Mercado San Francisco

You’d probably agree , one of the best parts of traveling is discovering the local food. There’s really no better way to connect with a place than by eating like the locals do, and in Latin America, that means heading straight to a busy covered market and grabbing a seat at a humble food stall surrounded by regulars. Far from the tourist crowds, these mercados are where authenticity lives, and where bold new flavors are just waiting to be discovered. Right now, you’re standing in the Mercado San Francisco, the oldest covered market in Quito. It takes its name from its original location on San Francisco Square, where it operated in the late 18th century. Later on, it was moved to this site and got a roof thanks to a donation of metal structures from a European company. The current market officially opened in 1894 and has been going strong ever since. If you’re looking for a delicious and budget-friendly meal, just ask for “el almuerzo”, the daily lunch special. For around 3 to 5 dollars, you’ll get a hearty soup, a main dish with meat or fish, rice, mote (boiled white corn), a starchy side like root vegetables or fries, and even a little dessert. And that’s just the beginning, there’s so much to try here. Some dishes are traditional, some might seem unusual, but they’re always interesting. So be bold, be curious! Try the grilled guinea pig, the tamales, the “secos,” Ecuador’s take on stews, the coastal ceviche, or the country’s most iconic soup: Yahuarlocro: a rich potato soup made with lamb, including its organs and even a splash of blood. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely a taste of the real Ecuador. As for drinks, give Cola Morada a try. It’s a thick purple beverage traditionally made for the Day of the Dead, with a color meant to symbolize the blood of the ancestors. It’s made from purple corn flour, warm spices, and red fruits. Another classic is chicha, a fermented corn drink that dates back to Inca times and was used in religious festivals and celebrations. And if you’re feeling the evening chill, warm up with a canelazo, a cozy cocktail made with sugarcane alcohol, cinnamon, raw cane sugar, and sometimes a splash of naranjilla juice. But this market isn’t just about what you eat and drink — it’s also a place of living tradition. In the back, you’ll find a row of about ten stands marked “medicina natural,” meaning natural medicine, where traditional healers known as “limpiadoras” offer ancestral energy cleansing rituals. These stands are overflowing with herbs, flowers, and potions, and the air is thick with the scent of palo santo, incense, and floral cologne. It’s a sensory experience like no other — and a cultural one you’re not likely to forget.