Imagine this: you’re dancing under the Chilean stars, the scent of slow-grilled asado in the air, a chilled pisco sour in hand, and your guests raving about the incredible feast before them. Sounds like the dream wedding, right?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Chile or simply want to bring its rich flavors to your celebration, this guide to traditional Chilean wedding dishes will help you craft a menu as memorable as your love story.
Let’s dive in—because great weddings deserve great food!
Why Choose Chilean Cuisine for Your Wedding?
Chilean food is all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and heartwarming traditions. Whether your wedding is set against the vineyards of Casablanca Valley, the vibrant coastline of Valparaíso, or the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, Chilean cuisine will complement the experience beautifully.
It’s social – Chilean meals are meant to be shared. Think of a lively asado where guests gather around the grill, laughing and toasting with local wine.
It’s diverse – From Pacific seafood to Andean comfort food, there’s something for every taste.
It’s unique – Forget the predictable wedding menu—your guests will remember your wedding as “that amazing one with the empanadas and alfajores.”
The Perfect Chilean Wedding Menu
🥂 Welcome Drinks & Bites: Pisco Sour & Empanadas
First impressions matter! Greet your guests with Chile’s signature cocktail—Pisco Sour. Made with Chilean pisco, fresh lime juice, sugar, and frothy egg whites, it’s tangy, refreshing, and the perfect conversation starter.
Pair it with empanadas de pino—golden, crispy pastries filled with beef, onions, olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs. These handheld delights disappear fast, so make sure to order extras!
🍽️ Appetizers: Mariscos & Pastel de Choclo
If your wedding is near Chile’s stunning coastline (hello, Valparaíso!), you must serve mariscos (seafood). A chilled mariscal—a ceviche-like mix of mussels, shrimp, and scallops in citrusy marinade—adds a fresh, zesty touch to the meal.
For a comforting option, go for pastel de choclo, Chile’s answer to shepherd’s pie. It’s a dreamy blend of sweet corn puree over savory beef and chicken filling, baked until golden brown. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
🔥 Main Course: Asado & Caldillo de Congrio
Chilean weddings aren’t complete without an asado. Picture this: sizzling cuts of beef, pork, and chorizo grilled to perfection, served with a side of pebre—a fresh salsa of tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and spice. It’s more than just food; it’s an experience.
Not a meat lover? Opt for caldillo de congrio—a legendary seafood stew made famous by Pablo Neruda. With a rich, fragrant broth and fresh conger eel, it’s both poetic and delicious.
🍰 Desserts: Alfajores & Torta Mil Hojas
No Chilean wedding is complete without alfajores—delicate cookies sandwiched with dulce de leche and dusted with powdered sugar. One bite and you’ll understand why these treats are a national obsession.
For the wedding cake, go for torta mil hojas (“thousand-layer cake”). Made with thin pastry layers and creamy dulce de leche, it’s flaky, buttery, and an absolute dream on a dessert table.
🌙 Late-Night Snack: Sopaipillas
After hours of dancing, your guests will need a midnight snack. Enter sopaipillas—crispy fried dough made with pumpkin, served with pebre (savory) or chancaca syrup (sweet). This snack is so addictive, you might need security to guard the tray.
What Drinks Pair Well with Chilean Wedding Food?
Chile is home to some of the best wines in the world, so take full advantage of it!
🍷 Carmenère – This smooth, spicy red pairs beautifully with asado.
🍷 Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and citrusy, perfect for seafood dishes.
🍷 Chicha – A traditional, slightly fizzy fermented grape or apple drink, ideal for a fun wedding toast!
How to Bring Chilean Flavors to Your Wedding (Even Outside of Chile)
Not getting married in Chile? No worries! You can still infuse your wedding with its vibrant flavors:
✅ Find a Chilean restaurant or caterer – Many cities have authentic Chilean eateries that offer wedding catering.
✅ Incorporate Chilean drinks – Even if you’re having a classic wedding menu, serve Pisco Sours or Chilean wine to add a unique touch.
✅ DIY Chilean desserts – Alfajores and torta mil hojas can be made in advance, making them a great addition to any dessert table.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Chilean Wedding Catering
Q: What are the most popular Chilean wedding dishes?
A: Empanadas, asado, pastel de choclo, alfajores, and torta mil hojas are must-haves!
Q: How much does Chilean wedding catering cost?
A: Prices vary, but you can expect to pay between $40–$100 per guest depending on the caterer and menu selection.
Q: Can I have a Chilean-inspired wedding menu outside of Chile?
A: Absolutely! Many caterers specialize in Latin American cuisine, or you can hire a private chef to create a custom menu.
Capture Every Delicious Moment of Your Wedding
A wedding is more than just a celebration—it’s a story, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable flavors. And just like the perfect meal, your wedding moments deserve to be captured beautifully.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in telling love stories through timeless, heartfelt images. From your first toast with a Pisco Sour to the joy of breaking into an alfajor, I’ll be there to preserve every magical detail.
📸 Explore my work here: Portfolio
💍 Check out my wedding photography packages: Packages
💌 Let’s chat about your big day! Contact me
Let’s create wedding memories that, just like Chilean food, will be savored for a lifetime. ❤️
