1. Empanadas de Pino
These are delicious baked pastries, typically filled with a savory mixture of diced beef, onions, hard-boiled egg pieces, raisins, and olives, seasoned with cumin and paprika.
Top 5 Dishes to Try in Chile
Chilean cuisine is a rich blend of traditional Spanish, indigenous Mapuche culture, and local ingredients, significantly influenced by German, French, and British culinary traditions. Its diverse geography, stretching from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean, yields an impressive variety of agricultural produce, fruits, vegetables, and an immense array of seafood. This unique combination results in a cuisine known for its distinct flavors and fresh ingredients, with dishes often featuring corn, potatoes, and an abundance of seafood.
For budget-conscious travelers, Chile offers plenty of affordable options. Street food vendors are a great choice for inexpensive and quick bites, with empanadas and sopaipillas costing just a few dollars. Local markets also provide authentic and budget-friendly food experiences, often serving typical dishes like chorrillanas and pastel de jaiba.
For a mid-range budget, look for 'fuentes de soda' or 'schoperías,' which are casual cafes serving fast snacks and sandwiches. Many restaurants offer a 'menú del día' or 'menú ejecutivo' during lunchtime, providing a fixed-price, multi-course meal at a reasonable cost.
In larger cities like Santiago, a wide range of restaurants cater to various budgets, from cozy bistros to more upscale dining establishments and those offering ancestral or fusion cuisine experiences.
2. Pastel de Choclo
A comforting dish resembling a shepherd's pie, it features a filling of ground beef, chicken, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, topped with a creamy layer of sweet corn puree, then baked until golden.
3. Cazuela
A hearty, minestrone-like soup, Cazuela is prepared with beef or chicken, along with a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, corn on the cob, pumpkin, and green beans. It is typically served hot as a complete meal.
4. Curanto en Hoyo
Originating from Chiloé Island, this ancient preparation involves various types of seafood (like clams, mussels), meats (chicken, sausages), and vegetables, traditionally cooked in a pit in the ground, covered with leaves.
5. Porotos Granados
A traditional summer stew made with fresh cranberry beans, corn kernels, pumpkin, onion, garlic, and basil. It can be served as a thicker, mashed version or a more liquid soup.
