Our In-the-Know Culinary Travel Guide to the Best Things to Eat in Chile’s Capital—Plus Recipes for Making Many Quintessential Chilean Dishes at Home
Chile’s capital, Santiago, is a vibrant and diverse city that is often overlooked as a culinary destination. However, foodies will be pleasantly surprised by the array of flavors and dishes that this South American city has to offer. From mouthwatering seafood to hearty stews, Santiago has something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to this bustling metropolis, be sure to put these must-try dishes on your list.
Empanadas
No visit to Chile is complete without trying the country’s beloved empanadas. These savory pastries come in a variety of fillings, but the most popular is the traditional pino empanada, which is filled with a delicious mix of ground beef, onions, raisins, and black olives. You can find empanadas in almost every corner of Santiago, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Don’t leave Santiago without devouring one (or a few) of these delicious treats.
Completo
Considered the Chilean version of a hotdog, the completo is a must-try street food in Santiago. This hearty sandwich is loaded with a grilled sausage, tomato, avocado, and sauerkraut, and topped with generous amounts of mayonnaise and ketchup. It may sound like a strange combination, but trust us, it works! You can find completos sold on almost every street corner and are perfect for a quick and filling snack.
Pastel de Choclo
For a taste of traditional Chilean cuisine, try the pastel de choclo. This hearty dish is similar to a shepherd’s pie and is made with a thick layer of ground meat, onions, raisins, and olives, topped with a sweet and creamy layer of corn. This combination of savory and sweet flavors is a staple in Chilean households and is a perfect comfort food for chilly days.
Ceviche
Being a coastal country, it’s no surprise that Chile boasts some of the freshest seafood in South America. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than in the form of ceviche. This dish consists of raw fish (usually sea bass or salmon) marinated in citrus juices and spices, making it a light and refreshing option for a hot day. Look for cevicherias around the city, and don’t forget to try the popular variations such as maki ceviche or ceviche with avocado.
Chilean Wine
Chile is renowned for its excellent wines, so a trip to Santiago would not be complete without trying some of the local varieties. The most famous wine region in Chile is the Central Valley, where you can find some of the country’s top wineries offering tours and tastings. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s a Chilean wine for every palate. Cheers to that!
Now that you’ve sampled some of the best dishes in Santiago, why not take a piece of Chilean cuisine home with you? Here are some quintessential Chilean recipes for you to recreate in your own kitchen.
Paila Marina (Chilean Seafood Soup)
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed seafood (clams, shrimp, squid, scallops)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red pepper, diced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish or seafood stock
– 1 cup white wine
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Handful of cilantro, chopped
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper and cook until softened.
2. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the stock and wine and bring to a boil.
4. Add the seafood, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Once the seafood is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Pastel de Jaiba (Crab and Corn
