Food in Ambato, Ecuador
In the quiet streets by the Parque Juan Montalvo, there are a number of small restaurants, houses and small businesses. One of the these restaurants, called "El Marinero" (The Sailor), served one of the best "Arroz con Camarones" (Shrimp with rice), a traditional dish. They had wonderful ají, enormous portions and a clean atmosphere. The entrees were 3 USD, and the beer was only .75 USD.
International fare is easy to find in this small town, with Italian, Swiss, Chinese and Continental restaurants abound. There are also plenty of places for breakfast, and we visited one of the many "panaderias" (bakeries) for breakfast. You can buy fresh rolls and juice for about 1.50 USD.
For dinner, we visited the "Restaurant El Gran Alamo", which advertised itself as a Swiss restaurant, although the fare was quite continental. Its interior is framed with large wood timbers and almost elegant decorations. Once inside I forgot I was in Ecuador. It could have been an upscale American restaurant. We had a pasta dish with beef and mushrooms for 3 USD, and a bubbling hot chicken dish served in a chafing dish for 5 USD. This restaurant charged a 10% IVA (government tax) and a 10% "Servicio" (waiter tip). Some restaurants had both fees, some had only 1 and many restaurants in Ecuador didn't charge either. These fees are clearly stated in the menu, if charged. In general, the tourist-oriented restaurants are more likely to charge these extra fees.
For lunch, we visited "Chifa Jou Fua" - one of the many Chinese ("Chifa") restaurants in Ambato. It was cheap (1.60 USD) but not very good, as it was fried rice with a little meat, a far stretch from the delicate Chinese food found in America and Europe (not to mention China).
The Markets in Ambato, Ecuador
Ambato is known for its Monday markets which attract local Indians from the surrounding mountain countryside to sell their wares. The "Mercado Central" (central market) and another market are housed in small warehouse type buildings with 2 floors. On the upper floor is a food court and clothing shops, and on the lower (ground) floor, are the main vendors.
The sights and smells of the Indian market tantalize the senses and turns the stomach. There were cow heads lying on the floor, brains wallowing in bowls on the counter, intestines hanging on hooks, and dead fish staring from their plates. The sound of crunching bones echoes through the rows of stalls, as sides of beef are being axed by old women. There is also an area where food is prepared, but the conditions seemed a little less than sanitary. Nevertheless, the ingredients are fresh, the portions big, and the prices cheap.
The busy street market in Ambato
Surrounding the market, there was a
street occupied with outdoor merchants that ran for at least 15 blocks. At the end
of this street was yet another market. This one was on an outdoor, covered basketball
court. Most of the vendors were Indians from small outlying villages that wore traditional
colorful dress. It was interesting so see, but after a little while you realize
that everyone is selling the same thing. Most of the sale items were produce, grains,
and herbs.
The Ambato markets are definately local events, with no tourists to buy tourist items found at more famous Ecuadorian markets like in Otavalo and Quito. There are not many items like sweaters, jewelry, tapestries, wood carvings and leather crafts, but mainly produce and meat.
Ambato
Markets 
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