Dining and Shopping in Chile
Chile’s long and varied landscape shapes both its cuisine and shopping culture. In Santiago and other major cities, fine dining restaurants serve fresh seafood, local produce, and regional wines alongside international cuisine. Traditional markets and specialty shops carry goods made with materials tied to Chile’s geography and economy, including copper, highland wool, and native wood. As the world’s largest copper producer, Chile is known for decorative and functional copperware. In the southern regions, alpacas and llamas provide the wool used in handmade textiles, while woodworking traditions draw on the forests of Patagonia and Chiloé.
Outside the cities, meals often reflect local ingredients and heritage. In coastal towns and rural areas, food is prepared with what is grown or caught nearby, and many dishes follow family recipes passed down through generations. Dining in these areas often feels more personal, with small, family-run restaurants offering insight into regional cooking styles.
Shopping experiences vary widely by location. Bellavista is known for lapis lazuli jewelry and handmade crafts. Isidora Goyenechea features luxury labels and high-end restaurants, while El Golf, one of Santiago’s most affluent districts, includes international fashion houses, wine merchants, and gourmet stores. In the south, tours that include Chiloé Island often highlight artisan markets with woolen textiles, carved wood, and preserves made with native berries.
Travelers can also find modern shopping malls in larger cities, many with tax-free options for foreign visitors. Supermarkets and corner stores stock a wide range of local snacks and drinks. In wine-producing regions, some tours include tastings and cellar-door purchases, offering access to limited-production vintages not widely exported.
Food and locally made goods across Chile reflect the land, traditions, and character of each region.
Recommended Tours in Chile
Opening hours in Chile
Shops in Chile generally open between 10am and 8pm, Monday to Saturday. Larger malls and department stores often stay open until 9pm or later. Many smaller, independent shops may close for a midday break between 1pm and 3pm. Most businesses remain closed on Sundays, except in tourist areas.
Dining Hours in Chile
Lunch in Chile is typically served between 1pm and 3pm, often as the main meal of the day. Dinner usually starts around 8pm, though in major cities like Santiago, upscale restaurants may not fill up until after 8:30pm. Reservations are recommended for evening dining, especially on weekends.
Paying in Chile
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, small vendors, markets, or rural areas may prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find and dispense Chilean pesos. Tipping is customary in restaurants, with 10% typically added to the bill or left separately.
Tax Free Shopping Chile
Foreign visitors may be eligible for a VAT refund of 19% on certain purchases over a minimum amount. The refund is processed at the airport with original receipts and completed forms. Always check eligibility requirements and participating stores before buying, as not all retailers are part of the tax-free program.
What to buy in Chile
Chile offers an impressive range of high-quality, locally made products that reflect its heritage and nature. One of the most iconic Chilean souvenirs is lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone found in only a few places worldwide. Its rich, deep blue color makes it a striking choice for jewelry such as earrings, rings, and pendants, as well as for decorative figurines and inlaid boxes.
Textiles crafted from alpaca or llama wool are another authentic find. These soft, warm materials are used to make scarves, ponchos, sweaters, and blankets – items that are not only functional but also rich in tradition and style.
Chile’s strong mining industry is represented in its beautifully crafted copper items, including cookware, wall art, and decorative plates. For food lovers, local gourmet products make ideal gifts. Look for Carménère wine, smoked merken (a smoky Mapuche chili spice), and jams made from native fruits like maqui berries or lucuma.
In artisan markets, especially in southern and central Chile, you’ll find hand-carved wooden pieces, leather goods, and colorful ceramics. Shopping with your guide can enhance the experience by offering insights into craftsmanship and helping you negotiate fair prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the food in Chile spicy?
Chilean cuisine is typically mild in flavor. Most traditional dishes focus on fresh ingredients like corn, potatoes, seafood, and meats, without heavy use of spices. Merkén, a smoked chili pepper blend used in Mapuche cooking, adds gentle heat and smoky depth, but it’s usually offered as a table condiment rather than cooked directly into dishes. Diners can often adjust the flavor to their taste with hot sauces or seasonings served on the side.
Are vegetarian or vegan options easy to find n Chile?
Vegetarian meals are increasingly available in larger cities such as Santiago and Valparaíso, where many restaurants now offer meat-free menus or substitutes. Vegan options are also growing in popularity but can still be limited outside major urban areas. In rural regions, traditional dishes tend to include meat, seafood, or dairy, so advance planning is helpful. Private guides can assist in finding restaurants or markets that cater to dietary preferences and restrictions.
Are street foods and market snacks safe to eat?
In general, food from busy markets and popular street vendors is safe and a memorable part of the travel experience. Chileans regularly enjoy quick snacks like sopaipillas, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices from stalls. It’s best to choose freshly prepared, hot items and avoid anything that has been sitting out. Your guide can recommend reliable spots that are known for quality and cleanliness.
Is wine commonly served with meals?
Yes, wine is a key part of Chilean dining culture, especially in central regions where vineyards are an important part of the landscape and economy. Lunch and dinner often include a glass of local wine, and restaurants typically feature Chilean labels, sometimes with regional pairings.
What is the national dish of Chile?
While Chile doesn’t have a single official national dish, several meals are widely recognized as cultural staples. Empanadas de pino, filled with seasoned ground beef, onion, olives, and hard-boiled egg, are a traditional favorite, especially during national holidays. Pastel de choclo, a baked corn pie layered with meat and chicken, and cazuela, a rustic meat and vegetable stew, are also commonly enjoyed in homes and restaurants across the country.
Our local expert in Chile
Your Food and Shopping Journey in Chile Chile
Chilean cuisine showcases a rich blend of local ingredients shaped by geography and tradition, featuring dishes like pastel de choclo, cazuela, and empanadas. Coastal regions offer fresh ceviche and mariscal, while desserts include leche asada, alfajores, and mote con huesillo. Chile is also known for its Carménère wines, pisco sours, craft beers, and herbal teas made from native plants.