Budget Dining in Quito, Ecuador
Affordable Restaurants and Eateries for Students and Tourists
Aug 28, 2008
Quito, Ecuador, is a budget traveler’s dream. Museum entrance fees are low, transportation fares are extremely economical, and the cost of food has yet to reach the astronomical prices that seem to characterize other tourist spots around the world. It is not unheard of for an almuerzo – a lunch meal, complete with soup, main dish, dessert and a glass of fresh juice – to cost less than $2 USD. Here are some options that will satisfy a variety of tastes without breaking the bank.
Breakfasts
Small eateries offering economical breakfasts can be found all around the city. The breakfasts usually consist of coffee (instant, in milk or in water), fresh juice (common choices are orange, blackberry, tree tomato, papaya and watermelon), two eggs prepared the way you prefer, and a bread roll with a slice of cheese.
Laker’s– Located at the corner of Baquedano and Juan Leon Mera in Quito’s tourist district La Mariscal. A complete breakfast like that described above will set one back a mere $1.50 USD, and keep the hunger pains away until lunch.
Lunch
Other small restaurants around the city offer almuerzos.. Almuerzo menus change daily, and will usually not make substitutions, but they are tasty, affordable, and often serve local dishes.
Café de la Roca - At Café de la Roca one can get a gourmet lunch for only $4 USD. Dessert and a small glass of juice is included. Located on Carrión between Juan Leon Mera and Reina Victoria in La Mariscal District, this cozy restaurant is set up in a renovated colonial house. Although single items off of the menu will be much pricier, the almuerzos are a steal.
Satisfying snacks for under $2 USD
Street food is readily available around the city, but because it may be left out in less than desirable conditions, tourists may want to avoid it. Luckily, in Quito many of the more popular street vendors have established their own permanent booths from which they serve the same food but in more hygienic surroundings.
Los hot dogs de la Gonzalez Suarez - This hot dog stand sensation is near Hotel Quito on Gonzalez Suarez . A double foot-long hot dog sandwich will set one’s wallet back $1.25 USD. Toppings are free, including the crushed potato chips and pineapple marmalade!
Empanadas de morocho - There are two places in the north of Quito where one can find great empanadas de morocho (fried white corn turnovers). One is on Ulloa Street a block south of Mariana de Jesús, and the other is in the Jipijapa neighborhood on Rio Coca. A large empanada is about the size of two hands placed together and costs only about $1 USD.
Tips for finding cheap eats
- Look for places where there are other locals eating. Chances are that they will know that the food there is safe, hygienically prepared, and tasty .
- Beware of places that are lower than $1.50-$2.00 USD. If the lunch seems too cheap to be true, the ingredients used may not be fresh.
- Ask the locals. Quiteños will be more than happy to share their favorite lunch or breakfast place with you.
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