22+ Authentic Chilean Lunch Recipes You Need to Try

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Chilean cuisine is a vibrant blend of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and rich cultural traditions that come together to create unforgettable meals.

Whether it’s hearty stews, savory pastries, or fresh seafood dishes, Chilean lunch recipes offer something for every palate.

From the rustic comfort of Pastel de Choclo to the refreshing zest of Ceviche Chileno, these dishes showcase the diversity and warmth of Chile’s culinary heritage.

In this collection of 22+ Chilean lunch recipes, you’ll discover classic favorites and lesser-known gems that bring the authentic taste of Chile right to your table.

22+ Authentic Chilean Lunch Recipes You Need to Try

Exploring these 22+ Chilean lunch recipes is a wonderful way to experience the depth and variety of Chile’s food culture.

Each recipe tells a story of tradition, local ingredients, and family gatherings, making lunchtime more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of flavor and heritage.

Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or yourself, these dishes bring comfort and excitement, inviting you to savor the unique tastes that Chile has to offer.

Pastel de Choclo

Pastel de Choclo is a traditional Chilean corn pie that combines savory ground meat, onions, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and a sweet corn topping.

This hearty dish perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a beloved comfort food for lunch.

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef or chicken
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Black olives
  • Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • Fresh corn kernels or canned corn
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Basil
  • Sugar
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, then add ground meat and cook thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Blend corn kernels with milk and butter to create a thick corn mixture. Stir in fresh basil and a pinch of sugar to enhance sweetness.
  3. In a baking dish, layer the cooked meat mixture, sliced olives, and hard-boiled eggs.
  4. Spread the corn mixture evenly on top.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven until the corn topping is golden and set.

Pastel de Choclo is a delightful dish that showcases Chilean flavors in a comforting, layered pie.

The combination of sweet corn and savory filling creates a memorable lunch that warms both heart and palate.

Cazuela Chilena

Cazuela Chilena is a classic Chilean stew, full of fresh vegetables, tender meat, and rich broth.

It’s a nourishing and wholesome lunch that reflects the country’s rustic culinary traditions and makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • Beef or chicken pieces
  • Potatoes
  • Corn on the cob, cut into pieces
  • Pumpkin or squash, cubed
  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add meat and brown slightly.
  3. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
  4. Add potatoes, corn, pumpkin, carrots, and green beans. Simmer until all ingredients are tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Cazuela Chilena is a hearty and comforting stew that embodies Chilean home cooking.

Its fresh ingredients and rich broth create a filling lunch that nourishes body and soul.

Empanadas de Pino

Empanadas de Pino are savory Chilean turnovers filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs.

These baked pastries are perfect for lunch, combining flaky crust with a flavorful, juicy filling.

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Black olives
  • Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Empanada dough or pastry crust

Instructions:

  1. Cook onions and garlic until soft, then add ground beef and season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned.
  2. Let the filling cool, then mix in chopped olives and hard-boiled eggs.
  3. Roll out dough and cut into circles.
  4. Place a spoonful of filling on each circle, fold, and seal edges by pressing with a fork.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.

Empanadas de Pino are a Chilean staple that offer a delicious balance of savory flavors wrapped in a crisp, golden crust.

They are perfect for a satisfying lunch that’s both portable and rich in traditional taste.

Charquicán

Charquicán is a traditional Chilean stew made with diced meat, potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and peas.

It’s a hearty and comforting lunch that brings together fresh ingredients and rustic flavors, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

  • Diced beef or ground beef
  • Potatoes, diced
  • Pumpkin or squash, diced
  • Corn kernels
  • Peas
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomato paste
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add beef and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in tomato paste and paprika.
  3. Add potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and peas, and enough water or broth to cover.
  4. Simmer until vegetables are tender and the stew thickens.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Charquicán is a flavorful and nourishing dish that highlights Chilean comfort food.

It’s a satisfying lunch that’s perfect for enjoying hearty, wholesome flavors in every bite.

