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Gastronomic Cuenca: Flavors You Must Try During Your Visit
Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only known for its colonial charm and riverfront walks — it’s also a culinary destination. Ecuadorian Andean cuisine takes center stage here, with recipes passed down through generations and ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
Top Traditional Dishes to Try in Cuenca
1. Mote pillo
This classic Cuencano breakfast dish combines hominy corn (mote) sautéed with eggs, onions, garlic, and achiote. It’s hearty, flavorful, and often served with coffee or fresh juice.
2. Cuy asado (roasted guinea pig)
A delicacy in the Ecuadorian Andes, cuy is traditionally roasted over an open fire. It’s served crispy with potatoes and peanut sauce — a must-try for adventurous foodies.
3. Hornado
Slow-roasted pork served with llapingachos (potato patties), mote, and a tangy tomato-onion salad. You’ll often find it at local markets like Mercado 10 de Agosto.
4. Locro de papa
A comforting potato and cheese soup, often garnished with avocado and served with toasted corn (tostado). It’s perfect for Cuenca’s cool evenings.
5. Dulces tradicionales
Try artisanal sweets like rosquillas, higos con queso (figs with cheese), and melcocha, a traditional sugar cane candy.
Where to Eat in Cuenca
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Mercado 9 de Octubre – Ideal for a quick and authentic local lunch.
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Plaza de San Francisco – Street food and snacks in the heart of the city.
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Restaurants like Tiesto’s or El Mercado – For a refined taste of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Tips for Food Lovers
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Many dishes contain corn, potatoes, and pork — staples of Andean cooking.
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Always ask about spice levels if you prefer mild flavors.
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Don’t miss the opportunity to try fruit juices made with local produce like naranjilla or taxo.