In every Spanish speaking country in South America, we like to look for Menu del Dia for lunch. Menu del dia is usually displayed on a chalkboard or a whiteboard in front of restaurants with a full description of what is included in the Menu del Dia.
Menu del Dia, or menu of the day, is usually served from Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 3 pm in Cuenca. Menu changes daily. It is the best way to try authentic Ecuadorian food at a low price. The price of Menu del dia ranges from $1.75 to $3.50 in Cuenca. Certain restaurants’ Menu del Dia is more than $5.
It is usually a two or three course meal consisting of soup and a main dish of meat or fish, rice and a small portion of vegetables. Some restaurants provide a glass of freshly squeezed juice.
The La Barraca Restaurant in Cuenca served a drink, a soup, and a small portion of pork or fish with rice and pickles and espumilla for dessert. All for a total price of $2.20 including WiFi and good service.
Raymipampa Restaurant, located next to the cathedral and in front of the Central Park, serves menu del dia for $3.50. They serves soup, a main dish and a dessert. I was disappointed with the dessert – mandarin orange. Raymipampa is a popular restaurant for locals in Cuenca. We have been there four times not because the food is great. It is because of convenience and the location. I must admit their fried trout was very good which was not included in the Menu del Dia.
Here is one example of a chicken and rice dish for $1.75 including a local drink.
Menu del dia in Argentina included a three course meal with a glass of house wine. It is the best way to get cheap two to three course meals in any citiy in South America.
Do you like Menu del Dia? Which country has the best menu del dia? Please share.
I'll definitely be missing Menu Del Dias. I'd have to say that Ecuador has the best ones, plus they are pretty cheap!