Ecuador does not have one food culture. It has three, and each reflects the uniqueness of life in one of the three distinct regions.
-By John Jacobs

Most countries claim one national food, but that is almost impossible for Ecuador. The country has three regions, each with a different lifestyle to accommodate diverse terrain. The end result is a host of traditional foods made from recipes passed down through the generations. There are favorite dishes, of course, and varieties of maze are found in many recipes. Some food experts call maze a national food, but that diminishes the description of Ecuador's fascinating cuisine.

The country offers a rich ar....