Ep 15. Guayaquil

Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations is a culinary travel show that explores the unique and unexpected dishes of different cities around the world. In season 7 episode 15, host Andrew Zimmern ventures to the bustling port city of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Guayaquil is situated on the west coast of Ecuador and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable food. Andrew takes viewers on a culinary journey through the city, sampling some of its most unique and delicious dishes. From street food to high-end restaurants, Andrew tries it all.

One of the first stops on Andrew's journey is to a street food cart that serves a delectable dish called encocado. This dish consists of fresh seafood, such as shrimp or octopus, cooked in coconut milk and served with rice and plantains. Andrew marvels at how the sweetness of the coconut milk perfectly complements the salty seafood.

Next up is a restaurant that serves Ecuador's national dish, ceviche. This seafood dish features raw fish that is marinated in citrus juices and seasoned with spices and herbs. Andrew learns about the different types of ceviche that are popular in Ecuador, including ceviche de concha negra, which features black clams, and ceviche mixto, which combines shrimp, squid, and octopus.

Andrew then heads to a local market to sample some of the exotic fruits that are grown in Ecuador. He tries everything from cherimoya, which tastes like a combination of banana, pineapple, and strawberry, to guanabana, which has a creamy texture and a tangy, sweet flavor.

Another popular street food in Guayaquil is churrasco, a grilled beef dish that is typically served with rice, fries, and avocado. Andrew visits a bustling churrasco stand and watches as the beef is grilled to perfection before being served up hot and juicy.

Andrew also visits a restaurant that specializes in Ecuadorian-style roasted chicken. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs, then roasted over an open flame for a crispy, juicy finish. Andrew notes how the smoky flavor of the chicken perfectly complements the tangy salsa that is served on the side.

Finally, Andrew wraps up his culinary journey in Guayaquil with a visit to a local bakery. Here, he samples some of the city's most popular sweet treats, including helado de paila, a creamy ice cream that is made by hand in a large bowl, and barras de chocolate, a rich chocolate bar that is filled with a sweet, caramel-like filling.

Overall, this episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations offers viewers a fascinating look at the diverse and delicious cuisine of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Andrew Zimmern's enthusiastic and curious approach to food makes the show an entertaining and educational experience for anyone who loves to explore new flavors and cultures.