Discovering Chilean Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes, Customs, and Cocktails

Introduction

When I moved from England to Chile four years ago, I was excited about the majestic mountains but had no idea what to expect at the dining table. While Chile is famous for its asado (barbecue), many people claim that Chilean cuisine is rather bland, likening it to the 'United Kingdom of South America.' However, as I delved deeper, I discovered that the beauty of the local cuisine lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients.

Traditional Dishes

In Chile, the main dishes typically consist of simple preparations featuring meat, fish, and beans (known as porotos), served alongside potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Bread plays a crucial role in the local diet, with Chile ranking second in the world for bread consumption, just behind Germany.

Chilean Bread

When you visit bakeries in Chile, you'll find three standout types of bread: pan marraqueta with its crispy crust, pan amasado which has a unique flavor from wood-fired ovens, and pan hallulla, a round bread often used for sandwiches. Bread here is not just for eating; it's often featured in sandwiches slathered with mayonnaise.

Once - The Traditional Dinner

Chilean dinners typically revolve around once, akin to the English afternoon tea. Once can include crustless sandwiches or toasted bread with butter, eggs, and either tea or coffee. Chileans often enjoy once together in a warm and intimate setting.

Distinctive Seafood Dishes

No exploration of Chilean cuisine is complete without trying seafood dishes like pastel de choclo (corn pie filled with minced meat) or pastel de jaiba (crab pie), which will feel familiar to Vietnamese palates. The seafood here is abundant and always fresh, making it a delight for seafood lovers.

Chupe and Soups

Chupe, a creamy seafood stew, is one of Chile's culinary gems, reminiscent of chowder from England's Northeast. At coastal restaurants, you can savor fried fish served with potatoes or cheesy baked clams, all bursting with ocean flavors.

Signature Drinks

Pisco is a renowned spirit from Chile, often mixed with Coca-Cola or ginger ale to create piscola, a popular drink for evenings out. Additionally, terremoto is a unique cocktail made from sweet Pipeño wine, grenadine, and pineapple ice cream — it’s potent and leaves you feeling pleasantly lightheaded. During Christmas, don't miss cola de mono, a holiday drink featuring aguardiente, sweetened condensed milk, and cinnamon.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For Vietnamese travelers, you'll need to obtain a visa before entering Chile. Flight tickets from Vietnam to Santiago typically start from around 20 million VND, depending on the time of year and the airline. You will likely have layovers in places like Dubai or Los Angeles, as there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Chile.

Once you arrive in Chile, be sure to try the local dishes such as bread and seafood. A typical meal here costs between 300,000 to 600,000 VND. Notably, the health and food tourism sectors in Chile are booming, promising you wonderful experiences.

Conclusion

Chilean cuisine may not be as flashy as that of many other countries, but its simplicity and the flavors of its dishes will surely satisfy you, especially after a day of exploration. Be adventurous and sample the unique dishes and local beverages for a memorable journey in this beautiful country.

Article sourced and edited from: Matador Network