7 Delicious Chilean Dishes to Try

Explore the rich flavors of Chilean cuisine with these seven must-try dishes. From hearty stews to delectable desserts, indulge in the unique tastes of this South American gem.

Chile is a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and, of course, its diverse and delicious cuisine. The flavors of Chilean food are a vibrant mix of indigenous ingredients and Spanish influences, creating a unique culinary identity. Whether you’re visiting Chile or exploring new recipes at home, here are seven traditional Chilean dishes you must try.

1. Empanadas

Empanadas are a beloved staple in Chile. These savory pastries are typically filled with a mix of minced beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and sometimes raisins. Known as “empanadas de pino,” they can be baked or fried and are perfect for a quick snack or a hearty meal. You’ll find them everywhere, from street vendors to upscale restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying them during the Fiestas Patrias, Chile’s national holidays, where they are a festive favorite.

Key Features of Empanadas:

• Versatile Fillings: While the traditional filling is pino, empanadas can also be filled with cheese, seafood, or vegetables, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Cultural Significance: Empanadas are more than just a food item; they hold cultural significance and are a symbol of Chilean heritage and tradition.

2. Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de choclo is a comforting and hearty corn pie. It combines a sweet corn topping with a savory filling of ground beef, chicken, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The mix of sweet and savory flavors is a true delight. This dish is a perfect example of the fusion between indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions. It’s widely available in traditional Chilean restaurants and is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience authentic Chilean home cooking.

Key Features of Pastel de Choclo:

• Unique Flavor Profile: The blend of sweet corn and savory meat filling creates a unique and delightful taste experience.
• Traditional Cooking Methods: Pastel de choclo is often prepared using traditional clay ovens, which enhance its flavor and texture.

3. Cazuela

Cazuela is a traditional Chilean stew that showcases the country’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals. Made with beef or chicken, potatoes, corn, pumpkin, and other vegetables, it’s a nourishing dish perfect for a cold day. The ingredients are simmered in a flavorful broth until they are tender. Cazuela is often enjoyed as a family meal and is a great way to warm up and experience Chilean hospitality.

Key Features of Cazuela:

• Seasonal Variations: Depending on the season, cazuela can include different vegetables, making it a versatile and adaptable dish.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables and protein, cazuela is both nutritious and filling, providing a balanced meal in a bowl.

4. Completo

For a unique take on the classic hot dog, try a completo. This Chilean specialty is loaded with toppings, including mayonnaise, diced tomatoes, sauerkraut, and mashed avocado. It’s a popular street food and can be found at numerous stands and fast-food joints across the country. The completo is a deliciously messy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick bite on the go.

Key Features of Completo:

• Variety of Toppings: Completo comes with a variety of toppings, each adding a different texture and flavor to the hot dog.
• Affordable and Convenient: As a street food, completo is both affordable and convenient, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

5. Curanto

Curanto is a traditional dish from the Chiloé Archipelago, known for its communal cooking method. A variety of seafood, meats, potatoes, and vegetables are cooked together in a pit covered with nalca leaves and hot stones. The ingredients are steamed, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic feast. Curanto is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience that brings people together to enjoy the bounty of both land and sea.

Key Features of Curanto:

• Communal Cooking Method: The traditional cooking method of curanto brings people together and enhances the communal dining experience.
• Rich and Complex Flavors: The combination of different meats, seafood, and vegetables creates a rich and complex flavor profile.

6. Chorrillana

Chorrillana is the ultimate Chilean comfort food. This dish consists of a large plate of French fries topped with sliced beef, sausages, onions, and sometimes scrambled eggs. It’s typically served as a sharing platter, making it perfect for a group of friends or family. Pair it with a cold beer, and you’ve got the perfect meal for a casual night out.

Key Features of Chorrillana:

• Perfect for Sharing: Chorrillana is designed to be shared, making it a great dish for social gatherings.
• Flavorful and Indulgent: The combination of crispy fries, savory meats, and caramelized onions makes it a flavorful and indulgent treat.

7. Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are fried pastries made from a pumpkin dough. They can be enjoyed as a savory snack with pebre, a Chilean salsa, or as a sweet treat drizzled with chancaca, a syrup made from unrefined sugar. Sopaipillas are a popular street food, especially on rainy days when they are sold hot and fresh. Their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make them an irresistible snack.

