Danica, staples like that are always available. In the case of chicken broth you won’t find cans of Swanson on the shelves. You buy little boxes with cubes that are put in boiling water to dissolve.
Lawrence, eating in a “dive” is a risky proposition anywhere. I’ve eaten fine dining meals and $2.50 almuerzos in Cuenca and have never gotten sick in 3 years. The key is to pick places that do a lot of business so you’re more assured the food is fresh.