🇪🇨 Guayaquil's Legendary Red Crab Feast – A Foodie's Guide

No trip to Guayaquil is complete without indulging in its iconic red crab (jaiba roja), a coastal delicacy celebrated for its sweet, succulent meat. Here are the top spots to savor this Ecuadorian treasure: 🦀 1. Red Crab (Upscale Dining) | $40-50 USD pp 📍 High-end seafood haven with impeccable service First visit: Ordered a grand seafood platter – crab claws, octopus, squid, scallops, clams, and fish fillets. Massive portion (enough for 3+ people!). Standout: Crab legs (as big as chicken wings!) – simply steamed to highlight freshness. Second visit: Whole crab + grilled octopus + "Armor Bake" (a MUST: crab meat & roe baked with cheese – divine!). Tip: Whole crab comes with a hammer – fun but messy! 🍽️ 2. La Pata Gorda (Local Favorite) | $30-40 USD pp 📍 Classic spot for garlic-lovers Garlic butter crab: Rich, creamy (may overwhelm if you prefer light flavors). Crab fried rice: Crispy "pot-bottom" texture (reminiscent of Cantonese claypot rice!). Seafood soup: Packed with chunks of fish, shrimp, and shellfish – hearty! Oysters: Fresh but skip if sensitive to raw seafood. 🌊 3. Riverside Mall Eatery (Budget Gem) | $20 USD pp 📍 Unpretentious window restaurant with killer views $10 seafood platter: Rivals upscale spots! Highlights: Giant clams (fist-sized! 🐚). Oysters (small shells but plump meat – squeeze lime & shoot!). Vibe: Dine with river breezes and waterfront views – pure bliss. 🍵 4. Cantonese Dim Sum (Comfort Food) | $20 USD pp 📍 For when you crave warmth after days of crab Menu: Century egg porridge, shrimp dumplings, steamed chicken feet, fish cakes. Verdict: Not quite Dian Dou De (famous Guangzhou chain), but a nostalgic taste of home. Best bite: Silky preserved egg & pork porridge – perfect for settling "crab-chilled" stomachs. 📌 Pro Tips: Local pairing: Try "encebollado" (fish stew) as a hangover cure if you overindulge! Seasonality: Crab is best May-Dec (avoid Feb-Apr mating season). #GuayaquilEats #CrabLover #SeafoodParadise #EcuadorFoodie