The top food and food-related gifts from the World and European Regions of Gastronomy selected by an international jury of experts as best practices for their ability to combine sustainability, storytelling, uniqueness and innovation on tradition and connection with the region.
Created by:
Robinson Handicrafts and Varieties
Location
Montecristi
Meaning:
Inspired by the iconic “U” shaped chairs of the Manteña Culture, this piece represents an ancestral symbol of power, leadership, and spiritual connection on the Ecuadorian coast. Originally carved in stone for caciques and high-ranking figures, its essence is now reborn through toquilla straw, a natural fiber cultivated along the coast and internationally recognized for its quality. This creation merges tradition with contemporary design, keeping the cultural heritage of Manabí alive and proudly showcases it to the world
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Created by:
Marbelize
Description
High-quality tuna from the Port of Manta, prepared with sunflower oil, tomato, and basil, combining freshness, nutrition, and flavor in a healthy product that represents the richness of the Manabí sea and meets international standards
Where to find it?
Available in Ecuadorian supermarket chains such as Supermaxi, Mi Comisariato, Megamaxi, Coral, Tía, and Megatiendas del Sur
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Created by:
Yhumiz
Location
Portoviejo
Description
Crispy green plantain slices made in Portoviejo using advanced technology, showcasing one of Manabí’s most traditional ingredients and transforming it into an authentic, convenient, and export-quality snack.
Where to find it?
Available for online purchase
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Created by:
Don Joaquín Gourmet
Location
Portoviejo
Description
A hot sauce made with 100% Ecuadorian ingredients, known for its intense flavor and unique character, supporting local production and adding that bold touch that in Manabí doesn’t just complement… it steals the show.
Where to find it?
Available at Supermaxi, online and through the Rappi delivery app, at Don Joaquín Gourmet in Portoviejo (Km 2.5 on the road to Manta), and in online stores such as Cuenca Shop and Delportal.
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Created by:
Alfareros de Olla de Barro La Capirita
Location
Sosote, Rocafuerte, Manabí
Painted by
Marvin Parrales
Meaning:
A handcrafted artisanal piece made by the pottery communities of Sosote using a natural blend of soil, water, and clay that gives shape to a pot where tradition comes to life. Painted with landscapes of the sea and countryside of Manabí, it represents a sustainable cooking tradition that preserves ancestral techniques while enhancing authentic flavors.
Created by:
Marbelize
Location
Manta
Description
A traditional preparation that combines green plantain and tuna, made by Yeli in Manta and now presented in a ready-to-heat-and-serve pouch format, preserving the homemade flavor that connects the sea and the countryside in every bite.
Where to find it:
Available in Ecuador’s main supermarket chains such as Mi Comisariato, Supermaxi, Megamaxi, Coral, Del Portal, Tía, and Megatiendas del Sur. Also available through the Rappi app
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Created by:
Atún Manabí
Location
Manta
Description
A practical version of the province’s most symbolic dish, made with high-quality tuna that preserves its traditional essence and allows people to enjoy this iconic gastronomic dish at any time of the day.
Where to find it:
Available at Supermaxi, Mi Comisariato, Tía, and Santamaría supermarkets. Also available for online purchase through Rappi and Mercadomi.
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Created by:
INDUCACAO
Location
Manta
Description
Specialty chocolate crafted in Manta, where the cacao undergoes a process that ranges from fermentation to roasting in an ancestral Manabí oven, offering an authentic experience that highlights the richness of Ecuadorian cacao.
Where to find it:
Available at SAMOR Café, Km 2 on the Manta–Rocafuerte road.
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Created by:
Hacienda La Prosperina
Location
Jipijapa, ver en mapa
Description
Specialty coffee cultivated in a highly biodiverse environment located 20 km from Jipijapa, produced through artisanal processes led by women, reflecting sustainability, quality, and the deep connection between community and territory.
Where to find it:
Available at 100% Hecho en Manabí stores in Manta and Portoviejo.
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Authors:
Vice Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Prefecture of Manabí, and Organization of Ibero-American States
Description
An experience that invites visitors to explore the 22 cantons of Manabí through routes that connect gastronomy, tradition, nature, and living culture. From the artisanal workshops of Montecristi and Sosote, to the cacao and chocolate experiences in Portoviejo and Manta, and coffee routes in Jipijapa, passing through beaches, agricultural landscapes, and ancestral kitchens, this initiative transforms the destination into an authentic journey where every stop tells a story and every encounter leaves a lasting impression.
