Ecuador: Cuy

Cuy is a guinea pig. In the western cultures, guinea pigs are used as adorable domestic pets, running around their cages. But in the Andes, cuy asado (or grilled guinea pig) is considered a choice meal and is widely available. In Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, cuy is often the main meat item on the menu. Cuy meat is very low in fat and very high inprotein (in fact it tastes somewhat similar to rabbit meat). The animals are gutted, put onto sticks, and grilled on open flames. It’s delicious, although a little creepy looking.