On April 15th, Chileans come together to celebrate one of the country’s most flavorful traditions—the “Día de la Cocina Chilena” or Chilean Cuisine Day. This special date was established to honor and take pride in the rich and diverse culinary heritage that defines Chile. From the Andes to the Pacific, Chilean cuisine reflects a blend of indigenous ingredients, European influence, and coastal freshness.
To mark the occasion, Taste Atlas, a globally respected culinary guide often dubbed the “encyclopedia of flavors,” has released a ranking of the best Chilean dishes. This list, published on January 31st, 2025, is based on a unique rating system that combines feedback from diners, chefs, and food critics from around the world. The result is a list that reflects both popular taste and culinary excellence.
Let’s explore the top dishes that earned the highest accolades and learn more about what makes them so beloved across Chile and beyond.
Top 10 Chilean Dishes
- Machas a la parmesana (Rating: 4.5)
A coastal delicacy, this dish features razor clams baked with Parmesan cheese, butter, and white wine. The mix of creamy and salty flavors has made it a standout on the Chilean coast. - Marraqueta (4.4)
This iconic Chilean bread is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. A staple in nearly every household, marraquetas are perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to any meal. - Pastel de choclo (4.4)
A comforting and hearty corn pie, pastel de choclo blends ground meat, olives, eggs, and a sweet corn topping. It’s the embodiment of home-cooked Chilean comfort food. - Bistec a lo pobre (4.4)
A dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It consists of a grilled steak topped with fried onions, eggs, and accompanied by fries. - Cordero al palo (4.4)
A Patagonian specialty, this slow-roasted lamb cooked over an open fire is a celebration of Chile’s rural traditions and communal gatherings. - Corvina al horno (4.4)
Baked sea bass, typically seasoned with herbs, lemon, and garlic. It’s a fresh, healthy option that highlights Chile’s access to high-quality seafood. - Chorrillana (4.3)
A guilty pleasure and popular late-night food, chorrillana is a massive plate of fries topped with sautéed onions, eggs, and sliced beef. Great for sharing. - Completo (4.3)
The Chilean twist on the hot dog, usually topped with chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut, and generous amounts of mayonnaise. Cheap, fast, and incredibly satisfying. - Empanadas (4.3)
Especially popular during national holidays, Chilean empanadas are typically filled with pino—a savory mix of beef, onions, olives, and a hard-boiled egg. - Caldillo de congrio (4.3)
A fish soup made with conger eel, vegetables, and herbs. It became internationally recognized thanks to Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s famous ode to it.
Beyond the Top 10: Rounding Out the Top 20
While the top 10 dishes stand out, several others also received high praise and form part of Chile’s gastronomic identity:
- Pan amasado (4.1) – A traditional homemade bread with a dense texture and rich flavor.
- Pastel de jaiba (4.1) – A crab casserole, creamy and often served in its shell.
- Paila marina (4.1) – A seafood stew that showcases Chile’s ocean bounty.
- Churrasco italiano (4.1) – A sandwich with thinly sliced steak, tomato, avocado, and mayo.
- Pollo arvejado (4.1) – Chicken stewed with peas and carrots in a savory broth.
- Locos con mayonesa (4.1) – Abalone served cold with a side of mayonnaise and potatoes.
- Porotos granados (3.9) – A summer stew of beans, corn, and squash.
- Cuchuflí (3.9) – A light, crunchy wafer filled with dulce de leche.
- Queso chanco (3.9) – A soft, aged cheese with a distinct flavor.
- Tomaticán (3.9) – A tomato-based stew with corn and meat, perfect for the summer season.
The Other Side of the Coin
Taste Atlas has also highlighted the lesser-loved dishes in Chile’s culinary spectrum. In a previous ranking, the three lowest-rated items were chapalele, pichanga, and carbonada. While these dishes have their fans, they may be more of an acquired taste or tied to specific regional traditions that don’t always resonate widely.
A Flavorful Celebration
The “Día de la Cocina Chilena” is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a celebration of identity, memory, and culture—one that unites families, communities, and food lovers across the country. Whether you’re enjoying a comforting pastel de choclo at home or tasting machas a la parmesana on the coast, each dish tells a story of Chile’s geography, history, and heart.
So this April 15th, take a moment to savor the flavors of Chile—and maybe even discover a new favorite on the list.
