is also topped with a fried egg, somewhat like a bulked-up steak and eggs, but so, so much better and tastier. This is often a full meal in Ecuador and very filling which is why it's so great.

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Ecuadorian Quesadillas

Ecuadorian quesadillas are fairly different from the quesadillas that most people are familiar with, and they're also served with quite a different side. Rather than the flat, cheese-filled quesadillas of Mexico, in Ecuador, the quesadillas are a pastry-filled pentagon that can be either sweet or savory. They're also quite popular for breakfast which is also different from the quesadillas most people are familiar with, and they're quite a bit fluffier as well. The real difference, though, is what they're served alongside: In some cafes, visitors can find a quesadilla and hot chocolate combination which sounds like it would be horrible, but it's actually incredible. Mozzarella cheese doesn't normally go hand in hand with chocolate, but it's something that's actually quite tasty once you get past the overall idea of cheese and chocolate.

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Fritada de Chancho

This pork dish is cooked in a unique way by boiling the meat rather than grilling or roasting and the result is nothing short of delicious. The pork is cooked in a mixture of water, orange juice, and an Ecuadorian spice blend until the liquid has evaporated. After that, the pork is fried until crispy and served with a myriad of sides to complete the dish. They include anything from sweet plantains and hominy to fava beans and yuca. Other tasty sides include llapingachos, corn on the cob, and sweet potatoes. If that doesn't sound mouthwatering, then what does?

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