Food in Chile

Chile, a sliver of South America that stretches from the parched Atacama Desert to the icy glaciers of Patagonia, is not only diverse in its geography but also in its culinary offerings. Visitors to Chile can immerse themselves in a gastronomic journey that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage, varied climates, and bountiful coastline. Chilean cuisine offers an array of flavors and dishes, from the hearty stews of the south to the sophisticated seafood dishes of the coast, each telling a story of the land and its people. As you plan your travels to this vibrant nation, prepare to savor the distinct tastes of Chilean fare, a hidden gem in the world of culinary exploration.

Chilean Dishes

Empanadas de Pino

Empanadas de Pino are the quintessential Chilean snack. These savory pastries are typically filled with a mixture of minced beef, onions, raisins, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The combination of sweet and salty flavors makes them a favorite during the national independence celebrations and year-round.

Cazuela

Cazuela is a comforting Chilean stew made with a piece of boiled meat (beef, chicken, or lamb), pumpkin, potatoes, corn, and carrots. It's seasoned with coriander, and sometimes rice or noodles are added to the broth, making it a hearty and nutritious meal.

Curanto

Curanto is a traditional dish from the Chiloé Archipelago, which has spread throughout the country. It's a communal feast where shellfish, meat, potatoes, and chapaleles (dumplings made with potatoes and flour) are cooked together in a pit dug in the ground, covered with nalca (Chilean rhubarb) leaves, and steamed over hot stones.

Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo is a popular Chilean dish made with a sweet corn crust and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, chicken, raisins, black olives, and boiled eggs. It's similar to a shepherd's pie and is often served with ensalada chilena, a simple tomato and onion salad.

Porotos Granados

Porotos Granados is a traditional summer dish, which consists of cranberry beans cooked with squash, corn, and basil. This stew reflects the indigenous influence on Chilean cuisine and is both flavorful and filling.

Chupe de Mariscos

Chupe de Mariscos is a rich and creamy seafood stew that includes a variety of seafood such as mussels, clams, and shrimp, combined with bread soaked in milk, cheese, and spices, baked until golden and bubbly.

Charquicán

Charquicán is a hearty stew that dates back to pre-Columbian times. It's made with dried and shredded beef (charqui), potatoes, pumpkin, and other vegetables. It's often served with a fried egg on top and a side of pebre, a traditional Chilean condiment.

Humitas

Humitas are a traditional Andean dish made from a mixture of ground fresh corn, onion, and basil, wrapped in corn husks and steamed or boiled. They can be sweet or savory, sometimes filled with a piece of meat or topped with sugar or tomato sauce.

Chorillana

Chorillana is a simple yet indulgent dish consisting of a bed of french fries topped with sautéed onions, diced beef, and scrambled or fried eggs. It's a popular late-night meal, often shared among friends.

Completos

Completos are the Chilean take on hot dogs, served in a larger bun and topped with a generous amount of ingredients such as avocado, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut, mayonnaise, and mustard. They are a staple of Chilean street food and are especially beloved for their flavorful and messy nature.

Chilean Desserts

Chilean Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are a popular street food snack or dessert in Chile, made from a pumpkin-infused dough that is deep-fried until golden and puffy. They can be served plain, with pebre, or, when enjoyed as a dessert, drizzled with chancaca, a sweet sauce made from unrefined cane sugar.

Mote con Huesillo

Mote con Huesillo is a classic Chilean summer drink that doubles as a dessert. It consists of rehydrated dried peaches (huesillos) and husked wheat (mote) served in a sweet cinnamon-infused syrup. It's refreshing and nourishing, commonly found at street stalls and markets.

Alfajores

Alfajores are sweet treats made from two round cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche or manjar, a caramel-like spread. The cookies are often coated in powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.

Kuchen

Kuchen is a German-inspired dessert that has become a staple in southern Chile. This fruit tart typically features a pastry crust filled with custard and topped with seasonal fruits such as berries, apples, or peaches.

Leche Asada

Leche Asada is a simple yet beloved dessert, similar to a flan or crème caramel. It's made with milk, eggs, vanilla, and sugar, then baked until it has a caramelized top. It's a comforting end to any Chilean meal.