Caldillo de Congrio

Caldillo de Congrio is a classic Chilean fish stew made with conger eel, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

This flavorful and aromatic dish is a staple in coastal regions and offers a light yet satisfying lunch option.

Ingredients:

  • Conger eel or firm white fish, cut into chunks
  • Onions, sliced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
  3. Add fish chunks and enough water or broth to cover. Simmer gently until fish is cooked through.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Caldillo de Congrio is a delicate and flavorful stew that beautifully combines fresh seafood with aromatic vegetables.

It’s a comforting Chilean lunch that highlights the country’s rich maritime heritage.

Lomo a lo Pobre

Lomo a lo Pobre is a popular Chilean lunch dish featuring a juicy steak served with fried eggs, French fries, and sautéed onions.

It’s a hearty and indulgent meal perfect for those looking for a filling and flavorful lunch.

Ingredients:

  • Beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye)
  • Eggs
  • Potatoes for fries
  • Onions, sliced
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season steak with salt and pepper and cook to desired doneness in a hot skillet.
  2. Fry onions until caramelized.
  3. Prepare French fries by frying or baking potatoes until crispy.
  4. Fry eggs sunny side up.
  5. Plate the steak topped with sautéed onions, fried eggs, and fries on the side.

Lomo a lo Pobre is a beloved Chilean comfort food that offers a rich combination of flavors and textures.

It’s a satisfying lunch that delivers indulgence and energy in every bite.

Porotos Granados

Porotos Granados is a traditional Chilean summer stew made with fresh cranberry beans, corn, squash, and tomatoes.

This hearty and flavorful dish is both nutritious and comforting, making it a perfect lunch option.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh or dried cranberry beans (porotos)
  • Corn kernels
  • Pumpkin or squash, diced
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Basil or cilantro
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Soak beans overnight if using dried, then boil until tender.
  2. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  3. Add tomatoes, pumpkin, and corn, cooking until vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Add the cooked beans and simmer together until flavors meld and stew thickens.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil or cilantro.

Porotos Granados is a wholesome and vibrant Chilean dish that highlights fresh summer ingredients.

It’s a comforting lunch that balances creamy beans and sweet vegetables with aromatic herbs.

Ensalada Chilena

Ensalada Chilena is a fresh and simple Chilean tomato and onion salad often served as a side or light lunch.

Its bright flavors and crisp texture make it a refreshing complement to heavier dishes.

Ingredients:

  • Ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • Red onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine sliced tomatoes and onions in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice.
  3. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

This salad offers a bright and tangy burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and simple.

Ensalada Chilena is a perfect light lunch or side dish that captures the fresh tastes of Chilean cuisine.

Chorrillana

Chorrillana is a popular Chilean dish featuring a base of crispy French fries topped with sautéed beef, onions, and fried eggs.

It’s a hearty, indulgent lunch that’s perfect for sharing and full of robust flavors.

Ingredients:

  • French fries
  • Thinly sliced beef or skirt steak
  • Onions, sliced
  • Eggs
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Prepare French fries until crispy.
  2. Sauté onions in olive oil or butter until caramelized.
  3. Add thinly sliced beef to the onions and cook until browned.
  4. Fry eggs sunny side up.
  5. Plate fries, then top with the beef and onion mixture and finish with fried eggs.

Chorrillana is a deliciously indulgent Chilean comfort food that combines crispy, savory, and rich flavors in one satisfying lunch.

It’s a favorite for a hearty meal with friends or family.

Caldillo de Mariscos

Caldillo de Mariscos is a traditional Chilean seafood stew that combines a variety of fresh shellfish and fish in a rich, flavorful broth.

It’s a warming and nutritious lunch, perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

  • Mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, white fish)
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • White wine
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
  3. Pour in white wine and let simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Add seafood and enough water or broth to cover. Simmer until seafood is cooked.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Caldillo de Mariscos offers a vibrant and aromatic taste of Chile’s coastal cuisine, making it a satisfying and elegant lunch option full of fresh seafood flavors.

