Food in Galapagos is delicious and diverse. There are lots of restaurants, especially in the main tourist spots, and you are offered a wide choice of Galapagos cuisine. Traditional Ecuadorian food and many typical kinds of South American food are commonly served. Seafood is obviously plentiful and very popular. There is also a good selection of international cuisines on offer. If pizzas, hamburgers or French fries are your thing, they are available too at some of the fast food joints that have cropped up. If you are part of an organised tour or cruise, food is usually included as part of the package.

A variety of delectable local food and international menus are offered in the restaurants throughout the Galapagos Islands.

After a busy day exploring or shopping in Galapagos, our Galapagos Islands Restaurants Guide below will tell you all you need to know to find a great meal. For more information on popular Ecuadorian food and cuisine, take a look at our Ecuador Restaurant Guide.

Food & Cuisine in the Galapagos Islands

Seafood

All sorts of delicious seafood freshly caught from the sea can be enjoyed on a Galapagos holiday. One can take a pick of different types of fish, lobsters, shrimp, crabs, and even try out a few highly sought after sea cucumbers. Unique preparation style and the accompanying dishes make seafood in Galapagos and Ecuador all the more exciting. Encocados, seafood dishes made using coconut milk, are a new taste for most visitors. Ceviche, another popular seafood dish made with raw fish, is a speciality of the land. Shrimp, squid or other shellfish are marinated in lemon and onions as the dish is prepared; more interestingly, it is often served with popcorn.

Traditional Ecuadorian Food

Rice, different varieties of potatoes and meat are staples of the local diet. Many veegetables and exotic fruits are grown in Ecuador and give traditional dishes their unique flavour and diversity. A hot sauce called Aji is served with most dishes, whether at Galapagos Islands restaurants or homes. Salads and soups also form important parts of meals in Ecuador, while dishes prepared from bananas and plantains are very common. Pastries, made with a variety of ingredients, are available all over the place and are worth trying out.

A few of the well-liked and interesting traditional Galapagos dishes include Encebollado (a filling fish soup with yucca and onions), tronquito (bull penis soup), roasted guinea pig, seco de pollo (chicken stew served with rice and avocado), lomo salteado (beef steaks prepared with onions and tomatoes), and chupe de pescado (vegetable and fish soup). Corn pancakes and grilled corn are popular snacks.

While it is wonderful to try out all the different food you find here, do remember to eat only well-cooked food and to peel fruits before eating to avoid any stomach upsets or intestinal problems that could ruin your whole vacation.

Drinks

Beer is the most popular drink and is inexpensive. A few good brews made locally in Ecuador are available, as well as a selection of imported brands. You can also get good quality and reasonably priced wines imported from Chile and Argentina. An assortment of other hard spirits is on offer too.