Last Updated on April 11, 2023
Cape Horn, located at the southern tip of South America, is a remote and rugged region that offers an unparalleled culinary experience. Known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine wilderness, and rich history, this area is also home to some of the world’s most unique and delicious foods. In this article, we will be exploring the foods to try in Cape Horn, Chile.
From succulent seafood to hearty meat dishes, the food in Cape Horn reflects the region’s rugged and wild character. Some of the dishes on our list include the famed King Crab, the rich and flavorful Magellan lamb, and the delectable Chilean sea bass. We will also delve into some lesser-known local specialties, such as the regional stew known as Curanto and the irresistible Dulce de Leche dessert.
Cape Horn’s cuisine is influenced by its location and history, with indigenous, European, and Asian flavors all coming together in a unique and delicious fusion. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to try something new, these seven foods will offer a culinary adventure that is sure to leave you satisfied.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Cape Horn or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, read on and get ready to discover the flavors of this incredible region.
Here are 7 great foods to try in Cape Horn:
Asado
Asado, otherwise simply known as a meat barbeque, is a popular technique in Chile where meats like beef, chicken, pork and its variants (e.g chorizo) are cooked on a grill or open fire. You’ll certainly not want to miss an asado if you find yourself in Chile – asado de cordero al palo (whole lamb barbeque) is the most common type of asado you can expect in the southern region, served with local condiment, pebre,and salads.
Local Chilean cuisine
As Cape Horn is situated in southern Chile, you’ll find a variety of Chilean dishes on the way – particularly southern variants of common Chilean food. With Silversea cruises, you can enjoy Chilean cuisine at its finest, allowing you to taste authentic Chilean dishes whilst enjoying the views as you sail towards Cape Horn. Don’t forget that you also have the opportunity to taste other cuisines when on such cruises.
Seafood
If you’re travelling towards Cape Horn, seafood will most likely be a regular part of the cuisine. Cape Horn itself and the Magallenes region that surrounds it houses an abundant ocean ecosystem that consists of marine mammals, seabirds, and a kelp forest. Dishes like caldillo de almejas (clam soup), steamed king crab, chupe de locos (Chilean abalone stew) are popular here. You can also expect these dishes to be sourced locally and made with fresh ingredients!
Crudos
A German-Chilean dish that is not to miss – but, if you’re not too open on trying new foods, then perhaps this one is a miss for you. Crudos refers to a dish that resembles a steak tartare. It consists of chopped raw beef mince topped with lemon juice, chopped onions and a yoghurt and mayonnaise sauce. It might seem weird, but definitely worth a taste, especially if you’re the type of person who enjoys a new experience.
Dulce de leche dessert
Visiting Chile wouldn’t be complete without trying their famous dulce de leche or manjar (terms are often used interchangeably in Chile)- sweet milk or milk candy. After all, dulce de leche was invented in Chile! There are a wide range of dulce de leche desserts that you could try including alfajor (cookie filled with manjar) and brazo de reina (Swiss roll filled with manjar and topped with icing sugar or chocolate swirls).
Pair your meal with alcoholic beverages
Chile is also known for its alcoholic drinks, so if you’d like to try something new, alcoholic beverages on the way to Cape Horn are certainly worth thinking about. In particular, chicha de calafate (fermented alcoholic beverage made with barberry) and licor de oro (liqueur consisting of aguardiente, whey, saffron and lemon peel) are two popular Chilean drinks to try.
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