5 exotic dishes from Ecuadorian cuisine

The cuisine of Ecuador is extremely diverse and delicious, as each region of the country has its culinary secrets waiting to be explored. Among these dishes, there are unusual ingredients such as worms, rodents, and carnivorous fish that invite the most curious palates to try them. If you fall into this category, dare to discover the most exotic dishes of Ecuador. Piranha in banana leaf Near the Napo River, in the Francisco de Orellana area, locals offer tourists a dish that can be intimidating, but it's a whole gastronomic experience. It is piranha in banana leaf, that little carnivorous fish that has starred in various horror movies, which is wrapped in a banana leaf and then placed between very hot coals. It is delicious but be careful with its teeth.Roasted guinea pig Roasted guinea pig is perhaps the most popular and extravagant dish in Latin America. It can be found in several countries, and Ecuador is one of them. This exotic dish is easy to find in the Quito region, where it is slowly roasted over an open flame skewered on a wooden stick. Sheep head soup This soup is very similar to the Peruvian lamb head broth, as it is a preparation full of flavor that includes all parts of the sheep's head, including the eyes, tongue, nose, and ears. Aloe vera juice with flower extracts Although aloe vera juice may not be such an extravagant dish, it is a flavorful and highly nutritious drink that, according to local belief, has healing properties. This drink can be found north of Quito in the markets of the city of San Luis de Otavalo. Grilled coconut palm worms Although some may be surprised, coconut palm worms are considered a true delicacy in Ecuadorian cuisine. This exotic food is prepared by marinating the worms in lemon or orange juice before cooking them on a delicious charcoal skewer. The worms have a high amount of vitamins, would you dare to try them? What do you think of these foods from Ecuadorian cuisine? Have you tried any other Ecuadorian dishes?