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Warm Welcome
El Inca Plebeyo Ecuadorian Restaurant: We arrived at the restaurant just after 6 p.m.
The restaurant sits on Essex Road in Islington, London. From the outside, it looked cosy and unassuming. Inside, the warmth hit us right away.
Dim lights, colourful decor, and a soft hum of Spanish music created a charming atmosphere. A friendly host greeted us with a big smile.
We felt at home instantly. The waiter offered us a drink to start with on the house since it was my birthday.
A Taste of Ecuador
We opened the menu and scanned the dishes. Everything sounded rich, bold, and unfamiliar so I asked the waiter for an Authentic and Typical Ecuadorian dish.
He recommended ‘ Hornado ‘ Ecuadorian roast so all three of us ordered the same dish.
We also ordered Pan fried scallops for myself, Tamal and Fried plantain which we shared between us.
Each dish promised a true taste of Ecuador.
STARTERS
Flavour Explosion
The starters arrived quickly.
The scallops were cooked to perfection, as well as the tamal and the fried plantain.
We took the first bite and paused. The flavour was deep, smoky, and earthy.
MAIN DISH
A Perfect Start
Soon after, the mains landed. The roasted slow-cooked pork meat filled the air with spices. It came with ripe plantain, potato patties and vegetables. The meat was tender and fall of the bone it was full of flavor.
My two guesses were delighted and couldn’t stop commending, how delicious the food was. Each bite made us nod in delight.
Friendly Vibes
The staff checked in often. They smiled, made small jokes, and explained the dishes with pride. One waiter told us stories about his hometown near Quito.
We felt like guests, not just customers. Laughter and chatter filled the room. Everyone seemed relaxed and happy.
DESERT
Sweet Ending
We couldn’t resist dessert.
We chose Chilli Chocolate Fondant. The cake looked simple – dark, glossy, and proud.
But we knew better. This was no ordinary fondant..
We dipped our spoons in. The crust cracked gently.
Molten chocolate spilled out like lava. Thick, rich, and dark.
The first taste hit us – warm, intense cocoa and then came the surprise.
The chilli didn’t rush. It crept in slowly, a tingle on the tongue and then a wave of heat. Not too much, just enough to make the chocolate sing. Sweet, bitter, and bold – all at once.
Perfect Pair
A scoop of vanilla ice cream sat beside it. We took a bite with both. Hot and cold danced together. The chilli added fire. The ice cream calmed it down. Balance in every spoonful.
We finished in silence. Nothing else could follow it the fondant lingered on the tongue a final touch of spice. We leaned back, smiling. This one stayed with us.
Final Thoughts
El Inca Plebeyo offers more than food. It gives you a window into Ecuadorian life.
Every dish tells a story. Every flavour feels crafted with care.
The service makes you want to stay longer.
If you crave something different, go there.
Try the Hornado Ecuadorian roast. Ask about the chef’s favorite dish.
Stay for dessert.
And enjoy the spirit of Ecuador in the heart of London.
