7 Popular Ecuadorian Breakfasts to Try Like a Local

When you travel to Ecuador, breakfast is a great way to experience the country's flavours and traditions. From hearty plantain dishes to warm soups and freshly baked treats, Ecuadorian breakfasts are simple, filling and full of local taste.

Start your morning with these 7 traditional dishes and discover the flavours that many Ecuadorians enjoy every day.

1. Bolón de Verde

A favourite breakfast choice in Ecuador, bolón de verde is made with cooked green plantains that are mashed and shaped into a ball. It is usually filled with cheese, pork, or both. With a crispy outside and a soft, flavourful centre, it is a filling option for travellers with a busy day ahead. Locals often enjoy it with a fried egg, coffee or fresh fruit juice.

You will find bolón de verde especially popular in coastal cities like Guayaquil and Manta

2. Encebollado

Encebollado is one of Ecuador's most loved dishes and a breakfast favourite for many locals. This warm fish soup is made with tuna, cassava, onions, tomatoes and spices. It is usually served with lime, chilli and plantain chips on the side. While soup for breakfast may seem unusual, encebollado is comforting, tasty and a great way to start the day like a local.

3. Tigrillo

Popular in Ecuador's coastal region, tigrillo is a traditional breakfast dish made with mashed green plantains, cheese, eggs and sometimes pork.

It is usually served warm with coffee and has a simple homemade feel. If you want to try a dish that many Ecuadorians grew up eating, tigrillo is a great choice

4. Humitas

Humitas are soft steamed corn parcels made from fresh corn and often filled with cheese. They have a mild flavour and are commonly enjoyed with coffee in the morning. Light, simple and comforting, they make a great breakfast before heading out to explore Ecuador.

5. Pan de Yuca

If you enjoy baked treats, pan de yuca is one to add to your list. These small cheese breads are made with cassava flour and have a soft, slightly chewy texture. Usually served warm, they pair perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate and can be found in many bakeries and cafés across Ecuador.

6. Bollo de Pescado

Popular along Ecuador's coast, bollo de pescado is a comforting dish made with fish, green plantain, peanuts and spices. The mixture is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed until the flavours come together. It has a rich, savoury taste and is often enjoyed in coastal towns for breakfast or an early meal.

Served with a fresh juice or coffee, it is a great way to experience Ecuador's coastal flavours.

7. Mote Pillo

A traditional dish from the Andes region, mote pillo is made with cooked hominy corn, eggs, onions, milk and spices. It is a simple but filling meal that is commonly enjoyed in places like Cuenca.

The combination of soft corn and scrambled eggs creates a comforting flavour that feels like a homemade Ecuadorian breakfast. It is often served with cheese or avocado on the side

Make the Most of Ecuadorian Breakfasts

• Visit traditional markets for a more local atmosphere and fresh morning dishes.
• Try breakfast specialities from different regions, as coastal and Andean flavours can be very different.
• Pair your meal with a local coffee or fresh juice for the full experience.
• Learn the names of a few dishes before ordering, so you can easily find your favourites again during your trip.