The Essence of.....Ecuador An exploration of the world through food and drink

Essence -ial Information UK Tourist Office Consulate, Flat 3b 3 Hans Crescent, London SW1 Currency US Dollar Capital Quito Language Spanish Main Airlines No flights direct Flying Time from UK 17 hrs Visa No

PROFILE Ecuador is known for its fabulous exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes. Across the country you'll find a broad spectrum of national and regional dishes, including lemon-marinated shrimp, toasted corn, and pastries stuffed with spiced meats. Ecuadorians have a regular diet of rice, potatoes, and meat (beef and chicken can be found anywhere but pork is only found in the sierra). Most dishes in Ecuador are complimented by a traditional hot sauce called Aji. You will find Aji on almost every food table in restaurants and homes, each with its own intensity of 'picante' so taste a bit before you smother your food with it. In addition to Aji, most dishes are accompanied by rice, a small salad and potatoes or patacones (squashed, fried green bananas). Dishes •Caldo or sopa: soups, available as a breakfast item in markets •Churrasco: beef, fried eggs, vegetables, fried potatoes, avocado, rice and tomato Cuy: grilled guinea pig •Lechón: ; roasted suckling pig •Llapingachos: potato and cheese pancake, often served with small bits of meat •Tortillas de maiz: corn pancakes •Locro: soup with potatoes, corn and avocado •Parrilla: mixed meat barbequed Argentine style •Tortillas de maiz: corn pancakes •Yaguarlocro: locro made with blood sausage; an acquired taste Most Ecuadorians prefer beer, and in second place rum. You can find almost any imported beer brand in Ecuador as well as some pretty good local brewed ones