Chilean cuisine is not only a combination of indigenous recipes: it was also influenced by the culinary traditions of Croatia, Spain, France, and some Middle Eastern countries.
Chilean national cuisine
The main ingredients of Chilean cuisine are seafood (oysters, crabs, mussels, locos - white molluscs), fish (tuna, salmon, sea bass), meat (mutton is in high esteem - Chileans like to cook this meat on a spit over a fire), vegetables … Pebre is widely used from seasonings - tomatoes, cilantro, red pepper paste, aji pepper, and onions are used for its preparation.
The signature dishes in southern Chile, especially in Patagonia, are centolla (crab dish) and Corderoal Palo (fried lamb), on Easter Island and Chiloe - curanto (fish, meat, chicken, vegetables and sweet potatoes wrapped in banana leaves). And, for example, in the area of the city of Temuco, travelers will be able to taste the cuisine of the Mapuche people, the dishes of which are prepared from soft orange mushrooms and pine nuts the size of a pine nut.
Popular Chilean dishes:
- “Empanada” (a pancake stuffed with vegetables, meat or cheese that is either fried or baked);
- “Pailamarina” (traditional seafood and fish soup flavored with cilantro, garlic, onions and other spices);
- “Cazuela” (a dish of stews and vegetables);
- “Manchas-a-la-parmesana” (shells baked with cheese);
- “Porotos granados” (a stew of corn, vegetables, beans and basil).
Where to taste the national cuisine?
While vacationing in Santiago, tourists can enjoy seafood treats called “mariscos” here, including such an exotic dish as sea urchin soup. National cuisine in Santiago can be enjoyed at La Casa Vieja (try Chilean dishes such as crab pie, pork roll, corn pie) or Dona Tina (the restaurant has a homely atmosphere, serves large portions, and on weekends guests here are delighted with live music).
The menu of Valparaiso restaurants is mainly dominated by fish and meat dishes, therefore, while relaxing here, you should satisfy your hunger with Chilean dishes in the “Cerro Concepcion” restaurant (average bill - $ 25-45).
Cooking classes in Chile
If you want to learn how to cook Chilean dishes, in particular from seafood, you will be invited to a culinary master class at El Galion Mercado Central restaurant.
You can come to Chile in April, when the Nam Culinary Festival is held in Santiago (eminent chefs will give master classes, restaurants will delight you with festive dinners, and if you wish, you can get natural local products at the Nam Mercado market).
