Chile Food and Drink

Chileans take their time with food, as evidenced by the fact that they usually eat four leisurely meals a day. Though typical Chilean food is fairly bland, opportunities to explore cuisine exist. Moreover, Chileans pay more attention to the conversation of the meal than the food being eaten.

Desayuno (breakfast) has a Southern European flair, and standard breakfast fare usually consists of café con leche (strong coffee and hot milk) and toast with butter and jam. Almuerzo (lunch), the main meal of the day, is taken between 1 and 3pm. A generation ago, Chilean employees were given up to 2½ hours off to return home, partake of an unhurried almuerzo, and even sneak in a quick siesta before returning to work. While rampant capitalism and longer commutes have made this traditional midday break implausible in Santiago and other major cities, lunch remains an elaborate and comparatively elongated affair, and it is not unusual for smaller offices to close their doors during this time. However, for motivated Chileans and tourists on the go, quick options are available at the food stalls, delis, and convenience stores embedded in nooks and crannies across cities.

Even the most copious lunch will, however, be followed by “tea time” in the illustrious manner of the British. This light meal referred to as el té or las onces (elevens—named for the letters in aguardiente, the brandy that can spice up the tea) is taken at anytime between 4 and 6pm. Café con leche, café helado (iced coffee), or hot tea (Brit-style with milk) are normally served along with either toast, marraqueta (a traditional bread loaf), or fancier cakes and pastries. Restaurants cater to this cultural habit and remain open for tea, while some establishments identify specifically as tea rooms. La comida (dinner or, literally, the meal) is typically eaten at 9pm and is served even later at social events. The meal resembles lunch but is generally less opulent. Try not to use the Spanish word la cena (supper) to refer to this meal, for, although it’s universally understood, it immediately identifies you as a non-Chilean.

Chilean Cuisine

Chilean cuisine is a simple melange of fare from native Indian, Spanish, French, German, English, Italian, Mexican, and Asian origins. Chileans also fully relish their natural resources through the generous ...more

Drinks

Neither occupation, nor age, nor economic background, nor locality can prevent Chileans from having vino (wine) with their meals. It is not surprising that this essential element of the Eucharist is universally ...more