Vegetarian

Vegetarians will be surprised by the wide selection of vegetarian options in Quito, Otavalo, and Baños. Don't expect too many menu options outside of these three cities, however. You will often find yourself ordering "pollo sin pollo" -- the chicken plate without the chicken. You may get a few raised eyebrows, but at least your meal will be meat-free.

Seafood

Seafood is popular in Ecuador. Lobster can be enjoyed along the coast and in major cities for very low prices. In Esmeraldas province on the northern coast, you will discover a new culinary with "encocados," seafood dishes prepared in coconut milk.
The traditional dish of the country, however, is ceviche, a seafood dish marinated in lemon and onions -- Ecuador's answer to sushi. Unlike sushi however, Ecuadorian ceviche is always dished up with popcorn! Ceviche can be made of fish (de pescado), shrimp (de camarones), shellfish (de concha), squid (de calamari), or all of the above (mixta).

Vocabulary for food preparation:
A la brasa: grilled Al vapor: steamed Apanado: batter-fried/breaded Brosterizado: deep-fried Encocado: stewed in coconut Frito: pan-fried Hornado: roasted Reventado: skillet-fried Seco: stewed meat plate

International Cuisine

Quito also offers a good selection of international cuisine. If you fancy Argentinean steak, Italian pasta, Japanese sushi, or French fondue, you won't be disappointed. Prices lower than those in the United States or Europe. Chinese, Mexican, Cuban, Arabic, Indian, and vegetarian meals are available in Quito at reasonable prices. Outside of Quito and Guayaquil, only Baños offers a good mixture of international cuisine.

Vocabulary for food preparation:

A la brasa: grilled

Al vapor: steamed

Apanado: batter-fried/breaded

Brosterizado: deep-fried

Encocado: stewed in coconut

Frito: panfried

Hornado: roasted

Reventado: skillet-fried

Seco: stewed meat plate