My name is Layla Pujol, my family and friends call me Laylita. I was born in Vilcabamba, Ecuador and currently live in Luxembourg. I spent several years in the US, both in Austin and in Seattle, and our family recently moved to Europe. My recipes are inspired mainly by traditional Ecuadorian dishes that I grew up eating in Ecuador. However, my love of food – and therefore the recipes posted here – go beyond Ecuador and include anything from Latin America, my mom’s spicy New Mexican cooking, my grandmother’s homemade Southwestern dishes and Texas style BBQ, my husband’s (and his family’s) delicious French food, new dishes introduced by my amazing group of international friends, and of course the great variety of seafood, vegetables and fruits available in the Pacific Northwest.
I am currently working on my first cookbook, which will focus on delicious Ecuadorian recipes (adapted to my style, of course!).
The longer version of my story
My approach to cooking and general instructions for using this site
Additional contact information
Photo and content use
Recipe development, product reviews, disclosure, and advertising
Privacy policy
If you have any questions or comments you can leave them in the comment section, or you can email me directly layla at laylita dot com
Laylita,
On the spur of the moment, my Ecuadorian husband called several of his friends and family and invited them to our home for an Ecuadorean meal this weekend. I am a pretty good cook, but I have never prepared a truly Ecuadorian dish, and I have been kind of panicked about what to make and how to make it. I am so happy to have found your website. The recipes are easy to follow, and the “step-by-step” pictures are so helpful. I am looking forward to trying out some of your recipes for our weekend meal and for many meals and parties to come! Thank you for creating a website that is both beautiful and inspirational.
Dana,
I was looking looking for a receta on empanadas viento and these site came up. So far it looks very nie.
I actually have lived in both countries, so I can tell you a bit more ( Ecuador and Peru).
You really think both cuisins are very similar? They can be, but I think peruvian has become more gourme.
Actually, I’m from Ecuador, but right now I livein Chile. I lived in Peru for three years and simply fell in love with it.
A simple answer to simplify your question would be…..
Live in the country where you have a better job, and the most benefits.
Right ow I wouldn’t choose Ecuador because of security and estability issues.
Peru is in a mining boom, and so is Chile, but Chile is almost (or more) expensive than the US.
All these countries can be fun to live in, if you are making the right salary. Also remember, that itis ot like 10 years ago, when liing in South America was dirt cheap. I think Bolivia still is.
Love the Site!
We were just in Peru and the food is similar to Ecuador’s.
I have a question! Why did your parents move to Ecuador? my Husband and I would love to live in South America but are unsure about which country.
Would love to hear from you. Thanks.
Hi Dana – Thank you! My parents fell in love with Ecuador and thought it would be a good place to raise a family.
hi Laylita! I discovered your website thanks to Monica Olivera, and i am super excited! My parents are from Ecuador and I have always complained that i don’t know how to cook “los platos tipicos” so i will definitely be trying some stuff out! gracias!
ps. I’m married to a Frenchman too, how funny?!
Las recetas son faciles y se las mira deliciosas, nuestro pais es bendecido por tener todos los productos
Laylita,
I can’t get enough of your delicious recipes. When I read your comments, I feel like I’m talking to a friend from my neighborhood in Ecuador.
I am SO looking forward to your Ecuatorian Cooking Book. It’s already a hit!
I am extremely excited I found this website!! My mom is from Ecuador and I’ve been searching everywhere for an Ecuadorian cookbook to introduce the food to my hubby but can’t seem to find one for the life of me. Can’t wait to try some of the recipes! =)
He probado dos recetas suyas y me han encantado. Siga dandonos recetas.
Hola Laylita, he quedado encantada con tus recetas y las fotos son espectaculares! Naci en Guayaquil pero casi toda mi vida he vivido en California. Estoy casada con Argentino y tengo 3 hermosos hijos. Soy cocinera de corazon. Amo cocinar para mi familia y amigos y como tu, cocino una variedad de comidas. Te felicito por tu pagina y ricas recetas! Un abrazo
Qué chévere encontrar tu sitio! Y que estés representando orgullosamente a nuestro Ecuador! Yo soy Quiteña pero resido en Los Angeles desde muy chiquita. Acabo de ver tu receta de la espumilla! No puedo esperar para prepararla!! :) Gracias por compartir!