A Food Lover's Guide to Eating Through the Metropolitan District of Quito
The scent of roasting corn and sweet plantains hangs heavy in the air as you walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the historic center. Every corner in the Metropolitan District of Quito offers a new aroma, from the sharp, salty tang of aged Andean cheese to the deep, earthy perfume of cocoa beans being ground for traditional hot chocolate. This city is a place where high-altitude agriculture meets centuries of colonial influence, resulting in a flavor profile that is uniquely Ecuadorian. Why Metropolitan District of Quito is a Food Lover’s Paradise # Quito sits at an elevation of 2,850 meters, a factor that fundamentally changes how food is prepared and how it tastes. The cooling influence of the Andes allows for a diverse range of crops, from starchy potatoes and quinoa to tropical fruits like tree tomato and passion fruit. When you walk through the local markets, you are seeing the direct result of this geography. Vendors display mounds of produce that you might not recognize, and the sheer variety of tubers is enough to keep any curious eater occupied for weeks.