Key Features of Sopaipillas:

• Versatile Snack: Sopaipillas can be enjoyed either sweet or savory, making them a versatile and popular snack option.
• Easy to Find: As a common street food, sopaipillas are easy to find and enjoy while exploring Chilean cities and towns.

Exploring Chilean Cuisine Further

Regional Specialties

Chile’s diverse geography means that different regions have their own culinary specialties. For instance, the coastal areas are known for their fresh seafood dishes, while the central valley is famous for its wine and agricultural products. Exploring regional specialties is a great way to fully appreciate the variety and richness of Chilean cuisine.

Key Features of Regional Specialties:

• Local Ingredients: Each region’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the local ingredients available, providing a unique taste of the area’s natural bounty.
• Cultural Significance: Regional dishes often have deep cultural and historical significance, offering insights into the local traditions and way of life.

Wine and Beverages

Chile is renowned for its wine, particularly its red varieties like Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. A visit to one of the many vineyards in the central valley is a must for wine enthusiasts. Additionally, Chile has a variety of traditional beverages, such as mote con huesillo, a refreshing drink made from dried peaches and wheat.

Key Features of Chilean Wine and Beverages:

• World-Class Wines: Chile’s wine regions produce some of the world’s best wines, known for their quality and distinct flavors.
• Unique Traditional Drinks: Chilean beverages like mote con huesillo offer a unique taste of the country’s culinary traditions.

Desserts and Sweets

Chilean desserts are a delightful end to any meal. Popular sweets include alfajores, which are cookies filled with dulce de leche, and leche asada, a type of baked custard. These desserts reflect the country’s Spanish influence and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Key Features of Chilean Desserts:

• Sweet and Indulgent: Chilean desserts are often sweet and indulgent, making them a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
• Traditional Recipes: Many desserts are made using traditional recipes passed down through generations, preserving the authentic flavors of Chilean cuisine.

Street Food Culture

Street food is an integral part of Chilean culinary culture. From completos and sopaipillas to fresh seafood dishes, street vendors offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable options. Exploring the street food scene is a great way to experience local flavors and the vibrant atmosphere of Chilean cities.

Key Features of Chilean Street Food:

• Affordable and Convenient: Street food is affordable and convenient, making it accessible to everyone.
• Diverse Options: The street food scene offers a diverse range of options, allowing you to sample many different dishes and flavors.

Tips for Enjoying Chilean Cuisine

Try Local Markets

Visiting local markets is one of the best ways to experience Chilean cuisine. Markets like Mercado Central in Santiago or Feria Fluvial in Valdivia offer a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, and traditional foods. They are also great places to interact with locals and learn more about the ingredients used in Chilean cooking.

Key Features of Local Markets:

• Fresh and Local Ingredients: Markets offer fresh, local ingredients that are often used in traditional Chilean dishes.
• Cultural Experience: Exploring local markets provides a cultural experience and a deeper understanding of Chilean culinary traditions.

Cooking Classes

Taking a cooking class is a fun and educational way to learn about Chilean cuisine. Many cooking schools and local chefs offer classes where you can learn how to prepare traditional dishes like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and cazuela. It’s a great way to bring a piece of Chilean culture back home with you.

Key Features of Cooking Classes:

• Hands-On Experience: Cooking classes provide a hands-on experience, allowing you to learn the techniques and recipes firsthand.
• Cultural Insights: Classes often include cultural insights and stories about the dishes, enhancing your understanding of Chilean cuisine.

Pairing Food and Wine

Chile is famous for its wine, and pairing local dishes with Chilean wines can enhance your dining experience. For example, a robust Carmenere pairs well with hearty dishes like pastel de choclo, while a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements seafood dishes. Experimenting with different pairings can be a delightful journey through Chilean flavors.

Key Features of Food and Wine Pairing:

• Enhanced Flavors: Properly paired food and wine can enhance the flavors of both, creating a more enjoyable dining experience.
• Local Specialties: Pairing local dishes with Chilean wines offers a comprehensive taste of the region’s culinary and viticultural heritage.

Conclusion

Exploring Chilean cuisine is a journey through the country’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. From the savory empanadas and hearty cazuela to the sweet treats of sopaipillas, each dish tells a story of tradition, local ingredients, and cultural fusion. Whether you’re dining in a traditional restaurant, enjoying street food, or trying your hand at cooking Chilean dishes at home, these seven delicious Chilean dishes are sure to provide a memorable and flavorful experience. So, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Chilean cuisine and discover the unique flavors that make it so special.