Chilean Cuisine: discover traditional dishes, flavors, and traditions
Explore the best of Chilean cuisine: empanadas, corn pie, casserole, fresh seafood, and traditional desserts. Experience authentic flavors in Santiago.
Discover the best of Chilean cuisine
Chile is a land of diverse flavors, from the coast to the interior and from the Andes to the sea. Every corner combines native ingredients, ancestral traditions, and modern creativity. Here we invite you on a tour of the most emblematic dishes, desserts, and drinks of our cuisine.
Flavors of the center: classic dishes you can't miss
- Empanadas de pino: golden pastry filled with beef, onion, egg, and olives. Traditional in almost the entire central region. Tip: eat them fresh out of the oven.
- Pastel de choclo: layers of beef and corn, baked until golden brown. A classic summer lunch. Serve with a Chilean salad for a fresh contrast.
- Cazuela: a comforting stew made with meat (chicken or beef), vegetables, pumpkin, potatoes, and corn. Ideal for cool days or when you're looking for something warm.
Seafood and coastal dishes
- Paila marina: seafood broth with a variety of fish, local shellfish, onion, and cilantro. Freshness guaranteed.
- Caldillo de congrio: soup with fresh conger eel, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and herbs. A literary icon thanks to Neruda, and a favorite of Santiago residents.
- Mariscal: a mixture of fresh seafood, sometimes served cold, sometimes hot. Perfect for sharing. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Stews, traditional dishes, and country flavors
- Porotos con riendas: beans, noodles (riendas), vegetables. A very traditional dish from the central region. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Humitas: ground corn with basil and onion, wrapped in corn husks and steamed or baked. Mild, nostalgic flavors. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Charquicán: thick stew with meat, pumpkin, potatoes, and vegetables. Perfect with Chilean pebre and a cold drink. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Desserts, drinks, and flavors that complete the table
- Mote con huesillos: traditional sweet summer drink; preserved huesillo fruit and cooked mote. A classic at fairs.
- Kuchen: dessert of German heritage, with fruits such as apples, plums, or berries. Perfect with mate or coffee.
Tips for enjoying Chilean cuisine like a local
- Order freshly prepared dishes, especially at fairs or markets.
- Try traditional establishments, not just haute cuisine restaurants.
- Don't miss out on pebre or goat cheese as a side dish; they complement the experience.
- If you eat seafood, make sure it is fresh and sold with good sanitary practices.
Internal links and hotel dining services
At Restaurant Bristol, we offer dishes inspired by Chilean cuisine, made with top-quality local ingredients. And if you're staying with us, take the opportunity to discover local flavors on nearby gastronomic tours. Reserve your table or request personalized recommendations.
Source: https://www.chile.travel/blog/gastronomia-chilena-por-que-es-una-de-las-mejores-del-mundo/
Marketing Team
Hotel Plaza San Francisco – March 2025