Chile

Santiago 

Francisco Solís Monroy

can resemble anything between a dive bar with a jukebox or a restaurant with formal service and pressed napkins. In 

, these institutions are woven into the city's DNA, accessible to all and enjoyed across the complex social divisions that define Chilean society. 

In this guide, podcast host and cultural expert Pancho Solís takes us through a variety of the city's classics, and explains the culinary highs of the a city staple: the completo.

 on it—but with toppings you might not normally associate with a hot dog. Avocado, tomato, and mayonnaise, and then there’s usually something else—mustard," he explains. "There are different schools of thought, but basically, it’s a hot dog with avocado, tomato, mayo and then more toppings get added until it becomes this absurdly huge thing."

"It can be breakfast, lunch, dinner, a late-night snack, a pre-party meal, a first date food, or comfort food after a bad day. In that sense, the 

 is what the average Chilean will order at any time of the day, any time of year."

It has neon lights and a bohemian vibe. The completos and beer are ok, but the atmosphere makes it worth it. It always has nu-wave music.

It’s here in Lastarria — very traditional. One time I had a completo and a beer there with a lady who was nearly 100 years old! She’d been going there her whole life. It serves you in an old school way, with waiters. 

A traditional place known for its lomito sandwich: a very prestigious option on the diner route. 

This a known as the first vegan fuente de soda. Very famous for its completos.

A historic, emblematic option in the suburbs which sells a very tasty churrasco— another local speciality sandwich. 

A very old one, you’ll just find elderly ladies and gentlemen. This is one for tradition.

This isn’t really a diner, it is more of a snack place that sells  churrasco, pizza, empanadas, completos—everything you need for a late night post-party craving. There’s no tables, people just sit outside to eat. 

This is spot was called Pikachu, which was a single food cart. Now, there are a bunch of carts where you can buy completos with non-traditional options, like garlic and bbq sauces.

Pikachu Food Cart

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