What should I order at Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano"?
Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano"
Tamales
Most frequently praised as fresh, hot, and top-notch, with multiple reviews calling them delicious, authentic Lojano-style, and a standout traditional dish.
Empanada
Recommended for being even better than the tamales in one review, and described by others as delicious and among the best foods in Loja.
Café Lojano
Repeatedly recommended for its rich, delicious flavor; several reviews highlight it as a typical and memorable local coffee worth trying.
Humitas
Mentioned as delicious and part of the traditional Loja food experience, with specific praise for the salteado-style humitas and their authentic taste.
Tigrillo
Called delicious and rated 10/10 by one reviewer, making it one of the standout specific dishes mentioned.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 12 PM, 3:30 to 8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 12 PM |
About Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano"
Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano" is in Loja, Ecuador, and it is an espresso bar and breakfast restaurant. The menu centers on local breakfast and traditional Loja dishes, especially tamales, humitas, empanadas, and tigrillo. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh, hot food, good value, quick service, and the coffee. The atmosphere is described as pleasant, quiet, and casual.
Amenities & services
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Offerings
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Recycling
- Electronics
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano" known for?
It is best known for tamales, especially the Lojano tamal and chicken tamales, which reviewers call fresh, hot, and a strong value. People also mention humitas, empanadas, tigrillo, and local coffee as part of the traditional Loja experience.
What dishes are most recommended at Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano"?
The most recommended items are tamales, humitas de sal, chicken tamales, chicken empanadas, and tigrillo. Reviewers also specifically praise the Lojano coffee and the jugo de tomate de árbol.
What is the atmosphere like at Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano"?
The place is described as casual, cozy, quiet, and modern, with a simple setup and good service. It works well for solo diners, groups, and people looking for a calm breakfast or coffee stop in Loja.
Is Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano" good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, reviewers repeatedly describe the food as reasonably priced and a really good value, especially the tamales and empanadas. The listed price range is $5–10, which fits the quick, traditional breakfast and small-plate offerings.
When is the best time to visit Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano"?
Weekday mornings are busy, and one review notes it is often full in the mornings for breakfast and in the afternoons for coffee. If you want a quieter visit, going outside those peak times may help, since service is described as quick even when it is busy.
Is parking available at Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano"?
Yes. Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Is Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano" kid-friendly?
Yes, Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano" is good for kids.
Restaurants like Cafeteria "El Tamal Lojano" in Loja
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