Humitas

Humitas are traditional Chilean steamed corn cakes made from fresh corn, onions, basil, and a touch of cheese.

They’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for a light but flavorful lunch.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh corn kernels
  • Onions, finely chopped
  • Fresh basil
  • Butter
  • Queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Corn husks or parchment paper for wrapping

Instructions:

  1. Blend corn kernels with onions, basil, butter, salt, and pepper until you get a thick batter.
  2. Place a spoonful of the mixture on corn husks or parchment paper, add a bit of cheese if desired.
  3. Fold and wrap tightly.
  4. Steam the humitas for about 30–40 minutes until set.

Humitas are a beloved Chilean comfort food that combine natural sweetness with herbal notes and creamy cheese, perfect for a cozy and satisfying lunch.

Ceviche Chileno

Ceviche Chileno is a refreshing Chilean twist on classic ceviche, featuring fresh fish marinated in citrus juices with onions and cilantro.

It’s a light, vibrant lunch ideal for warm days.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh firm white fish, cubed
  • Lime or lemon juice
  • Red onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Marinate fish cubes in lime or lemon juice for about 20 minutes until the fish becomes opaque.
  2. Mix in sliced onions, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Let sit briefly before serving chilled.

Ceviche Chileno offers a bright, zesty, and fresh flavor profile, making it a perfect light lunch that showcases the best of Chile’s coastal ingredients.

Porotos con Riendas

Porotos con Riendas is a traditional Chilean comfort dish combining creamy beans (porotos) with spaghetti (riendas), flavored with onions, garlic, and smoked sausage.

This hearty and filling lunch is perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • Cooked cranberry beans or pinto beans
  • Spaghetti, broken into smaller pieces
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Smoked sausage or chorizo, sliced
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in cooked beans and enough water or broth to simmer.
  4. Add broken spaghetti and cook until pasta is tender.
  5. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Porotos con Riendas is a rustic, comforting dish that combines hearty beans and pasta with smoky sausage for a warm, satisfying lunch that feels like a hug from Chilean home cooking.

Caldillo de Vacuno

Caldillo de Vacuno is a Chilean beef stew made with tender beef chunks and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.

It’s a warming and nutritious lunch that highlights simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • Beef stew meat, cubed
  • Potatoes, diced
  • Carrots, sliced
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef cubes in olive oil. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatoes, beef, and enough water or broth to cover. Simmer until beef is tender.
  4. Add potatoes and carrots and cook until vegetables are soft.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with cilantro.

This stew is a classic Chilean comfort food, offering a hearty and flavorful lunch that warms you from the inside out.

Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are Chilean fried pastries made from pumpkin dough, often served with pebre (a Chilean salsa) or chancaca (a sweet syrup).

They are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them a popular snack or light lunch.

Ingredients:

  • Pumpkin, cooked and mashed
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Mix mashed pumpkin with flour, baking powder, and salt to form a dough.
  2. Roll out dough and cut into small rounds or squares.
  3. Fry in hot oil until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve with pebre or drizzle with chancaca syrup for a sweet touch.

Sopaipillas are a beloved Chilean treat that offer a delightful contrast of crispy and soft textures, perfect for a tasty and satisfying lunch or snack.

Charquicán de Zapallo

Charquicán de Zapallo is a traditional Chilean dish featuring a thick stew made from diced pumpkin, potatoes, corn, and sometimes ground meat.

This comforting, hearty lunch highlights seasonal vegetables and rustic flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Diced pumpkin
  • Potatoes, diced
  • Corn kernels
  • Ground beef (optional)
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomato paste
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add ground beef if using, and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and paprika.
  4. Add pumpkin, potatoes, and corn along with enough water or broth to cover.
  5. Simmer until vegetables are tender and stew thickens.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Charquicán de Zapallo is a nourishing and satisfying lunch option that showcases the earthy sweetness of pumpkin combined with tender vegetables and savory spices.

Chupe de Mariscos

Chupe de Mariscos is a creamy Chilean seafood casserole that includes a mix of shellfish, bread, cheese, and a rich sauce.

