Puente Alto Santiago Metropolitan, Chile Travel Guide
Corn (Maíz), potatoes, beans, pumpkin, avocado (Palta), onions, garlic, various peppers (Ají), seafood, beef, and chicken form the backbone of many dishes.
Chilean food is savory, often mild with Ají, fresh herbs like cilantro and oregano, and olive oil. It is usually less spicy than Mexican cuisine.
Typically light: coffee or tea, toast, jam, butter, sometimes ham or cheese.
The largest meal, often a multi-course "set lunch menu" (starter, main, dessert).
"Once" offers coffee or tea with bread, avocado, cheese, pastries. Dinner is lighter than lunch, or a full meal if skipping "once."
Baked or cooked in oil pastries, often with Pino (ground beef, onion, olive, hard-boiled egg) or queso filling.
A Chilean staple, found everywhere.
A savory corn pie with a Pino filling, covered with creamy corn purée. Baked, often with a slightly sweetened crust.
A beloved comfort food.
A hearty, clear a liquid dish with meat (beef, chicken, or turkey), potato, pumpkin, corn on the cob, and green beans.
Perfect for cooler days.
A sweet, caramel-like spread used in many Chilean desserts.
Cookies (Alfajores) or wafer-like cylinders (Cuchuflí) filled with Manjar.
Focused in Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura. Restaurants like Boragó, Ambrosía, and 040 present sophisticated dining experiences.
Abundant throughout Santiago, including Providencia, Bellavista, Lastarria, and business districts of Puente Alto. "Picadas" (local no-frills eateries) and "fuentes de soda" (diner-style) have cheap meals.
Markets like La Vega Core and Mercado Central are hubs for fresh produce, meats, and budget food stalls. Santiago boasts wide international cuisine options, concentrated in central and eastern communes.
These options are increasingly available in Santiago, especially in trendier neighborhoods. Traditional Chilean cuisine can be challenging for strict vegans, but salads and vegetable side orders are options.
The Happycow for vegan options supports locating vegan/vegetarian eateries.
Awareness for gluten-free and other allergens is growing. Some restaurants offer "sin gluten" options. Clear communication (perhaps with a written note) is advisable to confirm needs.
Available in central Santiago. They cover Chilean cuisine, empanada making, or market visits. Book using GetYourGuide.
Maipo Valley tours from Puente Alto include vineyard visits and tastings.
Santiago hosts various food festivals throughout the year, especially in spring and summer.
Restaurants like Boragó present a modern take on Chilean flavors.
Must-try dishes that embody Chilean comfort food, available widely.
Found in bakeries, restaurants, and street vendors.
Essential Chilean beverages that capture the national spirit and acclaimed viticulture.
Vineyard tours in Maipo Valley complement a stay.
Santiago's diverse dining the vibe includes fine dining, mid-range restaurants, and a host of international cuisine options, largely in the central and eastern communes.
A 10% tip is customary. Lunch is the biggest meal, and dinner is later. "Once" provides a light evening option, often replacing a full dinner.
Diverse eateries, from traditional Chilean to international. Popular for lunch menus and evening dining.
Upscale dining, gourmet restaurants, and a wide array of international cuisine. Fine dining experiences.
Authentic local dining in Puente Alto, featuring Picadas, street food, and traditional Chilean fare at community markets.
Lunch is the most substantial meal. Dinner is often later (8 PM+). "Once" (tea-time) a light early evening meal.
Adjust to the local tempo.
A 10% tip (Propina) is standard for good service in restaurants.
Generally added to the bill.
Chilean cuisine features fresh, hearty ingredients including seafood, beef, potatoes, and corn, often with mild spice and savory notes.
From the local authenticity of Puente Alto markets to the fine dining of Eastern Santiago, diverse dining options cater to all culinary tastes and budgets.
Engage with the local culinary culture through cooking classes, winery tours, and sampling street food and traditional beverages.
Always try local specialties at reputable establishments. Consider dining reviews and local recommendations.
