Cuisine around the world: South American food

South American cuisine is a true feast for the senses, offering a vibrant fusion of bold flavours, colourful presentations, and rich traditions. Food holds a special place in South American culture, bringing together friends, families, and even entire communities in celebration. Many beloved dishes today trace their roots back through generations, preserving the essence of history on every plate. Whether you’re setting sail on a cruise around South America and eager to discover its most iconic dishes, or you’re feeling inspired to recreate the flavours of the continent in your kitchen, this guide is for you. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to South America. 

Empanadas are a popular South American dish with roots tracing back to Spain and Portugal. However, they are commonly served in many South American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. These mouthwatering pastries are packed with a diverse range of fillings, from savoury meats and cheeses to flavoursome vegetables and even sweet options. Some of the most popular fillings include seasoned or shredded beef, juicy chicken, tender pulled pork, rich cheese, and a medley of vegetables. Each filling is carefully spiced to enhance its flavour before the empanadas are baked or fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy, flaky crust. 

Arepas are a beloved staple in South American cuisine, with origins tracing back to Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama. These versatile flatbreads are made from cornmeal flour, water, and salt, resulting in a soft, fluffy interior and a slightly crisp exterior. There are different versions of arepas served across the continent, with different regions having their own variation. They can be grilled, baked, or fried and are often stuffed or topped with various fillings. The most popular fillings include cheese, shredded meat, beans, and avocado. This delicious dish can be enjoyed throughout the day as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful dinner accompaniment. 

Ceviche is a popular seafood dish that consists of fresh seafood diced and marinated in citrus, seasoned with herbs and spices, and mixed with onions, tomatoes, chilli peppers, and other flavoursome vegetables. In 2023, UNESCO officially added Peruvian ceviche to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, recognising its cultural importance and deep-rooted culinary tradition. Despite being hailed as Peru’s national dish, it is also served in many South American countries, including Ecuador, Chile, Panama, and more, and the recipe tends to vary depending on which country you visit. 

Bandeja paisa is a Colombian dish that consists of meats, beans, and fried foods served on a platter or tray. It holds the same cultural significance in Colombia as the English breakfast in Britain. Both are iconic meals featuring fried meats, eggs, beans, and a starch. The specific ingredients in bandeja paisa typically include pinto or red beans, rice, arepa, chorizo, plantains, chicharrón, ground beef, avocado, and hogao sauce. This traditional meal is usually eaten for lunch or dinner. As a sizable dish, it is generally shared between friends and families at gatherings and sometimes served at events and festivals. 

The chivito is a hearty, flavoursome sandwich that proudly boasts the reputation of being Uruguay’s national dish. Ingredients typically include a large white bun or ciabatta roll, thinly sliced beefsteak, ham, bacon, mozzarella cheese, fried or boiled eggs, a handful of black or green olives, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. The sandwich is usually seasoned with salt and pepper to taste and served with fries. Like many beloved South American specialities, this dish has numerous regional variations, each adding a unique twist depending on where you sample it. 

Pastel de choclo is a celebration of Chilean flavours, history and culture, all wrapped up in one irresistible casserole. This comforting dish is bursting with a distinctive blend of sweet and savoury flavours. The signature golden topping is made from freshly harvested corn blended with milk, butter, and a touch of salt. A sprinkle of sugar adds the perfect finishing touch for those who love a hint of extra sweetness. The filling consists of seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken breast, onions, hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and raisins, seasoned with warming spices like cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Traditionally, it is baked in a shallow, round clay pot, enhancing the earthy, rustic flavours. This hearty dish is also enjoyed in Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. 

Brigadeiros is a traditional Brazilian sweet treat made with hot sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate sprinkles. These delightful treats are often compared to chocolate truffles, but they boast a fudgy, chewy texture that is significantly softer and more melt-in-your-mouth than traditional truffles. After heating and continuously stirring condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder, the mixture is transferred into a shallow bowl or greased tray and left to cool. The mixture is then rolled into small balls and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. Brigadeiros are usually served at weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations and social gatherings. 

Chorizo is a staple in many South American dishes, adding rich, smoky flavour to a variety of recipes. This spicy pork or beef sausage can be seasoned with paprika, garlic, nutmeg, fennel, cloves, and even wine, creating a bold and complex taste. It can be grilled, fried, boiled, or crumbled into sauces, making it a versatile ingredient in dishes such as empanadas, sandwiches, and more. Across South America, chorizo takes on unique roles in local cuisines, you may find it featured in Brazilian stews, serving as a centrepiece in Argentine barbecues, and enhancing breakfast dishes in Peru and Ecuador, among many other culinary traditions. 

Delicious and indulgent, dulce de leche is a thick, caramel-coloured sauce that is eaten with many desserts, including a filling for cakes and flan and a tasty topping for ice cream. It’s also a key ingredient in alfajores, a traditional Argentine cookie made by sandwiching dulce de leche between two shortbread-like cookies. It can also be drizzled over fruits or stirred into coffee or hot chocolate for an extra special treat. 

The Pisco Sour is a classic South American cocktail crafted from pisco - a brandy made from fermented grape juice produced in Chile and Peru - blended with fresh lime juice, egg whites, and sugar. This iconic drink is known for its smooth yet vibrant balance of sweet, tart, and subtly earthy flavours. Both Chile and Peru claim the Pisco Sour as their national drink, with Peru celebrating its deep-rooted love for the cocktail by dedicating a national holiday to it every February.