El Guambra

There’s a reassuring, maternal homeliness about El Guambra—much like Kaieteur Kitchen, its neighbour on Castle Square. The minuscule Ecuadorian spot is all plastic tablecloths, warm smiles, and meaty servings. Everything is best paired with another animal. Hornados, hunks of crispy skinned pork that can be torn away like a Cheesestring, is joined by strip steak or a seasoning of tingling chorizo slices. Llapingacho (potato patties) and rice are staple carby features, though comforting, sloppier things like menestra (Ecuadorian bean stew) or caldo de manguera (a pork, tripe, and black pudding stew) are on the menu too. It’s a little home away from home to hunker down in when you need some TLC, or a moment’s peace on the Castle Square terrace.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch