What to eat in Santiago Chile?

1. Pastel de Choclo

What is literally translated as "corn pie" is one of the typical Chilean recipes most appreciated by tourists! Pastel de Choclo is easily recognizable thanks to its yellow-orange gradient, similar to a sunset. Many like to compare it to a shepherd's pie, given its shape and filling. Ground meat pairs perfectly with corn, which is then gratinated in the oven with a fine touch of sugar before enjoying. What makes the dish so special? It perfectly combines sweet and savory! Accompanied by a delicious crunchy salad on the side, it generally delights young and old alike.

2. Humita

Now let's move on to this Amerindian dish of pre-Columbian origin, which arouses curiosity the very second you lay eyes on it. What is it? It's actually corn paste seasoned with a little oil and onions, which is then wrapped like a treasure you want to keep, in well-tied corn leaves. Fun to eat, humita is usually baked in the oven, but many like to make it in salted water broth. In the city of Santiago Chile, the tradition is to accompany it with a little pebre sauce, as well as a salad made with tomatoes and onions.

3. Cazuela

If you travel to Chile, or even Argentina, you can't miss Cazuela. This stew cooked with pieces of meat and vegetables is a comforting dish. Much appreciated during winter when temperatures tend to drop, chicken, beef, potatoes, peppers, green beans, pumpkin, and corn are served in a hot broth that you'll simply be eager to taste. Sometimes some even add rice, an explosion of flavors guaranteed!

4. Empanadas

Empanadas? Here's a word that seems somewhat familiar to us. Indeed, this little pastry made from puff pastry is one of the Chilean and Spanish specialties most famous in the world. Very easy to find throughout Latin America, the shape as well as the filling used to stuff the pastry can change depending on the region where you land. Moreover, legend has it that the best empanadas are enjoyed in Santiago, we'll let you go there and give us quality culinary feedback!

5. Mote Con Huesillo

We talk about food which is good, but what about drinks? Concretely, what is THE drink not to miss when traveling in such a beautiful place as Santiago Chile? The inhabitants will all agree to mention the famous "Mote Con Huesillo", a non-alcoholic sweetness, known for its refreshing virtues. The kind of drink that gives you pep, that you like to drink in the morning, before going for a stroll in the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city. Made with cooked wheat and dried peach (amusing combo), get ready to feel your taste buds tingle!

6. Leche Asada

After the flagship drink of Santiago Chile, here's the most appreciated dessert: Leche Asada. A real gem. No, no, no, it's not a flan! We know the resemblance is striking, but even though the same ingredients are used, leche asada has a smoother texture and contains an appetizing grilled layer on the surface, due to cooking. This sweet little jewel is a pearl for all those who taste it. Flavored with cinnamon and citrus, here's a solid argument that could convince you to travel to Santiago Chile!

7. Caldillo de Congrio

One of Chile's most appreciated dishes, Caldillo de Congrio is cooked using fish meat, but not just any... It's actually a species of eel often caught in the Chilean sea "congrio dorado". Everything is boiled in a mixture of small vegetables like carrot pieces, but also garlic, coriander, and onions. The bouillabaisse is then served hot and is one of the favorite delicacies of Santiago residents. This will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this particularly ancient recipe.

8. Calzones Rotos

Yum-yum, we're already salivating just looking at the photo. Calzones Rotos are small cookies similar to donuts dusted with powdered sugar, that you love to enjoy by the fireplace, accompanied by a good cup of hot tea. Typical of winter snacks, this is the ideal recipe of Chilean grandmothers! Easy to cook, one thing is sure, your children will love participating in the preparation by kneading the dough before putting it in the oven!

9. Chapalele

These small dumplings made from cooked potatoes and wheat flour are always a pleasure to enjoy for Santiago residents! Can be prepared savory or sweet, they derive their origins from the divine cuisine of Chiloé island. These small garnishes can be eaten at any time of day, and generally accompany many Chilean dishes. But it's especially during festive periods that chapalele reigns supreme.

10. Curanto Al Hoyo

We can't finish this ranking without talking about one of the most exquisite dishes you'll have the opportunity to taste once in your lifetime: Curanto al Hoyo. Inherited from the Mapuche people of southern Chile, it's a simple convivial dish based on seafood mixed with other foods. You'll find mussels, cockles, potatoes, lamb, pork, and chicken. Thus, you can learn the different steps that allow the preparation of this atypical dish: from food preservation to cooking on burning stones.