Top 5 Nueva Loja Food Spots: Eats & Drinks You Won’t Forget

Nueva Loja, which some people call Lago Agrio, it’s almost like this spot in the Ecuadorian Amazon that often gets looked over on food maps. However, if you’re the sort to find those real, down-to-earth food spots, well then, Nueva Loja just might surprise you. Think of spots dishing out super tasty stuff reflecting the area, from food straight from the jungle to family recipes. That’s really what you’ll find. So, let’s get straight to it, taking you through what are the top 5 places where your taste buds can party in Nueva Loja. Seriously, if you ever make your way here, do not pass on them.

1. El Ají Seco: Trying Traditional Flavors

So, first off we have El Ají Seco. I mean, its more than simply another spot to eat; arguably, it is like a total representation of the old-fashioned culinary roots of the Sucumbíos area. You know, this isn’t a place that goes heavy on fancy, not even a little. Think of this place more as cozy, with plates packed full of native dishes that probably even your abuela would make. Like your going home after a long journey away.

What to Eat: Definitely try the maito. The Maito, in short, its like a dish where fish is wrapped in bijao leaves and then it’s cooked over an open fire. And you want to eat that alongside some yucca and plantains. Too, there’s the seco de pollo; that really is a stew that has some serious depth of flavour, prepared in this complex way using local herbs, that’s seriously good. Seriously good and seriously filling. Trust me when I say, bring your hunger.

Why Go: So, it’s all real Ecuadorian grub. Most people, probably come seeking authenticity, not something mass-produced or made for tourists, it’s real home-style cooking is that it? It is pretty cheap as well, letting everyone dig into the genuine flavors of the area without emptying their wallets. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (El Aji Seco)

Read our full review: El Ají Seco Full Review and Details

2. Restaurante Shandia: Finding Amazonian Cuisine

Anyway, Restaurante Shandia really highlights Amazonian cooking; really that is what they seem to hang their hat on. The eating spot brings you what this area is all about by serving meals made with ingredients that actually come from the Amazon. I mean, ingredients that most people don’t know exists. This gives everyone venturing there something interesting along with flavors they probably have never come across.

What to Eat: So, you should definitely look into trying the Piranha soup (Caldo de Piraña), I guess it has a bit of an unusual ring to it, but I will say that it is full of local flavors and truly highlights ingredients local to the Amazon basin. The Palmito salad, too it’s almost something everyone says you really want to experience when going there. That actually uses hearts of palm. I mean, hearts of palm, really you can’t get more local that can you?

Why Go: The place does a pretty amazing job in making sure that they are working to help the local communities, I mean communities from the Amazon area; Restaurante Shandia actually does good by sourcing ingredients locally. Most folks coming by want to find the flavors from around the Amazon, with something tasty and different that reflects the actual area; that, Restaurante Shandia does very well. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Restaurante Shandia)

Read our full review: Restaurante Shandia Full Review and Details

3. Parrilladas del Rancho: The Spot for Grilled Meats

Ok, so Parrilladas del Rancho, like its name implies, that might be Nueva Loja’s hot place for people looking to chow down on stuff right off the grill. The restaurant gives this very, and very comfortable spot where people go in big groups, like families and friends to chow down and catch up.

What to Eat: Anyway, when people stop in, they often get the mixed grill. The mixed grill gives everybody some tasty stuff, different meats all grilled up real nice. Very much the grilled beef and chicken are totally something to experience, because really it tastes differently when it’s cooked out in the open. They usually serve up rice, salad, and fried plantains together to make it like a complete and filling meal. Is that just so South American or what?

Why Go: A large group will most likely feel right at home eating here. What you see here, arguably, is very generous helpings, a lively vibe, really makes Parrilladas del Rancho ideal for relaxed get-togethers. People that I know say, and I also agree, that the environment can feel very inviting for having good times, especially people watching. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Parrilladas del Rancho)

Read our full review: Parrilladas del Rancho Full Review and Details

4. Cafetería Aromas y Sabores: A Sweet Escape

Okay, if you feel like you want like a break or something sweet to chow down on, the place you need to go is Cafetería Aromas y Sabores. More or less, this is a place that local people come by so that they can have all sorts of desserts, and specially roasted coffee, too it’s almost got that feeling like your stopping by this super comfy and relaxing coffeehouse. Most people say that their sweets all look quite nice, a spot where one could take a break to enjoy their time.

What to Eat: Get something along the lines of a good espresso, and any of the pastries that they got on deck. Typically the empanadas de viento that the local enjoy will surely make your mouth feel good; those often get made fresh on site. You may be wanting to cool off. Then just pick a smoothie; and those can often get crafted to order with the locally available fruit that the region offers.

Why Go: People that drop in often want, like a more relaxing place for chatting and taking breaks, particularly, the vibes here just might feel comfortable. I really feel that their snacks will likely make many folk more content after long day; just that simple treat for a moment. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cafetería Aromas y Sabores)

Read our full review: Cafetería Aromas y Sabores Full Review and Details

5. Juguería La Abuela: Natural Juices and Smoothies

Right, if one wants things nice, new, plus refreshing, one needs to think over stopping by Juguería La Abuela; people call that spot a staple for someone watching over what they put in their stomachs. To be clear, that’s probably a place famous to anyone looking over having something both healthy plus good tasting.

What to Eat: So, you totally need to order fresh fruit juices; Juguería La Abuela actually lets someone do things exactly as they please through picking which different fruit one has. A breakfast with yogurt, muesli, and freshly chopped fruit really kicks your morning off right. Just maybe ask about whatever kind of local stuff they’ve obtained in that season if you are wanting stuff local.

Why Go: Many tourists seem pleased to grab those nutritious and quick to seize choices. Some of those health food lovers are bound to love exactly what it offers as it is probably a breeze, in fact. People definitely value stuff on offer since they tend to get to grab all this local produce. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Juguería La Abuela)

Read our full review: Juguería La Abuela Full Review and Details