As we begin to explore the delicious foods of Chile, I wanted to start where most people begin their day — breakfast.
It might not look the same as what we’re typically used to, since Erika isn’t exactly a morning person! Most school days, she grabs a breakfast bar before rushing out the door, and on lazy weekends her “breakfast” becomes brunch. That said, Chile might just be the place where she actually gets up on time and looks forward to breakfast.
🥐 The Heart of Chilean Breakfast — Bread
Just like Erika, Chileans love bread. The most popular is called marraqueta — a crusty, airy bread roll that’s soft inside. It’s usually spread with butter or jam, or made into a sandwich with cheese or avocado. Another popular way to enjoy it is by dipping the bread into coffee, which I’m quite curious to try — it sounds like the Chilean version of tea and biscuits!
Another breakfast favourite is pan amasado, a denser homemade-style bread that can be made plain or with pork rinds or bacon. It’s best served warm with butter so it melts right in. Sometimes it’s topped with eggs, avocado, ham, honey or manjar (a caramel-like spread). I can already picture Erika in her element, deciding which bread to have and what to put on it!
🥑 Palta Power — Chile’s Love of Avocado
Avocado toast might be new to much of the world, but Chileans have known for ages how delicious it is. It’s a breakfast staple — just mashed avocado on marraqueta with a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a tomato slice on top if you’re feeling fancy. Sometimes they even turn it into a refreshing avocado salad, which sounds like such a fresh and healthy way to start the day.
🍌 A Sweet Start — Banana Milkshakes & Coffee
Leche con plátano is a classic Chilean banana milkshake — just milk and a ripe banana blended until smooth, with a little sugar for extra sweetness. Not really my cup of tea, but Erika loves banana milk in the morning, so I think she’ll be a big fan of this one!
As for me, I’ll be sticking with café con leche — coffee with milk, just how I have it at home. For those who prefer something stronger, black coffee is just as popular… and of course, both are paired with bread.
✨ My Thoughts
Although I’ve yet to try my first Chilean breakfast, it already feels wonderfully simple and homely — the kind of meal anyone could make, even if you’re not actually there. I can’t wait to see what the local bakeries create and let Erika pick out the bread for the morning.
Then it’ll be a short stroll back to wherever we’re staying, breakfast in the sun, soaking up new sights and sounds while we plan what adventure the day will bring.
Because sometimes, it’s the simplest mornings that make the best memories. 🌞
Couch Potato to World Getter 
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