It’s a luxurious and filling lunch that beautifully captures coastal flavors.

Ingredients:

  • Mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, fish)
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Bread crumbs or cubed bread
  • Cheese (such as queso fresco or mozzarella)
  • Milk or cream
  • Butter
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic in butter until fragrant.
  2. Add seafood and cook until just done.
  3. Mix in bread crumbs or cubed bread and stir well.
  4. Pour in milk or cream and add cheese.
  5. Cook gently until the casserole thickens and cheese melts.
  6. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Chupe de Mariscos is a rich and comforting seafood dish perfect for a hearty lunch, offering creamy textures and a delicious blend of ocean flavors.

Tomaticán

Tomaticán is a simple and traditional Chilean sauté of tomatoes, corn, onions, and sometimes ground beef or chicken.

It’s a light yet flavorful lunch dish that celebrates fresh, local ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Corn kernels
  • Onions, chopped
  • Ground beef or chicken (optional)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
  2. Add ground meat if using and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in tomatoes and corn, cooking until tomatoes break down into a sauce.
  4. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer briefly until flavors meld.

Tomaticán is a fresh, colorful dish that offers a tasty and quick lunch option filled with the natural sweetness of tomatoes and corn combined with savory spices.

Porotos Granados con Longaniza

Porotos Granados con Longaniza is a classic Chilean dish that combines fresh cranberry beans and sweet corn with flavorful, spiced sausage.

This hearty and rustic lunch is rich in texture and taste, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh cranberry beans or canned beans
  • Corn kernels
  • Longaniza (Chilean sausage), sliced
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Pumpkin or squash, diced
  • Olive oil
  • Basil or cilantro
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
  2. Add sliced longaniza and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in beans, corn, and pumpkin, adding enough water or broth to cover.
  4. Simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil or cilantro before serving.

This dish beautifully blends smoky sausage with sweet vegetables, offering a comforting and flavorful Chilean lunch experience.

Ensalada de Palta

Ensalada de Palta is a simple and refreshing Chilean avocado salad often served as a light lunch or side dish.

It combines creamy avocado with fresh tomatoes, onions, and citrus for a bright, healthy dish.

Ingredients:

  • Ripe avocados, diced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Red onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Lemon or lime juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine diced avocado, tomatoes, and sliced onions in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon or lime juice.
  3. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

This salad highlights the creamy richness of avocado balanced by fresh, zesty flavors, making it a perfect light and nutritious lunch option.

Caldillo de Algas

Caldillo de Algas is a traditional Chilean seaweed soup that offers a unique taste of the coast.

This nutritious and flavorful lunch combines seaweed with vegetables and fish in a savory broth.

Ingredients:

  • Dried or fresh seaweed (such as cochayuyo or luche)
  • White fish fillets, cut into chunks
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Potatoes, diced
  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Soak seaweed if dried, then cut into smaller pieces.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
  4. Add potatoes, seaweed, fish, and enough water or broth to cover.
  5. Simmer until fish is cooked and vegetables are tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Caldillo de Algas is a nourishing and distinctive Chilean soup, offering a taste of traditional coastal ingredients and wholesome flavors for a memorable lunch.

Conclusion

From rich, slow-cooked stews to fresh and vibrant salads, Chilean lunches reflect a perfect balance between hearty nourishment and bright, fresh flavors. This collection of 22+ Chilean lunch recipes offers easy-to-follow dishes that can fit any occasion or mood. By incorporating these recipes into your cooking routine, you’ll add a flavorful international flair to your meals while enjoying wholesome and satisfying food inspired by Chile’s diverse culinary landscape.

Ruth J. Pickett

Ruth J. Pickett is the founder of Foodline24.com, a website dedicated to sharing all kinds of recipes for cooks of every level. With a deep love for food and years of kitchen experience, Ruth curates simple, flavorful dishes that inspire everyday cooking. Her mission is to make cooking easy, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone.

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