ChileFood and Drink

Chile’s culinary scene is a revelation, shaped regionally by its diverse landscape and climate from the top to the bottom of the country. The indigenous cuisine has been influenced historically with Spanish and French techniques and ingredients including wheat, pork, lamb, and beef. Seafood is a staple, thanks to the country's vast coastline, and dishes like ceviche and empanadas are must-tries. Famed Chilean barbecue, or asado, is traditionally served at large gatherings.

The wine culture in Chile is also noteworthy, with their vineyards gaining international acclaim over the past 30 years. They are particularly known for their organic, biodynamic and sustainable winemaking. The vineyards of Chile span picturesque valleys between the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean, have become traveller destinations in of themselves.

What is Chile's traditional cuisine?

Chilean food is known for its diversity, uniquely crafted from seventeen climate regions and along 2,400 mi (4,000 km) of coastline. The most predominant Chilean indigenous group, the Mapuche, have provided the south part of the country with ancestral recipes based on potatoes, beans, corn and seafood. In contrast, food from the north is traditionally higher in protein, known for meat dishes focused on llama and alpaca. From the Chiloé islands, the traditional technique of curanto uses hot rocks buried in the earth covered with pangue leaves and turf. This allows ingredients such as potatoes, shellfish, and meats to steam in the hole. Archeologists discovered a 6,000-year-old version of this type of cooking pit, highlighting how long it has been used.

Some of the most famous local Chilean dishes include Pastel de Choclo, a corn casserole layered with chicken, beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, and Cazuela, a hearty Chilean stew often made with beef, chicken, or turkey alongside potatoes, rice, corn, and other vegetables. Chilean Sea Bass, Corvina, is one of the most popular fish consumed, often prepared grilled, baked, or in ceviche. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most surprising and iconic Chilean foods is the sandwich. In particular, the Chacarero, prepared with grilled beef, tomatoes, green beans and jalapeño peppers, once held the honour of being declared one of the best sandwiches in the world!

As one of the most known foods in Chile, empanadas are a widely available street food. Different varieties are plentiful, but the traditional empanada de pino is worth a try! It’s a pastry dough filled with a mixture of minced meat, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Also available from street carts is the completo, a Chilean version of a hot dog, typically loaded with mayonnaise, avocado, and tomatoes.

What is the dining etiquette in Chile?

Sharing long meals with friends and family is a big part of Chilean culture. Oftentimes lunch is the most social meal of the day, an extended time for connection. When dining in a restaurant, you’ll likely notice Chilean people exclusively make use of utensils to eat. Do not use your hands to eat as doing so is considered impolite. Yes, this even extends to sandwiches, burgers and fries! If you are looking to speak mid-meal, it is courteous to finish the food in your mouth and set your utensils down.

Serving staff will not bring the bill until you ask for it. You can politely make eye contact, along with a hand motion of signing a check, requesting la cuenta, por favor, adding in con propina, with gratuity, to have them include a generally standard 10% tip.

What is the drinking etiquette in Chile?

Alcohol is widely available in Chile, and wine is frequently served with meals. If enjoying a libation with Chilean friends, take a moment to toast before taking a sip. The host will propose the toast, with all others maintaining eye contact, glass in hand.

Chile is known for seasonal refreshing beverages and enticing local concoctions. Take care if you have a chance to enjoy a Terremoto, which literally translates to earthquake, and gets its name from the unstable legs you'll encounter after drinking it. It is traditionally made with sweet white fortified wine, pipeño, and pineapple ice cream. Its sweetness makes it a somewhat deceptive beverage, due to its potent alcohol content. Chile’s answer to the margarita is the Pisco Sour, a cocktail made from pisco, a grape brandy, lime juice, egg whites, and sweeteners. A traditional non-alcoholic summer favourite is the Mote con Huesillo, made from husked wheat, mote, and dried peaches, huesillo, soaked with sugar water and cinnamon.

Chilean wine varietals including Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon are local favourites. Chileans have a rule about pouring wine from a bottle, only using your right hand. If you pour with your left hand, it indicates you do not like that person.

Does Chile cater to dietary restrictions?

Traveling to Santiago and Valparaiso provides an extensive selection of dining options, many catering to, and accommodating of dietary restrictions. It is wise to do some research prior to traveling for restaurant locations most suitable. For example, there are several halal, vegan and gluten free dining spots in Santiago. Do plan to confirm and check ingredients used in food prep areas, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

The language barrier in Chile can be challenging when attempting to communicate with restaurant staff. Be sure to bring translated cards indicating any dietary restrictions to overcome miscommunication. That said, it will be more challenging to find appropriate food options in more rural settings, due to smaller markets, and demand for items suitable for those with food restrictions. Packing extra snacks if you are heading out to explore is wise.

What do meals typically cost in Chile?

Depending on which part of Chile you plan to visit, meal prices vary dramatically. Some of Chile’s more remote locations, such as the far south, end up with higher food pricing due to transportation costs.

If visiting city centres, such as Santiago or Valparaiso, expect to spend about $15 on a lunch, and around $25 per person on a protein heavy dinner. International cuisine is widely available in cities, and tends to cost more than restaurants serving Chilean cuisine. Street food options such as an empanada can be found for around $2. A completo, a Chilean specialty hotdog topped with tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise, will also run about $2.

In more rural locations, a classic plate of comida tipica, consisting of meat, beans, corn and vegetables is affordable, typically running at $5-6 per person. Fixed menus, plato del dia or menú ejecutivo, are commonly available for lunch at small local restaurants averaging $7-9 per person.