Mercado del Río, a new concept in gastronomy in Guayaquil

The cuisine of Ecuador is a sample of the variety of products and flavors found in all provinces.  

In Guayaquil there is a place where you can discover the flavor of several preparations in a single space called “ Mercado del Río ”. This establishment, inspired by international gastronomic markets, brings the influences, roots and diversity of the country called Ecuador.   

To quench that desire to taste traditional food I went to the Malecón Simón Bolívar , at the height of Colón Street, to know this new space that is part of the gastronomic attractions of La Perla del Pacífico .   

The aromas, colors and flavors flood the five senses of any visitor. The mix of traditional and modern is part of this space that opened its doors in October 2018.

It is not a food court, it is a gastronomic square that differs by the location of the premises. Douglas Dreher built the infrastructure, which places the establishments in the center of the place, there are others on the sides, which allows for better access and circulation.    

Comfortable wooden and metal tables and chairs make this a unique and cozy atmosphere. Green areas and glass walls allow you to observe the impressive Guayas River . In addition, this environment motivates you to enjoy gastronomic delights as well as activities such as music on a Guayaquil afternoon. 

What do we eat about the best places to eat in Guayaquil? 

The history part and data end here. Now comes the good: taste one or some of the dishes. My chosen place was " Los Arbolitos ", an establishment created in 1971 that prepares seafood- based foods such as the emblematic guayaco onion , its fame and flavor has been placed on television characters, soccer players, politicians and singers like the well-known Julio Jaramillo .    

The recommendation of the house? A ' Tuna in Seafood Sauce '. Just listening to the name of the dish "my mouth is watering." José Bustamante is the chef of the house and who tells us that it is a “completely different dish”.  

Its ingredients are simple but enhance the taste of food. Cured salt, seasoned with fine herbs, garlic marinated in oil, butter, squid shrimp, chives, white onion and a special sauce, are the ingredients of this colloquial dish.

Cooking took no more than 15 minutes. The mix of tuna and the rest of ingredients expel a great smell. Once the dish is prepared, the kitchen professional will accompany it with rice and patacones. Bon Appetite!

A promise: ceviche and ripe cheese cake 

As they say, "full belly, happy heart." For today I will only tell you about that spectacular dish. My promise: I will return to taste baskets of ceviche, ripe cheese cake, and countless variety of dishes, more than 500 options, which will motivate you to visit the so-called "Market of the River" for more than one occasion.

Once I finished my food, and before heading to leave this beautiful sector, I decided to tour the Malecon facilities , approximately up to La Rotanda . The hike allows you to enjoy the breeze of the Guayas River. The Mercado del Río offers easy access to the different attractions of the malecon , with a wonderful view of the river and one of the main arteries of the city: Av. Malecón Simón Bolívar.