EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: SANTIAGO

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN SANTIAGO CHILE

Empañadas are bound to become your round-the-clock, go-to chow in Santiago. That’s because every empañada – no matter what the filling - starts with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth, flakey crust that’s almost impossible to tire of. The name comes from the Spanish verb, empanar which means, wrapped or coated in bread. In Chile, the dough is made with lard, which explains its irresistible flavor, and then filled with a mixture called pino consisting of ground beef, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and onion. The dough is folded over the filling, pinched closed, then either baked or deep-fried, and eaten by hand.

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Santiago, Chile

Excited to eat like a local in Santiago? Here are some of the top cultural and regional foods we recommend trying during your study abroad adventure!

• Pastel de Choclo: This dish is a classic Chilean comfort food that is especially popular in Santiago. It's a savory-sweet pie or casserole that fuses the indigenous and Spanish cultures that influence Chile. At the bottom, you have a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, sometimes with chicken, raisins, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The top is a thick, creamy layer of pureed corn, known as choclo, which is naturally sweet. It is then baked in an earthenware dish until the corn topping is golden brown.
• Cazuela: Cazuela is a quintessential Chilean soup that is celebrated as the national dish. A typical Cazuela includes a large piece of meat (chicken or beef), a whole potato, a chunk of pumpkin, and a piece of corn on the cob. It's a filling and warming meal that is especially popular during the colder months.
• Completo: The Completo is Chile's version of a hot dog, and it is a true symbol of street food culture in Santiago. The name, which means "complete," refers to its generous and "fully loaded" toppings. A Completo is served on a soft bun and features a hot dog sausage, but the star of the show is the variety of toppings.

BEST DRINK IN SANTIAGO CHILE

Mote con huesillos falls on the stranger end of world beverages, but it’s definitely worth a try in Santiago. This syrupy beverage is the result of peach nectar and dried peaches (huesillos) sweetened with sugar, spiced with cinnamon and mixed with husked wheat (mote). The small white mote pearls sit at the bottom of the tea-colored liquid and are eaten with a spoon once the liquid is drunk. Chileans are often heard saying, “Más chileno que el mote con huesillo,” more Chilean than a mote con huesillo.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Santiago

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Santiago, Chile:

• Mote con Huesillo: This is the ultimate summertime beverage in Santiago. This iconic, non-alcoholic drink combines cooked husked wheat (mote) and dried peaches (huesillos) in a sweet, cinnamon-infused syrup. You will find vendors selling it from street carts all over the city during the warmer months. In fact, it's also a cultural symbol of summer, family gatherings, and national celebrations!
• Chicha: Chicha is a traditional fermented beverage, typically made from fermented grapes or apples grown in Chile. While it's popular throughout the country, it has a special place in rural traditions and is often enjoyed during Chile's Independence Day celebrations in September. The drink is a nod to a simpler way of life and is a great way to experience an authentic taste of Chile.
• Pisco Sour: This is a classic Chilean cocktail and a major part of the country's social scene. Made with pisco (a type of brandy), fresh lime juice, and sugar, it is a tangy, refreshing, and potent drink perfect for a night out. While Peru also claims the Pisco Sour, the Chilean version is a staple in every bar and restaurant in Santiago and is the unofficial "welcome drink" for travelers!

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN SANTIAGO CHILE

Few visit Santiago without a trip up Cerro San Cristobal because the view from the top is just too darned remarkable to miss! Santiago’s second-highest point is almost 3,000 feet above sea level that you can reach either by cable car or funicular. Once a top, the expanse is breathtaking, with the majestic Andes looming in the distance. Standing at the highest point of Cerro San Cristobal is a statue of Virgin Mary and chapel where you can rest or reflect on your magical journey to the Southern Hemisphere.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Santiago

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Santiago:

• Cerro San Cristóbal: Take a funicular or cable car to the top of this iconic hill to visit the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, where a massive statue of the Virgin Mary overlooks the entire city. The hill is a cultural and religious landmark, and offers perfect panoramic views of Santiago, including the stunning Andes Mountains as a backdrop.
• Sky Costanera: For a look at modern Santiago, head to the Sky Costanera. Located on the 61st and 62nd floors of the Gran Torre Santiago, it's the tallest skyscraper in South America. The observation deck gives you a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and is a symbol of the country's economic growth throughout history.
• Cerro Santa Lucía: Right in the heart of Santiago, this beautiful urban park is a must-see for history lovers. Originally the site where the city was founded in 1541, it was later transformed into a stunning public garden featuring winding paths, a grand staircase, beautiful fountains and a gorgeous castle.

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