Torres del Paine is renowned as one of Chile’s top tourist destinations. But visitors come to this corner of South America for more than just its thrilling adventures, breathtaking geography, and diverse flora and fauna. Chilean cuisine is also a can’t-miss experience if you want to have the best memories of your stay in our country. In our Pionero Bar, known for its outstanding selection of liquors and signature cocktails, we also serve a menu that highlights the best of the country’s gastronomy. Here are some recommendations for your visit.
Caldillo de congrio
Nobel Laureate in Literature, Pablo Neruda, wrote an ode to this famous conger chowder: “Until in the chowder what is heated are the essences of Chile, and on the table arrive, just married, are the flavors of land and sea, so that on that plate you may come to know heaven”.
This classic of Chilean cuisine, immortalized by Neruda's poem, is one of our favorites on the Pionero Bar menu. This distinctive soup of flavors features an eel-like fish found on the coasts of Chile from the Tarapacá region to the Aysén region and is prepared with tender vegetables that will comfort you with flavors of the sea.
This soup is perfect for warming you up after a cold day in Patagonia, offering you an unmissable experience for those visiting Chile for the first time: tasting the exquisite fish and seafood of the Pacific coast.
Pastel de choclo
Sweet corn, called choclo in South America, is a classic ingredient in Chilean dishes. We can find it in humitas, bean soups, tomaticán, stews, and, of course, in the traditional pastel de choclo.
This pie is topped with a soft and creamy corn mash, which is baked atop a traditional filling of ground beef, onions, hard-boiled egg, and olives, served in an earthenware bowl.
In Chile, we like our corn sweet, so the dish is sealed off with a dusting of sugar that caramelizes in the oven, giving the perfect finishing touch to this recipe of classic Chilean flavors.
Chacarero
In Chile, we love to end the day with a delicious churrasco, a sandwich of thinly sliced beef (or optional mushroom burger) served on traditional marraqueta bread. There are endless options for toppings on this sandwich, but if you want to try a Chilean classic, ask for a churrasco chacarero at our Pionero Bar.
Our chacarero (which means farmer-style) includes juicy tomatoes, delicate slices of avocado, green chili pepper, and creamy mayonnaise. The chacarero’s special ingredient is sliced green beans, which give this sandwich its characteristic freshness.
If you are looking for another kind of churrasco, at Pionero Bar you can also find churrasco a lo pobre (with fried egg and caramelized onion), Barros Luco (beef and cheese) or the crowd favorite, the churrasco italiano (with avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise).
Pickled hare
Hare is a very popular dish in the Magallanes region. Don’t miss the opportunity to try this Patagonian delicacy during your visit to Pionero Bar.
The dish consists of the saddle of a Magellanic hare marinated in a mixture of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, carrots, onions, and bell peppers, and served with garlic breadcrumbs and sour cream.
Order this regional classic for an unforgettable culinary experience at the end of the world.
Mote con huesillo
Of course, we couldn’t leave desserts out of our list of recommendations, so we’ll start with a classic, one that you can find all over Chile: the traditional mote con huesillo.
In Chile, you can always find mote con huesillo, no matter where you are. Our version of this refreshing drink uses the caramelized juice of dehydrated peaches (known as huesillos), cooked wheatberries (mote), and ice cream flavored with a raw sugar called chancaca.
The perfect end to your lunch or dinner, mote con huesillo will refresh you and give you that touch of sugar you need to end a meal.
Leche asada
We conclude this list with a dessert that evokes strong memories for anyone who grew up in Chile, a sweet treat from the recipe books of our country’s grandmothers: leche asada.
This dessert is similar to the classic flan, but with a roasted aroma and a slightly caramelized surface. Our version is given a Patagonian touch with calafate berry whipped cream.
It’s a dessert for the whole family; sweet, soft, and with a hint of nostalgia. Children and adults alike are sure to love it.
Want to know more about our Chilean and Patagonian cuisine? Enjoy the different dining options available at our Coirón Restaurant and Pionero Bar.