What to Eat in Cuenca (Even If You Skip the Guinea Pig)
When I travel, I don’t need a list of the top 10 things to do—I need to know where and what to eat. And in Cuenca, Ecuador, the food scene turned out to be as surprising as it was satisfying.
From hidden-away spots I discovered through Black expat connections to a mocktail named after Frida Kahlo, here’s what stood out during my six-week stay in the city.
Hidden Gems You Won’t Find on Every Tourist List 🍽️
Thanks to expat groups that led to an introduction to Afro Ecuadoría, an amazing group promoting the visibility and preservation Afro-Ecuadorian culture, I got the inside scoop on a couple of standout spots. (See list of expat resources at the end of this article)
El Encocoa: This is one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again. Pro tip: get there early—this spot is popular for a reason, and when they run out of something, it’s gone for the day. Everything I tried was delicious, and I’m not ashamed to say I went back multiple times during my stay in Cuenca—dined in, took it to go, always happy.
Also, I need to shout out their kombucha. I’ve never liked kombucha before. But theirs? Total game changer.
⚠️Allergy Warning: the Encocado has milk in it. I took multiple Lactaid pills to eat it. Totally worth it.
Okay, I have to admit—I never would have ventured through those gates on my own. From the street, it’s not exactly calling to tourists. But thanks to my new friend, Tony, I discovered this wonderful local spot.
The food? Plentiful, delicious, and super affordable. You’ll definitely need some Spanish to order, but you won’t regret making the effort.
Happy Moment
One of my favorite memories happened here on what was, unbeknownst to me, International Women’s Day. The place was absolutely buzzing. The place was packed with gorgeous, vibrant mujeres (women) who greeted me like family. I was overwhelmed—in the best way.
I wished so badly I could join in more of the conversation. My Spanish has improved a lot since I started traveling back in 2021 (currently testing at Intermediate Level 2), but everyday conversation—especially in a large party environment with folks talking simultaneously? Forget about it. Still, I devoured the delicious energy of this special moment. Even without words, I felt completely connected.
Other Food Highlights
Sofy’s Global Cuisine: I stumbled upon this one and instantly fell in love with the cozy, artful interior and creative menu full of fusion favors. I had the Frida mocktail and the Vietnamese-style salad — both felt like edible passport stamps.
It’s a bit pricey for Cuenca (around $18 😆), but the quality and service make it worth it.
Nandala Cocina Vegana: I love stumbling across a vegan spot. Nope, I’m not vegan. But when you’re seriously lactose intolerant like I am, it’s nice to order anything off the menu without playing ingredient roulette.
First up: the Cauliflower Wings. So good. Crispy, flavorful, and that dipping sauce? I wanted to get a gallon to go. They even threw in a tasty little side salad.
The Quinoa Salad, though? Meh. It wasn’t bad, just… weirdly forgettable. It definitely didn’t hit like the “wings” did.
Honestly, I’m still kicking myself for not going back to try more dishes. The rest of the menu looked like it had some real winners.
9 de Octubre Panadería y Pasteleria: The best banana bread in town—hands down. I walked past several other bakeries that were closer to my apartment to go here. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch it while it’s still warm from the oven. Mmm mmm mmm… pure joy.
If you’re differently lucky and they’ve already sold out for the day, don’t worry—it’s just the universe nudging you to try something new. The coconut balls? Divine. The orejas? Crispy perfection. Honestly, you can’t go wrong. Just say yes to everything.
La Crème: This cute little cafe on the square of Parque Calderon is a great place to meet people for coffee / tea. You can sit in the restaurant but trust me, the shared flower-filled courtyard is where you feel the magic.
If you’re differently lucky and they’ve already sold out for the day, don’t worry—it’s just the universe nudging you to try something new. The coconut balls? Divine. The orejas? Crispy perfection. Honestly, you can’t go wrong. Just say yes to everything.
✨Final Thoughts
One of my goals in every city I visit is to connect with the local culture through food. Cuenca made that easy, thanks to welcoming people and hidden culinary gems.
Whether you’re planning your own scouting trip or just passing through, trust your taste buds—they won’t steer you wrong.
Have you ever visited a city where food helped you feel at home? Got a Cuenca recommendation I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always hungry for more.
