Ingredient appreciation — what makes Caldo de Patas special

What sets Caldo de Patas apart is the handling of culantro. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the subtly spiced and herbal result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

llapingachos potato cakes are a highland staple tied to Andean agricultural tradition. The a Guayaquil ceviche bar atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had canelazo hot cinnamon drink as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Caldo de Patas is the place to start.