Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile. As of 2021, it has a population of around 7 million people, making it the most populous city in the country. Santiago is situated in the central valley of Chile, surrounded by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. The city is known for its vibrant culture, bustling nightlife, and delicious cuisine.
One of the most popular dishes in Santiago is the Chilean empanada, which is a pastry filled with meat, onions, raisins, black olives, and boiled egg. The pastry dough is made with flour, butter, water, and salt, and is shaped into small circles. The filling is then placed in the center of the circle and the pastry is folded in half and sealed. The empanadas are then baked in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. They are often served as a snack or appetizer, but can also be eaten as a main course.
Another popular dish in Santiago is pastel de choclo, which is a corn pie that is similar to shepherd's pie. The filling is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, raisins, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The corn topping is made with fresh corn kernels, butter, milk, and sugar. The filling is placed in a baking dish and topped with the corn mixture. The pie is then baked in the oven until it is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Santiago is also known for its seafood, as it is located near the coast. One popular seafood dish is ceviche, which is made with raw fish, lime juice, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. The fish is marinated in the lime juice, which cooks it and gives it a tangy flavor. The ceviche is often served with avocado and corn on the cob.
Another popular seafood dish in Santiago is mariscos al pil-pil, which is a dish of shellfish cooked in a sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers. The sauce is made by frying garlic and chili peppers in olive oil until they are fragrant, and then adding the shellfish and cooking until they are tender.
In addition to food, Santiago is also known for its wine. Chile is one of the largest producers of wine in the world, and Santiago is home to many vineyards and wineries. The most popular wine in Chile is the red wine known as Carmenere, which is a rich and full-bodied wine that pairs well with red meat and strong cheeses.
When it comes to dining habits in Santiago, people usually have a light breakfast, such as toast or cereal, and then have a larger lunch later in the day. Lunch is typically the biggest meal of the day and can last for several hours, often consisting of multiple courses. Dinner is usually smaller and lighter, and may be eaten later in the evening.
Santiago is a bustling city with a vibrant nightlife, and there are many restaurants, cafes, and bars that are open late into the night. In addition to traditional Chilean cuisine, there are also many international restaurants that serve cuisine from around the world.
Santiago is a city that is rich in culture, history, and cuisine. From traditional dishes like empanadas and pastel de choclo, to seafood and wine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The dining habits in Santiago are focused on a large lunch and a smaller dinner, and the city is known for its lively nightlife. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Santiago, be sure to try some of the delicious food and wine that the city has to offer.