Chile For The Gourmet Traveler

Popular Foods & National Cuisine

Cazuela, Empanadas, Pastel De Choclo, Seafood

Popular Beverages & National Drinks

Pisco, Wine

Best Dining Destinations

Santiago, Vina Del Mar

Foods

Cazuela

Cazuela is a stew made with either beef, chicken, or seafood along with various vegetables. Many restaurants have their own unique version and you should try at least one during your visit to Chile.

Empanadas

Empanadas, stuffed turnover pastries, are extremely popular in Chile. Chilean empanadas are similar to those offered in neighboring countries except two or three times larger. The most popular filling is beef, however many other varieties include, chicken, ham and cheese, and corn with a white sauce.

Pastel De Choclo

Pastel De Choclo is one of Chile's prized dishes. Although many of the neighboring countries have their own versions, the dish from Chile is supposedly the best. Similar to Shepard's Pie, Pastel De Choclo will put an end to any hunger you may have in your stomach. The dish consists of a bottom layer of beef, eggs, raisins, and spices that is topped off by a corn pudding type mixture.

Seafood

Seafood plays a large role in Chilean cuisine. This is mainly due to the fact that the whole lengthy western portion of the country lies on the Pacific coast that is filled with fish and crustaceans of many varieties. Fishing communities play a large role in Chilean society and fresh seafood is plenty.

Drinks

Pisco

Pisco is Chile's national drink and is made from grapes. The taste is a cross between vodka and tequila. Pisco can be enjoyed by itself or mixed like many other mixed drinks found in many bars. The most popular mix and one you should try, especially while in Chile, is the Pisco Sour. This refreshing, yet sometimes strong beverage, is made with pisco, egg whites, sugar, and lemon/lime.

Wine

Due to the right climate and soil, numerous vineyards populate the valleys of Chile, with many major wineries exporting their bottles around the world. Along with Pisco, many locals enjoy their national wines with pride.

Destinations

Santiago

Santiago has a wealth of restaurants that cater to the palates of all. Like in Argentina, dinner is served later around 8-9pm. Many of the great restaurants are located in the downtown shopping districts or upscale neighborhoods. For the more traditional local cuisines, you might be better off just hitting the corner cafes for something simple. However to enjoy Chilean seafood at its best, travel to the riverside area or downtown.

Vina del Mar

Vina del Mar is the premier sea-side resort of Chile and one of the best places to sample very fresh seafood. The landscape of this hilly area resembles many of beautiful ocean-side communities in California. Along the coastal highway you will find many small seafood restaurants with parking attendants waving cloths or flags trying so hard to steer you into their establishments. Like with many touristy coastal areas, many of the restaurants can be tourist traps so try to find a restaurant guide or ask a trustworthy person who knows the area.