Cuenca: Ecuador’s Culinary Capital Shaped by Tradition and Nature

Published on September 21, 2025

Nestled in the heart of Ecuador, Cuenca is a city where mountains, rivers, and history all mingle over the dinner table. Awarded the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this city is an eyes-wide-open history book, but you don’t need a library card to access it just a fork and a curious stomach. The dishes you will find here have been stirring and simmering since the Andes were first mapped, collecting Spanish, Indigenous, and even Moorish influences along the way.

The result? An extraordinary tapestry of flavors that invites you to taste a small piece of the centuries it took to weave it. Whether it’s the savory hornado, a dish of perfectly roasted pork, or a bowl of canelazo warming your hands, the culinary heartbeat of Cuenca won’t just fill you up; it will also fill your memory.

A Legacy of Taste: Cuenca’s Culinary History

Cuisine from Cuenca is an edible testament to history, brought to life by the blending of the ancient Cañari, the mighty Incan Empire, and the Spanish crown’s flavors. The mountains, rivers, and high valleys provide a surprising variety of foods, and thanks to the distinct climate, we find meals built on soft corn, hearty beans, tender potatoes, fragrant chiles, and fruits only ripe for a couple of weeks each year. In Cuenca’s markets, markets, guinea pig and chicken are always close at hand too, running freely before they make an unforgettable appearance on the table. In every bite, the plates tell tales of breaking dawn on these same hills, of migrations and conquests, of patience and ingenuity.

The Great Cuenca Table

The soul of Cuenca’s cuisine is found in what locals call the “gran mesa cuencana,” or the great Cuenca table. This table isn’t a physical thing; it’s a feeling that welcomes residents and travelers to share in the city’s life. Every dish served is more than just food; it’s a story of togetherness that ties Cuenca’s people to one another, to the earth, and to the regular pulse of daily life. Here, a steaming bowl of cebiche de chicha or a plate of hornado speaks volumes about the land and its past. In Cuenca, culinary traditions aren’t reserved for festivals or anniversaries; they’re woven into breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making everyday meals a living document of the city’s identity.

Iconic Dishes and Drinks of Cuenca

Cuenca is home to a range of traditional dishes and beverages, each with unique preparations that have been passed down through generations. These meals are an expression of the city’s cultural richness and the flavors that define its table.

1. El Mote
   Mote, or corn cooked in a clay pot, is a staple in Cuenca. It is not only a common side dish but also a key ingredient in other beloved recipes like motepillo and motepata. It can be found at markets, fairs, and local eateries, often accompanying roasted guinea pig or locro de papas, an Andean potato soup.
2. Chumales
   A popular dish of tender corn, cheese, butter, eggs, aniseed, and sugar cane liquor, chumales are wrapped in their husks and steamed to perfection. Often enjoyed with coffee or chocolate, chumales reflect the deep ties to the region’s agricultural traditions and offer a taste of the city’s heart.
3. Locro de Papa
   This hearty stew made from two types of potatoes, fresh cheese, avocado, and mote is a staple in Cuenca’s kitchens. The combination of creamy and chewy potatoes in a thick, flavorful broth is a dish that exemplifies the region’s ability to create comforting and satisfying meals.
4. Motepillo
   This dish combines corn (mote) with eggs from free-range chickens, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal enjoyed across Cuenca. Each family has its own version, adding to the local charm of this simple yet delicious dish.
5. El Cuy Asado
   Roast guinea pig, or cuy asado, is a hallmark of Andean cuisine. The guinea pig, a source of protein in the region for centuries, is roasted with potatoes and served during festivals like Carnival and Christmas. It holds significant cultural importance and is a must-try for any visitor to Cuenca.
6. Motepata
   This celebratory dish, often enjoyed during Cuenca’s carnival festivities, blends indigenous Andean ingredients with European influences. Its rich flavors embody the fusion of cultures that have shaped Cuenca’s food over centuries.
7. Chicha de Jora
   A fermented corn drink with roots in pre-Hispanic rituals, Chicha de Jora is a beverage that carries spiritual and cultural significance. It was traditionally reserved for ceremonies to honor Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), but today it’s enjoyed as a refreshing and historically significant drink.

Cuenca’s Culinary Festivals and Traditions

Cuenca’s food culture is showcased in its many culinary festivals throughout the year. From the city’s annual food fairs to celebrations tied to local harvests, these events offer a deeper look into Cuenca’s gastronomic diversity. Visitors are encouraged to take part in these festive occasions to experience the city’s culinary vibrancy firsthand.

What Travelers Can Expect

For travelers heading to Cuenca, the city’s rich culinary culture offers an opportunity to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions. Cuenca’s markets, street food stalls, and family-run restaurants provide an authentic taste of Ecuadorian life. Whether sampling roasted guinea pig at a local restaurant or enjoying a bowl of locro de papa with a glass of freshly made chicha, Cuenca promises an immersive culinary experience that celebrates tradition, flavor, and community.

Guide for Travelers

• Must-Try Dishes: Locro de papa, motepillo, and cuy asado.
• Best Time to Visit: For culinary festivals, plan your trip during Cuenca’s carnival season.
• Local Markets: Visit Cuenca’s vibrant markets like Mercado 10 de Agosto for fresh ingredients and local street food.
• Local Souvenirs: Don’t miss out on artisanal products like cheese, honey, and handcrafted items.
• Cultural Insights: Try participating in a local food tour to learn about the history behind Cuenca’s dishes.

The food scene in Cuenca lets you taste Ecuador’s cultural history in every bite. If you love exploring the flavors behind a city’s past, this is the place to come. Here, history, culture, and unforgettable taste come served on the same plate.