The stuffed potato, or papa rellena, has a rich historical significance in Ecuador, originating during the Pacific War in 1879. Women accompanying the Peruvian army created this portable food, consisting of mashed potatoes filled with seasoned, fried meat, designed to sustain soldiers on the move. This culinary creation reflects not just a necessity but also a cultural adaptation to the circumstances of war.

In 1921, a pivotal moment occurred when a local family began serving stuffed potatoes to passengers at the new railroad station in what is now known as Juan Gómez Rendón. Their enterprise turned the stuffed potato into a well-known local delicacy, as they catered to the needs of tourists and travelers heading to and from the peninsula. This not only introduced the idea of papa rellena to many but also embedded it into the culinary practices of the region.

As transportation evolved with the decline of the railroad and the rise of the Guayaquil-Salinas road in 1952, the stuffed potato continued to thrive, adapting to modern cooking techniques. Today, it represents a legendary fast food choice in Ecuadorian cuisine, illustrating how historical events shaped local gastronomy and continue to impact cultural food trends.