What to eat in Puerto Natales?
If you arrive to the area of Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine, you would be interested in tasting some local food. And of course, as many other destinations in Patagonia, the lamb is one of the specialties. But, as Puerto Natales is located on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Sound, threre are some seafood that you can taste during your stay.
Patagonian Lamb (Cordero Patagonico)
If you want to try something typical Patagonia of course you have to tate the exquisite Patagonian Lamb, or lamb barbecue cooked in the typical Patagonian way, also known as Patagonian asado al palo or cordeo al palo (lamb on a stick). The lamb is cut up open and crucified on a stick and then left cooking over the fire for approximate 3 to 4 hours.
If you want the whole experience, you should visit some of the many so-called estancias that offer a half or full-day tour on their ranch where you will get to taste a typical Patagonian barbecue with lamb from their farm.
Centolla
The Patagonian king crab pie is a delicious seafood stew cooked with breadcrumbs to make a thick, creamy dish similar to a chowder. It is usually topped with delicious gratinated cheese. Taste this exquisite dish!
Guanaco Meat
Guanaco meat is very lean and is cooked ever so briefly to retain its tenderness. The aborigins of Patagonia have been consuming guanacos since time immemorial and they’re credited with providing nutrition and survival to tribes throughout the exceptionally harsh Patagonian winters. You will find the guanaco as part of the menus in restaurants and hotels in Patagonia
Patagonian Trout
The Patagonian is one of the typical dishes in Patagonia. The trout is prepared in a wide variety of ways, including grilled, pan-fried, roasted and in creamy stews. A personal fave is trout cooked in pasta sauces, resulting in a dish that epitomises the fusion of local and imported culinary traditions in Patagonia.
Pisco Sours
A cocktail that the Chilean’s claim as their national drink. Pisco liquor is mixed with lime juice, syrup, ice, egg white and Angostura bitters to make the exotic South American classic. Chileans claim that pisco is them, but Peruvians disagree and claim it as their own. Whatever, taste this typical drink and enjoy!
