CHILE: The Difference Between The “picadas” And The “parrillas” In Chilean Food

Before trying the delicacies that this country has to offer, you’ll need to acquaint yourself with the names of the different places where you can go to eat.

Do you know that difference between a “picada” and a “parrilla”? Would it seem strange to you if someone invited you to a “marisquería”? Do you know that they sell in a “fuente de soda”?

To avoid errors of this kind, we present you with a basic guide to the different types of restaurants you’ll find when visiting Chile.

Comedores/cocinería: These are the local, simple restaurants located inside the markets all over the country. You can ask all the things you want to about Chilean food in these places and if you don’t know the name of the dishes on offer, you can simply order what everyone else is eating.

Salón de té: In these places you’ll find a great variety of infusions, coffees and delicious sweet pastries. The atmosphere is, in general, homely and informal.

Fuente de soda: It’s characterized for its large, tasty sándwiches, its hot dogs (called “completos”) and fries, all served at very reasonable prices. In many of these places, you can order an ice-cold beer to accompany your meal, perfect if you’re traveling in the summer.

Picada: It’s normally an informal restaurant where people go to dine with friends or family. Many “picadas” begin life as the dining room of a regular house, but little by little they grow so popular that they transform themselves into the best restaurants in town. The picadas conserve their homely touches via the use of rustic picture frames and religious ornaments hanging on the walls. In general they’re family businesses in which the mother cooks and the father manages the till, or viceversa.

Restaurante: We’re certain that you’ve already guessed what these are! Chilean restaurants are relatively formal in nature, they offer extensive menus and you’ll be attended to by a waiter in elegant attire.

Parrilladas: This type of restaurant is very easy to find, if only because of its distinctive smell! Barbecued meat is the main dish on the menu, but large parrilladas will serve a range of chicken and seafood dishes as well.

Marisquería: These are the seafood experts. Some of them are simple in nature and others are very elegant. There are small marisquerías and large ones and if you happen to find yourself in the one of the latter kind, it’s probable that meat dishes will be available too. If you want to dine on the weekend be sure to book a table in advance, particularly in the busiest areas of Santiago or if you plan to eat anywhere on Saturday afternoon.