Having spent the last six weeks immersed in Chilean culture and exploring Santiago, it’s time to share my discoveries about Chilean Food. While some dishes have become instant favorites, others, frankly, haven’t quite won me over. This is a personal journey through the flavors of Chile, and it’s safe to say, it’s been a mixed culinary experience.
The Ups and Downs of Chilean Cuisine
Chilean cuisine presents a fascinating blend of flavors and ingredients. Let’s delve into what stands out, both positively and negatively, in my exploration of Chilean food in Santiago.
What’s Not to Love (For Me)
Initially, my encounters with Chilean food were a bit challenging. It’s not that there’s a lack of options, but some common preparations didn’t quite align with my taste. Many dishes seemed to lean towards blandness in the meat department, often compensated with an abundance of mayonnaise and avocado. While I appreciate both ingredients individually, their ubiquitous pairing wasn’t always a hit.
Image alt: Assortment of Chilean dishes displayed at a Santiago lunch counter.
The Silver Linings: Discovering the Good in Chilean Food
Despite initial reservations, my culinary journey in Santiago has revealed several aspects of Chilean food that I genuinely enjoy:
-
Avocado Abundance: Chileans share my love for avocado! It’s used as generously as mayonnaise, which, in my book, is a definite plus. The creamy richness of avocado elevates many dishes.
-
Decent Fast Food Options: Surprisingly, some Chilean fast food offerings are quite palatable. While not every item is a winner, there are definitely some go-to choices.
-
Pebre’s Zest: Pebre is a revelation. This vibrant, spicy Chilean salsa is served with bread at most sit-down meals. It’s a delightful and refreshing condiment, adding a much-needed kick to the often milder flavors of Chilean food.
Image alt: Close-up of Pebre, a traditional Chilean salsa with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili.
My Chilean Food Favorites So Far
Through trial and error, I’ve curated a list of Chilean food staples that I consistently enjoy in Santiago. These are the dishes I find myself returning to, offering a satisfying taste of Chilean cuisine.
Fast Food Adventures: Churrasco Italiano & Hot Dogs
- Churrasco Italiano: A Mayo-Avocado Overload. The Churrasco Italiano sandwich, featuring thinly sliced meat, tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise, is a common fast food item. However, the meat can be quite bland and rubbery, often overwhelmed by excessive amounts of avocado and mayonnaise. The “Italiano” aspect, referring to the Italian flag colors represented by the toppings, remains a mystery to me.
Image alt: Churrasco Italiano sandwich, showcasing layers of beef, tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise.
- Chilean Hot Dogs: Italiano vs. Completo. Hot dogs are undeniably popular in Chile. You’ll find numerous variations, but the Italiano and the Completo are the most prevalent. I usually opt for the Italiano, which, predictably, comes loaded with avocado and mayonnaise, plus a touch of tomato. The Completo, on the other hand, omits avocado but includes pickled vegetables and sauerkraut – ingredients I personally avoid.
Image alt: Chilean Italiano hot dog, generously topped with mayonnaise, avocado, and tomato.
Main Dishes: Exploring Beyond the Basics
- Lomo a lo Pobre: Steak and Eggs, Chilean Style. Lomo a lo Pobre, similar to the Chorillana but with steak instead of sliced beef, is another conceptually appealing dish. It typically includes a fried steak, fried onions, fried eggs, and french fries. However, the execution can be inconsistent, ranging from mediocre to disappointing. The search for an excellent Lomo a lo Pobre continues.
Image alt: Lomo a lo Pobre dish, featuring steak, fried eggs, onions, and french fries on a plate.
- Chorillana: A Mountain of Flavors (Sometimes). While the original post mentions a vegetarian Chorillana image, it’s described in relation to Lomo a lo Pobre. Chorillana is typically a massive platter of french fries topped with sliced beef, fried onions, and fried eggs. It’s meant for sharing and can be quite satisfying when done well, though quality can vary.
Image alt: Vegetarian Chorillana, a large platter of fries topped with vegetarian ingredients, fried onions and eggs.
Mote con Huesillo: A Refreshing Chilean Drink
- Mote con Huesillo: Peaches and Wheat for a Hot Day. Walking through Santiago’s city center, I can’t resist a Mote con Huesillo. This traditional Chilean food drink is made with dried peaches, cooked husked wheat (mote), and a sweet syrup. It’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for cooling down on a warm day. A small serving is usually more than enough.
Image alt: Glass of Mote con Huesillo, showcasing peaches and wheat kernels in a sweet, clear liquid.
Galindo: A Restaurant Recommendation for Authentic Chilean Food
Is it possible to find truly good Chilean food in Santiago? The answer is yes! Galindo restaurant, recommended by a Chilean friend with an understanding of foreign palates, is a standout.
My first visit to Galindo was a delightful experience. I ordered the Arrollado Huaso, a pork sandwich with avocado. The pork, while slightly mild, was flavorful, and the soft, delicious bread truly made the dish. My friend Brina tried the Cazuela de Pollo, a Chilean chicken soup, which was also excellent.
Image alt: Arrollado Huaso sandwich, featuring pork and avocado on soft bread, served on a plate.
Image alt: Cazuela de Pollo, a hearty Chilean chicken soup with vegetables, served in a white bowl.
On a return trip, I tried the Pastel de Choclo, a Chilean corn pie. It was phenomenal and incredibly filling – definitely go easy on appetizers if you plan to order it!
Image alt: Pastel de Choclo, a golden-brown Chilean corn pie, served in a traditional clay dish.
Galindo is located in Bellavista, at the corner of Dardignac and Constitución, in a vibrant building with outdoor seating. If you’re looking for more diverse dining options beyond Chilean food, explore my other recommendations for non-Chilean restaurants in Santiago.
