Galapagos Islands Cuisine

Seafood lovers rejoice in Ecuador

Fish and seafood meals constitute a staple for locals and travelers. Most restaurants offer a smattering of local dishes paired with western choices, but for the best offerings follow the locals and eat where they do.

Not sure what's on for dinner in the Galapagos Islands? You'll find a wide variety of exotic fruit for starters. Many regions have their own specialties, but adventurous foodies might want to consider the tronquito (bull penis soup) or the caldo de pata - a clear broth with hunks of boiled cow hooves. While these flavors might scare you just a little, locals believe they increase male virility.

Take advantage of the cheap and cheerful almuerzos, or set lunches (meriendas for dinner). Not only do they serve traditional dishes, they won't set you back more than a few dollars for a complete meal including soup, a main meat-based course and dessert. Vegetarians can easily find enough variety in larger cities; however, once outside the tourist reach you must request a special meal such as "pollo sin pollo," chicken without chicken - it sounds ridiculous but at least you'll be meat free.

Soups

• Locro Soup - Potato, avocado and cheese soup
• Chupe de Pescado - Fish and vegetable soup
• Yaguarlocro - Potato soup with a dash of blood

Main menus

• Ceviche de Camarones - Cold prawn soup accompanied with banana chifles (plantain chips) and popcorn
• Encococado de Pescado - Fish cooked with coconut
• Tapao - Fish and plantains
• Fried Plantains - Sweet and delicious and a great substitute for french fries
• Cuy (guinea pig)
• Rice with Beans - Green Province staple, comes with fried or grilled fish
• Seco de Pollo - Stewed chicken with rice and avocado
• Lomo Salteado - Thinly sliced beef steak smothered in onions and tomatoes
• Seco de Chivo - Goat stew served over rice

Baked Goods

Stop off at a local bakery and try out some of the vast varieties of bread and other pastries or one of these meal pastries.

• Empanadas - Hot, crispy, meat or cheese-filled pastries
• Llapingachos - Potato and cheese pancakes
• Tortillas de Maiz - Thin corn pancakes