What Food To Try in Cuenca and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Cuenca for 2024.
National currency: US Dollar, symbol — $ (international currency code USD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Cuenca cafes and restaurants
$3.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.5
$31
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $20
$7.5
Combo Meal
Starting from $7
What to Try in Cuenca
Must-try Dishes
Cuenca Locro - Potato Soup with Cheese - This hearty soup combines potatoes, cheese, avocado, and sometimes herbs, creating a creamy texture. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, often adding a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. Empanadas - Savory Pastries - Stuffed with a mix of meat, cheese, or vegetables, these golden pastries are often baked until crispy. You'll find them everywhere, typically as a popular street snack for lunch or dinner.
Bandeja Paisa - Meat Platter - A generous plate filled with grilled meats, beans, rice, fried egg, and avocado, presenting a true feast. Locals savor it during family gatherings, best enjoyed leisurely on the weekends.
Caldo de Gallina - Hen Soup - This comforting hen soup is rich with vegetables and often served with a side of avocado and rice. Ideal for a Sunday lunch, this dish is believed to have therapeutic properties.
Fritada - Fried Pork - Juicy chunks of pork are fried until crispy, often served with hominy and a variety of sides. Best enjoyed in street markets, locals sometimes pair it with a cold beer and love the flavorful contrast.
Hornado - Roasted Pork - Whole pig roasted until the skin turns crispy makes for a memorable feast filled with flavor. Traditionally served during festivals or gatherings, locals enjoy it with llapingachos (potato patties) for a heavenly combination.
Choclo con Queso - Corn with Cheese - Large kernels of fresh corn served with a generous slice of cheese provide a surprising yet delightful harmony of flavors. Street vendors sell this during the harvest season, making it a must-try edible celebration.
Seco de Chivo - Goat Stew - Tender goat meat stewed with beer and spices creates a rich, savory dish that's a local favorite. Typically eaten during special occasions, locals enjoy it with rice and a side of plantains for a complete meal.
Desserts & Drinks
Chicha - Chicha (fermented corn drink) - A traditional drink made from fermented corn, often flavored with fruits like strawberries or blackberries. It's a favorite during festivities or to accompany casual gatherings, served in large cups and often enjoyed while chatting with friends.Tinajón - Tinajón (cold citrus drink) - A refreshing blend of fresh fruits like orange and pineapple mixed with sugar and water, served chilled in a ceramic jug. Locals love this during the hot afternoons, especially when they’re strolling through the parks or markets.
Pisco - Pisco (grape brandy) - An aromatic brandy distilled from grapes, it's typically enjoyed straight or in a Pisco Sour. Many Cuencanos opt for this at family celebrations or gatherings, often toasted with heartfelt cheers.
Bizcochos de Canela - Bizcochos (cinnamon cookies) - Delightfully crunchy pastries that melt in your mouth, made with flour, butter, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for enjoying with coffee in the late afternoon, they often come in a small paper bag when purchased from local bakeries.
Helado de Paila - Helado de Paila (frozen fruit dessert) - This hand-churned ice cream made from fresh fruits and a splash of cream has a wonderfully creamy texture. Usually enjoyed in the warmer months, it's often sold by street vendors who make it right in front of you, creating a vibrant experience as you watch the mixing and freezing process.
Food and Groceries in Cuenca
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.67 |
| Bananas | $1.1 |
| Oranges | $1 |
| Potatoes | $1.08 |
| Apples | $1.69 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.05 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.66 |
| Imported Beer | $2.94 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $10 |
| Milk 1L | $1.14 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $6.61 |
| Chicken | $6.01 |
| Cigarettes | $6 |
| Rice | $1.33 |
| Local Cheese | $6.61 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
There’s a rhythm to meals in Cuenca that can be quite different from what many visitors expect. For instance, lunch, or "almuerzo," is the primary meal of the day and is typically enjoyed between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. You'll see families, friends, and colleagues gathering at local eateries, all embracing the communal aspect of dining. It’s fascinating to witness how local businesses cater to this mealtime rush—many places offer a "menú del día" (menu of the day) that provides substantial meals at incredibly reasonable prices, often around 4-6 USD.
Exploring different districts reveals a wide range of dining experiences. For example, in El Centro, you can find traditional Ecuadorian food at very affordable prices—think hearty soups or stews. However, if you wander toward the modern district of El Vergel, meals can jump to 10-15 USD for a more upscale dining experience with international cuisines. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role; during holiday periods, prices may fluctuate or rise due to demand.
Payments in Cuenca usually involve cash, especially at smaller establishments. While most places accept card payments, it's safer to carry cash, as some vendors might not have card machines. When dining out, don't be shy about tipping; 10% is customary but not always expected, especially in more local spots. However, if the service is good, leaving a few extra coins can go a long way in showing appreciation.
One habit I've noticed among locals is the ritual of sharing "picadas," small plates or finger foods, that might occur during any afternoon get-together, often just after work. They’re typically enjoyed with a cold beer or a tinto (a small cup of local coffee) and add a social touch to dining, something that’s frequently missed by tourists who might rush over a full meal.
A common mistake tourists make is showing up to dine too late for lunch. By 2:30 PM, many traditional spots will be winding down, especially during the quieter months. On the other hand, dinner often begins around 7:30 PM, but again, if you’re looking to enjoy a bustling atmosphere, you may arrive later to find restaurants filled with locals who are just getting started.
Oh, and before I forget, always make reservations at popular restaurants during weekends, especially during tourist seasons. They can fill up quickly, and not having a spot saves you from the disappointment of waiting or facing a closed door.
Cuenca's dining culture is a vibrant tapestry of local customs and communal gathering, deeply rooted in rich traditions. It reflects the city's character—warm, inviting, and all about relationships, be it with food or people.
Exploring different districts reveals a wide range of dining experiences. For example, in El Centro, you can find traditional Ecuadorian food at very affordable prices—think hearty soups or stews. However, if you wander toward the modern district of El Vergel, meals can jump to 10-15 USD for a more upscale dining experience with international cuisines. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role; during holiday periods, prices may fluctuate or rise due to demand.
Payments in Cuenca usually involve cash, especially at smaller establishments. While most places accept card payments, it's safer to carry cash, as some vendors might not have card machines. When dining out, don't be shy about tipping; 10% is customary but not always expected, especially in more local spots. However, if the service is good, leaving a few extra coins can go a long way in showing appreciation.
One habit I've noticed among locals is the ritual of sharing "picadas," small plates or finger foods, that might occur during any afternoon get-together, often just after work. They’re typically enjoyed with a cold beer or a tinto (a small cup of local coffee) and add a social touch to dining, something that’s frequently missed by tourists who might rush over a full meal.
A common mistake tourists make is showing up to dine too late for lunch. By 2:30 PM, many traditional spots will be winding down, especially during the quieter months. On the other hand, dinner often begins around 7:30 PM, but again, if you’re looking to enjoy a bustling atmosphere, you may arrive later to find restaurants filled with locals who are just getting started.
Oh, and before I forget, always make reservations at popular restaurants during weekends, especially during tourist seasons. They can fill up quickly, and not having a spot saves you from the disappointment of waiting or facing a closed door.
Cuenca's dining culture is a vibrant tapestry of local customs and communal gathering, deeply rooted in rich traditions. It reflects the city's character—warm, inviting, and all about relationships, be it with food or people.