Chileans may only have two proper meals a day — breakfast and a big lunch — but don’t let that fool you into thinking they don’t snack. Between onces (their version of elevenses), street food, café treats and sweet traditions, there’s plenty to explore. And honestly… if I was in Chile tomorrow, I’d be stocking up just to keep Erika happy in the evenings!
🍮 Sweets & Desserts
Leche Asada — A Chilean Classic
Leche Asada is a baked milk custard with beautifully caramelised edges. Made from milk, eggs, sugar and either vanilla or cinnamon, it’s a simple recipe that became iconic across Chile. It reminds me of a crème brûlée, just baked instead of torched. Since the Spanish brought custard to South America, this dessert has evolved into its own comforting, home-style treat. I can already imagine enjoying this with a coffee on a warm evening.
Pan de Pascua — Chilean Christmas Cake
Chile’s Christmas cake takes elements from stollen and panettone, which already makes it sound perfect to me! It’s packed with dried fruits, nuts, spices and sometimes a light glaze. Much less intense than the dense English Christmas cake — but still festive and full of flavour.
I absolutely need to visit Chile one December just for this.
Alfajores — Erika’s Future Favourite
Two soft shortbread biscuits sandwiched with manjar (Chile’s dulce de leche)?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
You’ll find them coated in chocolate, rolled in coconut or dusted with icing sugar. These are everywhere — bakeries, supermarkets, cafés, even the airport. I already know I’ll be buying extra because Erika will inhale these.
Mote con Huesillo — Chile in a Cup
Not quite a drink, not quite a dessert, but definitely a must-try. It’s made from:
- dried peaches rehydrated in syrup
- cooked wheat (mote)
- sweet peachy liquid served chilled
You drink it and scoop it. Perfect for hot summer days. I can see Erika stealing mine and then immediately asking for her own.
🍟 Chilean Snacks
Empanadas — Everywhere, All the Time
If Chile had a single national snack, this would be it. Empanadas can be baked or fried, with fillings like:
- beef
- chicken
- seafood
- cheese
- spinach
- or sweet versions with custard, fruit or manjar
There’s a flavour for everyone, which means Erika will absolutely latch onto one she loves—and make me buy it repeatedly.
Completo — The Chilean Hotdog
Chileans adore hotdogs, and their versions are loaded.
Popular types:
- Completo clásico — tomato salsa, sauerkraut, mayo
- Italiano — avocado, tomato, mayo (like the Italian flag)
- Dinámico — avocado, tomato, sauerkraut, mayo
- A lo pobre — fried egg, sautéed onions, chips
The last one is… a lot. But I’d happily try the egg and onions!
Super 8 Bars & Ramitas Evercrisp
Every country has its beloved classics:
- Super 8 — chocolate-covered wafer with cream filling
- Ramitas Evercrisp — thin crunchy crisps (original, cheese, sour cream & onion + limited editions)
These are Chile’s childhood nostalgia snacks — and perfect for us to try during long bus rides.
🥛 Manjar on Everything
Chile’s version of dulce de leche is thick, sticky and dangerously addictive. You’ll find it in:
- cakes
- cookies
- pastries
- doughnuts
- ice cream
- pancakes
If manjar can be added, it will be added.
✨ Final Thoughts
Chile’s snack culture is warm, comforting and full of character. Some treats are grab-and-go street food, others are perfect for a slow coffee break. One thing’s certain: Erika and I will never go hungry in Chile. Between the empanadas, chocolate bars, fruit drinks and all the manjar-filled goodies… we’ll be happily snacking from one end of the country to the other.
Couch Potato to World Getter 
Leave a comment