Chilean Food

I’d never heard much about Chilean food nor did I have any clue as to what their national dish might be.  However, after a few days, I do know that this country has an unnatural obsession with avocados.  I’m not lying. Everywhere, avocados.  I had not clue there were so many types of avocados until coming here.  Tiny holes in the wall stores that only sell cold drinks, sell avocados. The mini farmers market up the road? Avocados at each stall.  At least 4 varieties.

The first time I saw this guy, I thought he was a beggar on the street and I crossed the street (it’s my passive agressive way of dealing with beggars)  After all, if this guy were in a residential area anywhere in North America, what else would he be doing?  But in Chile, this guy, on the corner in a residential neighborhood,  EVERY day, sells avocados!  Last time I saw him, he had 5 varieties.  Today; only 2!

 

One dish I had the pleasure of trying (though that’s still up for debate) is a Chilean version of Poutine.  It probably originated before Poutine, but for the life of me, can’t remember this dish’s name.  While our Canadian Poutine is hardly the picture of a healthy meal, the Chilean version (thankfully meant to be shared) has a massive stack of fries (probably close to 2lbs worth) fried onions, cheese, scrambled egg, and a ton of beef.  It doesn’t taste nearly as bad as it sounds and with a bit of sangria, it’s perfect.  Then again, anything with fries is pretty perfect as far I’m concerned!