In Quito, Ecuador I dined in the restaurant at the Hotel Mecure Alameda where I was staying and was intrigued by the snack I was served before one of my meals.
The mix of popcorn, banana chips, fried corn kernels and sweet onion was an unusual combination of flavors, both salty and sweet, and definitely crunchy.
I also loved the abundance and variety of enticing fruit displays at outdoor markets and the fresh fruit juices made from naranjilla (“little orange” – my favorite), guanabana (white, sweet and frothy), and the more familiar blackberry, mango and papaya.
In Cayambe, my guide, Giovanna, took me to her favorite place to sample the local specialty: “bizcochos,” flaky, melt-in-your-mouth buttery biscuits. Delicious!
With a glass of naranjilla and bizcochos to nibble on, I’m a happy gal!
How about you, Wanderboomers? What exotic foods have you enjoyed in your travels?
One of the highlights of my visit to Ecuador was a stop in Cayambe, about an hour and 45 minute drive north of Quito. My guide took me on a tour of a local outdoor market where these two ice cream cuties caught my eye. Can Mr. Softee top this?