When bread arrives at the table in Guayaquil

There are many ways to get to know a city.

Some people discover it through its streets. Others through its landmarks or the places that appear in travel guides. I had the opportunity to experience Guayaquil in a different way: around a table.

My name is Ariel Rivera. I bake sourdough bread for a living. I enjoy the craft because few things reveal as much about a country as the meal people share with their families. Bread remains one of the most universal languages we have and when bread arrives at the table, people often find a reason to stay a little longer.

From those experiences, Pani Nostri was born, a project that today celebrates its sixth anniversary.

And from the questions that emerged along the way came The Sourdough Equation, an editorial project where we document ideas, share stories, and publish knowledge surrounding artisanal culture. It began as a personal research journal, inspired by a question that has accompanied me since my formative years: What is the hunger that remains once bread has fulfilled its task? Over time, it became a place to gather reflections, experiences, and discoveries about craft, gastronomy, and the art of making. A living archive that continues to be written, page by page.

Both projects exist for the same reason: to keep learning and to share the things worth preserving.

If you have found your way here, let me say: Welcome! I hope you find memorable recipes and flavors, a table that feels like home, and a good loaf of bread to share.

16th June / 2026

— Ariel Rivera.