Finding Ecuadorian Ingredients in Germany: Your Shopping Guide
Last modified on November 1, 2025 • 3 min read • 469 words
Here’s how to find everything for your recipes
Do you love Ecuadorian cuisine and want to try the recipes from our blog or our cookbook? Then you’re probably wondering: Can you find ingredients from Ecuador in German supermarkets?
The good news: Yes! For almost all classic dishes, you can find the right ingredients here – sometimes even in a normal supermarket. In this blog post, we’ll show you where you can buy Ecuadorian food in Germany and what alternatives there are.
Plantains
Plantains are as important in Ecuador as potatoes are to us. A classic basic ingredient of Latin American cuisine. Whether fried as *patacones*, chips (*chifles*) or cooked as *bolón* – they are almost always part of the meal.
Erhältlich in: Asian and African markets, sometimes also in wholesale.
Yuca (Cassava)
*Yuca*, also known as *cassava*, is classically found in dishes from the Amazon region. Tip: Make sure the *yuca* is hard – then it's fresh.
Erhältlich in: Asian or African markets.
Ecuadorian Cheese: Queso Fresco
*Queso Fresco* from Ecuador is significantly different from our cream cheese: firmer, more savory, with more bite.
Erhältlich in: - ; Shepherd's cheese or some Turkish cheeses are a substitute.
Achiote (Annatto)
The red seeds of the lipstick tree not only give dishes a golden-red color, but also a slightly nutty aroma. In Ecuador, they are a real kitchen basic.
Erhältlich in: Asian or African markets, as well as Latin America shops or online.
Hearts of Palm
Ecuadorian Amazon cuisine would not be complete without hearts of palm. They are hard to find fresh here, but they are a good alternative from a jar or can.
Erhältlich in: large supermarkets or online.
Lupins
In Germany, lupins are mostly known as yogurt or a protein source. In Ecuador, the seeds have been used for centuries for hot sauces (*Ajís*) or in *ceviche*.
Erhältlich in: selected supermarkets or online shops.
Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)
The tree tomato, also called *Tomate de Árbol* or *Tomatillo** in Ecuador, has a fruity-tart taste and is often used for juices and hot sauces (*Ajís*).
Erhältlich in: seasonally in supermarkets or delicatessens, online.
Toasted Corn (Maiz Tostado)
Here we only know sweet corn, but in Ecuador there is a large variety of varieties. The crispy roasted corn *Tostado* is particularly popular, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Erhältlich in: Latin shops or online.
Conclusion: Buying Ecuadorian Ingredients in Germany
Even if you can’t find some ingredients at the discount store around the corner, it’s not that difficult to get the most important products for recipes from Ecuador. A visit to an Asian, African or delicatessen store is worthwhile – and you can find almost everything online anyway.
This way you can cook authentic Ecuadorian cuisine right in your own kitchen – fresh, colorful and incredibly delicious. 🌎🍴