Most food in the coast of Ecuador comes from the nearby ocean: Crabs, conch, and fish are all popular options. People are normally thrilled to try Ecuadorian ceviche when they come to the coast. Have you ever had ceviche?
My case is a tad different because I am a vegan. I do not eat meat, fish, eggs, milk, or any other product that comes from animals. Do you know anyone who is a vegan? Although people are typically quite surprised that I do not eat meat, I am still able to respectfully connect with local people and share in their traditions here in Ecuador.
In Ecuador, rice is on the menu every day at almost every meal. This is similar to my diet in Madagascar, where I ate rice for every single meal.
Since I do not eat meat, I have to be creative with the food I eat here, but there are always tasty options. One of my favorite meals to eat for dinner is a homemade burrito, complete with rice, beans, soy protein, fresh veggies, and my host mom's homemade pickes. However, my favorite meal of the day is always breakfast. My host family has a small farm outside of the city, and they frequently bring back fruits from their very own farm! So far, I like the mangoes the best. Empanadas are also a common breakfast food here.
