What makes Chilean food truly unique is its simplicity and respect for fresh, local produce. Dishes are often prepared with a few well-chosen ingredients that showcase the natural flavours of the land and sea.
From hearty stews and grilled meats to fresh salads and decadent desserts, Chilean cuisine offers a perfect balance of earthiness, brightness, and boldness.
Whether you’re savouring a bowl of rich seafood soup or biting into a crisp empanada, you’ll find that Chile’s food is a celebration of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
The following are some of the most iconic traditional dishes you simply can’t miss when exploring Chilean cuisine.
1. Pastel de Choclo (Corn and Beef Casserole)
2. Empanadas de Pino (Chilean Meat Turnovers)
Empanadas de Pino are a quintessential Chilean dish, especially popular during national holidays like Fiestas Patrias.
The filling, or “pino,” is a rich mixture of ground beef, onions, cumin, raisins, hardboiled eggs, and black olives, encased in a flaky dough.
Each bite offers a blend of sweetness from the raisins and onions, balanced by the savoury beef and buttery pastry.
Traditionally baked in wood fired ovens, these empanadas have a deep, rustic flavour and are a perfect handheld snack for any occasion.
3. Cazuela (Hearty Meat and Vegetable Soup)
Cazuela is a classic Chilean soup, traditionally prepared with large cuts of beef or chicken simmered with corn, pumpkin, potatoes, and sometimes rice.
Each bowl is a meal in itself, filled with tender vegetables and meat that soak up the broth’s rich flavours.
The soup is a reflection of Chile’s agricultural abundance, with its ingredients representing the hearty and wholesome nature of country living.
The warm, comforting taste of Cazuela makes it a favourite during cold winters, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for brightness.
4. Curanto (Seafood and Meat Stew)
Curanto is one of Chile’s most distinctive culinary traditions, originating from the Chiloé Archipelago.
The dish is prepared by layering seafood like mussels, clams, and fish with meats such as pork and chicken, alongside potatoes and local vegetables.
Everything is placed in a pit dug in the ground, covered with hot stones, and steamed under large leaves.
This method gives the Curanto its unique, smoky flavour, infusing the ingredients with a deep, earthy aroma.
Curanto is more than just a dish, it’s a communal feast that brings families and friends together.
5. Sopaipillas (Fried Pumpkin Dough)
Sopaipillas are a popular street food and comfort snack in Chile, especially enjoyed during rainy days.
Made from a dough of flour, mashed pumpkin, and a pinch of salt, they are deep fried until golden and crispy on the outside.
They can be eaten either savoury, topped with pebre (a fresh Chilean salsa), or sweet, drenched in chancaca, a syrup made from raw sugar, orange peel, and cinnamon.
Sopaipillas are a versatile treat, with their soft interior contrasting beautifully with their crispy exterior.
6. Chacarero (Chilean Steak Sandwich)
The Chacarero is a sandwich that captures the essence of Chilean fast food, offering a hearty yet fresh combination of flavours.
Thinly sliced beef is grilled to perfection and served on a soft roll with fresh green beans, ripe tomatoes, and spicy ají peppers.
The green beans add a crunchy texture, while the tomatoes and ají give the sandwich a refreshing bite with a subtle heat.
The Chacarero is a favourite for lunch or a quick snack, satisfying cravings with its blend of fresh vegetables and tender meat.
7. Humitas (Steamed Corn Cakes)
Humitas are an ancient dish, dating back to pre-Columbian times, and are still cherished in Chilean homes today.
Ground corn is mixed with onions, basil, and sometimes cheese, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
The result is a soft, aromatic parcel with a delicate corn flavour, complemented by the fragrance of basil.
Humitas are typically enjoyed during the summer months when fresh corn is in season, and they highlight the simplicity and purity of Chilean country cooking.
8. Porotos Granados (Summer Bean Stew)
This dish is a celebration of summer produce, especially in Chile’s central valleys, where fresh beans, corn, and squash are abundant.
Porotos Granados combines these ingredients into a thick, hearty stew, flavoured with garlic, onions, and basil.
The beans add a creamy texture, while the corn provides sweetness, and the squash brings a slightly earthy flavour.
Porotos Granados is a vegetarian friendly dish that reflects Chile’s connection to the land and its seasonal harvests.
9. Lomo a lo Pobre (Poor Man’s Steak)
Despite its name, which translates to “poor man’s steak,” Lomo a lo Pobre is anything but simple.
This dish is a decadent plate of grilled beef steak, topped with fried onions and eggs, and served with a generous portion of crispy French fries.
The richness of the beef, combined with the runny yolks and sweet onions, creates a satisfying meal.
It’s a popular choice for those looking for hearty, comforting food, often served in Chilean diners and homes alike.
10. Mote con Huesillo (Peach and Barley Drink)
Mote con Huesillo is a traditional Chilean summer drink that combines dried peaches and cooked barley (mote) in a sweet syrup made from cinnamon and sugar.
The drink is served chilled and offers a unique texture, with the chewy mote contrasting the soft, rehydrated peaches.
It’s a refreshing way to cool down during hot weather, and its combination of fruit and grains makes it both a drink and a light snack.
Mote con Huesillo is a symbol of Chilean street food, often sold at festivals and markets.
11. Completo (Chilean Hot Dog)
The Completo is Chile’s version of a hot dog, but it’s loaded with far more toppings than its American counterpart.
The basic ingredients include a sausage in a bun, but from there, it’s topped with a generous layer of mashed avocado, chopped tomatoes, mayonnaise, and sometimes sauerkraut.
The mix of creamy avocado with fresh tomatoes and rich mayonnaise makes the Completo a satisfying street food. It’s popular throughout the country, often enjoyed as a quick lunch or late night snack.
