Cuy Asado

If you're familiar with Peruvian cuisine, this next dish will come as no surprise. Cuy asado translates as "roasted guinea pig" and refers to a dish of...well, roasted guinea pig! Cuy is a popular food source in Ecuador and Peru, whether roasted, grilled, or fried.

Although guinea pigs are considered pets in North America, they are considered livestock in the Andean region. They have always been raised for their meat, which has been described as similar to rabbit.

Although roasted guinea pig is one of the more unusual Ecuadorian foods on this list, it is an important part of Ecuadorian cuisine and culture. As with any cultural food, it is something you should try if you want to fully immerse yourself in Ecuador.

It's fascinating to learn that before cattle were introduced to Ecuador, guinea pig meat was the primary source of protein for the people. As a result, it was never a regular meal, but rather a status symbol, a luxury that only the wealthy could afford.

Cuy can be prepared in a variety of ways, but one of the most popular and delicious is to roast it over an open charcoal fire.