Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Santiago, Chile
1. Cazuela de Ave con Espinacas
A hearty chicken and spinach casserole cooked in an earthenware pot. Traditionally served in the southern regions of Chile, but can be found in Santiago.
- Unique Ingredients: Chicken and spinach are combined with local spices like cumin and coriander.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the rustic cooking style of Chilean home kitchens.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for lunch or dinner in a family-run restaurant.
2. Empanada de Santiago
A savory pie filled with ground beef, onions, and olives. Unique to the Santiago region.
- Regional Specialty: One of the most iconic dishes in Santiago.
- Culinary Technique: The dough is made with a combination of wheat and cornflour.
- Best Place to Try: Traditional bakeries or 'panaderías' in the city center.
3. Pastel de Choclo
A corn-based pie filled with beef, onions, and peas. A popular dish in Santiago during the winter.
- Seasonal Delicacy: Typically enjoyed during the colder months.
- Cultural Connection: Reflects Chilean rural cooking traditions.
- Best Restaurant to Try: Restaurants specializing in 'comidas chilenas' are ideal.
4. Ceviche de Congrio
A raw fish dish marinated in lemon juice and served with onions, tomatoes, and coriander. Using conger eel (congrio) instead of the typical sea bass or trout.
- Unique Ingredient: Uses locally sourced conger eel.
- Culinary Style: Reflects the coast-influenced Chilean cuisine.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for lunch in coastal areas or seafood restaurants.
5. Tortilla Española
A Spanish-influenced omelet made with potatoes, onions, and eggs. A favorite dish in Chilean taverns (viñas).
- Cultural Influence: Introduced by Spanish settlers.
- Culinary Technique: The potatoes are cooked before adding the eggs.
- Best Place to Try: Taverns in the Bellavista neighborhood.
6. Completo con Vino Tinto
A hot dog topped with avocado, tomato, sauerkraut, and a glass of red wine. A popular late-night snack in Chile.
- Unique Toppings: Uses local ingredients like avocado and sauerkraut.
- Cultural Significance: Reflects Chilean nightlife culture.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for a late-night snack in a street food cart or 'completos' stand.
7. Manjar del Diablo
A creamy dessert made with sugar, condensed milk, and cornstarch. Translated as 'Devil's Jam', it's a popular Chilean sweet treat.
- Unique Taste: Combines the flavors of sugar, milk, and cornstarch.
- Cultural Significance: Symbolizes the sweet-tooth side of Chilean desserts.
- Best Place to Try: Local bakeries or ice cream shops.
8. Manteque en Pan
A butter-soaked bread dish. Commonly served as a side in Santiago.
- Traditional Side Dish: Complements many Chilean main dishes.
- Culinary Technique: The bread is soaked in melted butter and served hot.
- Best Place to Try: In traditional restaurants or family-run eateries.
9. Chupe de Mariscos
A seafood soup with a creamy base and ingredients like clams, mussels, shrimp, fish, potatoes, and corn. Popular in Santiago seafood restaurants.
- Unique Ingredients: Combines various types of fresh seafood.
- Culinary Style: Represents the coastal-influenced cuisine of Chile.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for lunch or dinner in a seafood restaurant.
10. Pastel de Choclo con Pollo
A corn-based pie filled with chicken, onions, peas, and olives. A popular dish in Santiago during the summer.
- Seasonal Delicacy: Typically enjoyed during the warmer months.
- Cultural Connection: Reflects Chilean rural cooking traditions.
- Best Restaurant to Try: Restaurants specializing in 'comidas chilenas' are ideal.
11. Machas a la Parrilla
Grilled mussels served with garlic and white wine. A popular dish in Santiago seafood restaurants.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses locally sourced mussels.
- Culinary Style: Reflects the coastal-influenced cuisine of Chile.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for lunch or dinner in a seafood restaurant.
12. Sopaipillas con Mermelada de Manzana
A fried bread pastry served with apple jelly. A popular breakfast or snack in Santiago.
- Unique Taste: Combines the flavors of fried dough and sweet apple jelly.
- Cultural Significance: Represents a traditional Chilean breakfast or snack.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for breakfast in local bakeries or street food carts.
13. Ensalada Chilena
A salad made with sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and olives. Often served as a side dish in Santiago.
- Traditional Side Dish: Complements many Chilean main dishes.
- Culinary Technique: The ingredients are combined and dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
- Best Place to Try: In traditional restaurants or family-run eateries.
14. Cazuela de Mariscos
A seafood casserole cooked in an earthenware pot. Commonly served in Santiago restaurants.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses various types of fresh seafood.
- Culinary Style: Represents the coastal-influenced cuisine of Chile.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for lunch or dinner in a seafood restaurant.
15. Completo con Cola de Mondongo
A hot dog topped with avocado, tomato, sauerkraut, mayonnaise, and a type of tripe stew called 'Cola de Mondongo'. A unique version of the popular Chilean snack.
- Unique Toppings: Uses local ingredients like tripe stew.
- Cultural Significance: Reflects Chilean nightlife culture and unique food combinations.
- Best Time to Try: Ideal for a late-night snack in a street food cart or 'completos' stand.