The food culture and traditions of Chile stem from its native Mapuche heritage as well as from the (mainly Spanish) Europeans settlers. The culture differs depending on the area of the country - north, central, or south.
The food culture of the north of Chile
Peru has a strong influence on cuisine in the north of Chile, and as a result, it is easy to find an abundance of tropical fruits like the chirimoya and lucuma. There are also a lot of corn-based foods likepastel de chocloand humitas which are like Mexicantamales.Pastel de choclois a corn pudding with ground beef, sliced hard-boiled egg, raisins, and olives traditionally served in a clay bowl.
Asadois a barbecue grill favourite in all parts of Chile but only in the north can you try the unusual meats of llama or alpaca.
Բ,Quinoais native to Peru, but it is frequently found in northern Chile. It is often served as a salad calledtimbal de quinoaserved with avocado.
The food culture in Central Chile
The central part of Chile is significantly influenced by the many fruits and vegetables grown there in its Mediterranean climate. Avocado, orpalta,and tomatoes are popular in many salads.䲹ܱ,a popular comfort food, is a stew with chicken or beef served in a broth with a potato, a portion of pumpkin, a piece of corn on the cob, and other veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans.
A classic Chilean sweet isPan de Pascua, a candied fruit bread that is served at Christmas and Easter. And the favourite drink of Chile isMote con Huesillos.Moteis a syrupy sweet peach nectar served with dried peaches and husked wheat. Though it may sound unusual, it is one of the most commonly served drinks throughout Chile.
The food culture in Southern Chile
The cuisine of southern Chile is influenced by the traditions of the Mapuche, the indigenous people of southern Chile. Chiloe, the large island south of Puerto Montt, also has many particular customs and traditions.
Asado al palois grilled lamb roasted near the fire on a stick or rotated on a spit over the fire.Cazuela de chiloteis the traditionalcazuela ofChiloe made withchoros(mussels) and lamb.Milcaois a traditional fried potato pancake in Chiloe.Curantois a seafood feast cooked in a pit of hot stones with sausage, pork, potatoes, andmilcaowrapped in the leaves of the nativenalcaplant. The Mapuche people have also contributedmerken, a spice made from dried and smoked red chillies and coriander which is often used to flavour meat.
There is also a strong influence from the German immigrants who arrived in 1860. Examples of this influence includeKuchenԻberlines, which are famous German pastries served in the south of Chile.
Typical food in Chile
Empanadasare a mainstay in all parts of South America, but each country has its particular style ofempanada. In Chile, the most typical isempanada de pino, which are pastries baked with a mixture of beef, onion, sliced hard-boiled eggs and an olive. It is the go-to fast food of Chile along with the Chilean-style hot dog known as acompleto! It includes a boatload of mayo, chopped tomato, andsauerkraut. Remove thekrautand add mashed avocado, and it becomes acompleto italiano.
Bread is the staple of most cultures, and Chile is no different. The most popular kinds of bread are themarraquetaswhich are light and fluffy with a crispy exterior andhallullas, which are a more substantial round roll.Hallullasare served at most restaurants withpebrewhich is chopped tomato, onion, and cilantro condiment.
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