From Across the Kitchen Table: A Taste of Santiago de Chile in Less Than 24 Hours

Santiago is a huge city with lots of greenery and beautiful colonial architecture as well as a booming street art and music scene. However it is the majestic snow-capped Andes mountains surrounding the city that truly made it more special and unique. Don't miss a visit to this lovely city when you travel to South America.

Above photo is of Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago which towers over the old-fashioned Plaza de Armas, the symbolic heart of Santiago since 1541.

At night, Plaza de Armas is buzzing and full of life.

Cerro Sta Lucia is a small hill in the centre of Santiago. Visitors are greeted with a gorgeous Neptune fountain surrounded by trees.

Did you know that Chile is the longest country in the world from north to south?

For foodies, Mercado Central must be on your must-visit list in Santiago. This is the place to go for fresh local Chilean seafood. We went there in the morning when all restaurants at the central area of the market were still closed but that was not what we came here for. We opted for the more authentic and less touristy food stalls and smaller restaurants around the perimeter of the market. They have similar menu at a fraction of the price and just as good.

Seafood soup with pandesal and salsa. Good things come when you least expect them. This soup is definitely a star-worthy dish.

Erizos (Sea Urchin, Onion, Coriander and Lemon Juice)

Pastel de Jaiba (Crab Pie in a dish) Santiago-style.

Calamares

Ceviche con Corvina (Chilean Sea Bass)

Abalone Casserole

Santiago's Mercado Central

Huge and colourful cakes sold in a bakery.

Papa Peruanita is a type of potato that has a distinctive bi-color skin. Peru is said to have over 4,000 types of potatoes. Purple Corn or Blue Corn is used to make chicha morada, a popular sweet Peruvian beverage.

Caihua or Slipper Gourd and Kiwano or Horned Melon

Pepino Dulce

Churros are a popular street food originated in Spain and adopted in various former Spanish colonies in Central and South America. These fresh and fabulously crunchy churros were absolutely delicious.

This famous cocktail called Pisco Sour originated from Peru is also considered a South American classic.

The street art here is gorgeous and it's everywhere! Part of the fun of travelling is taking the road less travelled and discover some hidden gems. The upscale neighbourhood of Bella Vista is one such gem, bursting with number of beautiful street murals and eye-popping graffiti. It is impossible not to be captivated by its funky vibe and seemingly endless open-air art.

If you are an adventurous eater like me and will not hesitate to try new flavors, textures and sensations, I recommend you try and experience Peumayen Ancestral Food which is also within the vicinity of Bella Vista.