National cuisine of Chile for gourmets

The climatic, ecological and cultural diversity of Chile is reflected in a cuisine of this South American country. Chilean Creole cuisine was created under the influence of local traditions, Europe and the Middle East. Dishes are often based on corn, quinoa, and potatoes, not to mention seafood. The grape grows in the center of the country favorable for this since the advent of colonizers. "Chicha", "Pisco" and "Aguardiente" are traditional Chilean alcoholic beverages.

Locals also like potato bread, "Pastel de Choclo" corn pie with minced beef, onions, raisins, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, chopped corn and basil, and "Curry" - dough stuffed with cheese, meat or seafood. "Curanto" is one of the Chileans' favorite dishes especially popular in the south. The specialty consists of shellfish, fish, beef, chorizo (Spanish hot pork sausage), potatoes, vegetables, and is cooked in an underground stone oven. Chilean pizza with beef and sweet banana is prepared with olive oil and ground pepper. Locals also eat "Sevice" - raw seafood soaked in lemon juice, as well as tortillas with spinach, bacon, and feces. Festive dishes are "Cazuela" - a broth with a piece of beef or chicken, potatoes, a piece of pumpkin, corn, and rice, as well as "Congrio" - a juicy sea eel, fried or grilled.

Chileans also like sweets, preparing lots of crispy walnut cookies. "Chirimoya Alegre" is a sweet custard apple salad with orange juice. Cake "Milhojas " is a Chilean version of French "Millefoglie" with Dulce de leche caramel. The dessert is baked in individual portions, just like a whole cake. Small "Cuchufli" dessert is a hollow roll of airy waffle filled with viscous, sweet Dulce de leche. This dessert is good for dipping in hot chocolate. In color and taste, "Leche Asada" is similar to caramel but with a denser texture. It is baked in the oven and prepared based on eggs, sugar, and milk. "Terremoto" is a popular sweet drink from wine and pineapple ice cream. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

This colorful country is full of great restaurants. One of them is "99 Restaurante" in Santiago, which is considered one of the best in Chile. In the Interior, interesting comfortable furniture from recycled wood and open kitchen strike the eye. Here you can try a variety of dishes based on mushrooms, lamb tongue with cauliflower purée with dried plums and caramel, organic wines. Most dishes are signature. A vegetarian menu is available. "Bao Bar" in the capital offers Spanish and international cuisines at reasonable prices. A bar with interesting black and white design is known for its excellent service, nice atmosphere, and author's "Bao-Buns".

In the old city of La Serena, there is excellent restaurant Pica Mar Adentro offering visitors the best Latin American soups and foods. It serves mussels with Parmesan, pancakes stuffed with fresh seafood and much more. The restaurant is famous for its large portions. Santa Brasa Steakhouse in Concon serves the best steaks and sausages. However, the prices are quite high, which is compensated by really high quality, tasty food, and a beautiful view of the bay. In the port city of Arica, you'll find Cafe La Bicicleta with an interesting design - a real bicycle is hanging next to the cafe sign. Look for the best hamburgers and pleasant atmosphere here.

Chileans usually dine at 8:00 pm or later. They drink wine and have conversations. Those invited to Chileans can be sure they will be warmly welcomed. Guests in Chile are traditionally expected a bit later than the appointed time. There's no need to arrive on time - this may make hosts who haven't fully prepared for the reception nervous and embarrassed. Hosts show guests where they can sit. Women sit down first. At the table, you cannot keep hands on your knees - this seems suspicious. Wine is only poured with the right hand. Eating with hands is not accepted, this also applies to the fruit. Try to eat everything on the plate, but it's impolite to ask for seconds. Licking fingers and using toothpicks is considered bad manners. It's impolite to leave right after dinner - you need to stay for at least half an hour.