12. Caldillo de Congrio (Conger Eel Soup)
This soup, made from conger eel, is a Chilean classic, immortalized by poet Pablo Neruda in his “Ode to Caldillo de Congrio.”
The dish is a hearty seafood soup, combining pieces of conger eel with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and potatoes.
The broth is infused with cilantro, giving it a fresh, herbaceous flavour. Caldillo de Congrio is a staple in coastal Chilean towns, where fresh seafood is abundant.
Its deep, comforting flavours make it a favourite for cold days by the sea.
13. Charquicán (Beef and Vegetable Stew)
Charquicán is a dish with indigenous roots, originally made using charqui (dried, salted meat), which is how the dish got its name.
Today, it’s more commonly prepared with ground beef, mixed with potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and sometimes peas.
The vegetables are mashed together to create a thick, comforting stew that’s hearty and filling.
It’s a dish that evokes the Andes mountains, where people once relied on preserved foods to survive the harsh winters. Now, it’s a nostalgic meal that brings warmth to any table.
14. Marraqueta (Crispy Bread Roll)
Marraqueta is Chile’s most iconic bread, known for its crusty exterior and airy, soft interior. It’s often eaten at breakfast or dinner, paired with butter, avocado, or jam.
This bread is baked in large rolls, designed to be pulled apart into sections. Its simplicity is part of its charm, making it the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.
Marraqueta is a symbol of daily life in Chile, where bread plays an essential role in family meals.
15. Pan Amasado (Kneaded Bread)
16. Pebre (Chilean Salsa)
Pebre is a fresh and zesty salsa that accompanies many Chilean meals, particularly grilled meats and bread.
It’s made from finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, garlic, and ají peppers, all mixed with olive oil and vinegar.
Pebre adds a bright, acidic kick to any dish, balancing out the richness of meats or complementing the simplicity of bread.
It’s a versatile condiment that reflects Chile’s love for bold, vibrant flavours.
17. Chorrillana (Loaded Fries)
Chorrillana is the ultimate Chilean comfort food, typically shared among friends at bars or family gatherings.
The dish consists of a large plate of fries, topped with sautéed beef strips, caramelized onions, and fried eggs.
It’s indulgent and hearty, perfect for soaking up a night out or enjoying as a casual meal. The combination of crispy fries, tender beef, and runny eggs makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Chorrillana embodies Chile’s communal eating culture, where food is meant to be shared and enjoyed together.
18. Paila Marina (Seafood Stew)
Paila Marina is a rich seafood stew, made with a variety of shellfish like mussels, clams, shrimp, and squid, simmered in a flavourful broth of garlic, onions, and white wine.
This dish is a seafood lover’s dream, with each bowl offering a taste of Chile’s bountiful coastline.
Traditionally cooked in a clay pot (paila), the stew has a deep, savoury flavour that’s both comforting and nutritious.
It’s often enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the broth.
19. Machas a la Parmesana (Baked Razor Clams with Parmesan)
20. Ensalada Chilena (Chilean Salad)
Ensalada Chilena is a simple but refreshing salad made from ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, and cilantro, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
It’s a side dish commonly served with grilled meats or as a fresh accompaniment to heavier meals.
The tomatoes and onions provide a crisp, slightly sweet flavour, while the cilantro adds a fragrant herbal note.
This salad is a celebration of Chile’s fresh produce, often enjoyed during the summer months when the ingredients are at their peak.
21. Congrio Frito (Fried Conger Eel)
22. Arrollado de Huaso (Pork Roll)
23. Pantrucas (Chilean Dumpling Soup)
Pantrucas are simple, homemade dumplings made from flour and water, cooked in a savoury broth of beef or chicken, often with potatoes and carrots.
The dumplings are chewy and comforting, making Pantrucas a beloved dish during colder months.
It’s a humble meal that reflects the frugality and resourcefulness of Chilean home cooking, where basic ingredients are transformed into something warm and satisfying.
24. Choritos al Vapor (Steamed Mussels)
Choritos al Vapor is a straightforward yet flavourful dish of steamed mussels, often prepared with garlic, onions, and white wine.
The simplicity of the preparation allows the natural sweetness and brininess of the mussels to shine through.
This dish is a staple in coastal Chile, where fresh shellfish are plentiful, and it’s typically served with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavourful broth.
It’s a perfect appetizer or light meal for seafood lovers.
25. Leche Asada (Baked Milk Custard)
Leche Asada is a traditional Chilean dessert made from milk, eggs, and sugar, baked until it forms a smooth, caramelized custard.
It’s similar to flan but has a firmer texture and a deep, rich flavour thanks to the caramelization.
Leche Asada is often enjoyed as a simple, comforting dessert after a hearty meal, with its sweet and creamy profile making it a favourite across generations.
26. Cochayuyo (Dried Seaweed Salad)
Cochayuyo is a type of seaweed that has been used in Chilean cooking for centuries.
Once rehydrated, it’s often mixed with onions, cilantro, and lemon juice to create a fresh and nutritious salad.
The seaweed has a unique texture; chewy and slightly firm, while its flavour is subtly salty and earthy.
Cochayuyo is particularly popular in coastal regions, where it’s prized for its health benefits and sustainability as a food source.
27. Brazo de Reina (Chilean Swiss Roll)
Brazo de Reina is a rolled sponge cake filled with rich dulce de leche, then dusted with powdered sugar or covered in chocolate.
This traditional Chilean dessert is light yet indulgent, with its soft sponge cake contrasting the creamy, caramel like filling.
It’s often served at special occasions, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings, and is a favourite for those with a sweet tooth.
The delicate layers of cake and filling make each bite melt in your mouth.
