Chile
Chile's coffee culture, while perhaps less globally renowned than some of its South American neighbors, offers a distinct experience. Traditionally, tea has been more popular in Chile, but coffee consumption, especially specialty coffee, is on the rise. You'll find a mix of classic espresso-based drinks and some unique Chilean variations.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Chile and what's in them:
Common & Classic Coffee Orders:
Un Café / Café Solo: This is a single shot of espresso, strong and concentrated, served in a small cup. It's the most basic black coffee.
Café Doble: A double shot of espresso, for those who need more caffeine.
Americano: An espresso shot diluted with hot water. This is the closest you'll get to a standard filter or drip coffee in Chile. Sometimes called "Café con agua caliente" (coffee with hot water) if "Americano" isn't understood.
Café con Leche: "Coffee with milk." This is a very popular option, especially for breakfast. It's usually a generous mix of coffee (often brewed coffee rather than espresso) and hot milk, similar to a latte or café au lait. You can often specify the ratio if you prefer more coffee or more milk.
Cortado: An espresso "cut" with a small amount of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. It's stronger than a café con leche but less intense than a café solo. It's similar to a macchiato or a smaller, stronger flat white.
Lágrima: Meaning "tear," this is a cup of hot milk with just a “tear”, or a very small dash of coffee added. It's essentially milk with a hint of coffee flavor, perfect for those who prefer very little coffee.
Cappuccino: You'll find cappuccinos in more modern cafes, typically made with espresso, steamed milk, and a significant layer of foam, often dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon. The Chilean version might sometimes be a bit more milky than a traditional Italian cappuccino.
Latte: Similar to a cappuccino but with less foam and more steamed milk. Increasingly available in specialty coffee shops.
Café con Crema: An espresso shot topped with whipped cream.
Unique Chilean Coffee Experiences & Related Drinks:
Café con Piernas: This is a distinctly Chilean phenomenon, particularly famous in Santiago. "Coffee with legs" refers to coffee shops where attractive female waitstaff serve coffee in revealing attire (ranging from short skirts and heels to bikinis or lingerie, depending on the establishment). The coffee itself is standard, but the "experience" is what sets these places apart. It's a social phenomenon rather than a specific type of coffee preparation.
Cola de Mono (Monkey's Tail): While not an everyday coffee, this is a very popular traditional Chilean Christmas and winter holiday drink. It's a cold, milky, alcoholic beverage that includes aguardiente (a type of liquor), milk, sugar, coffee, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. It's a rich and festive treat.
Tips for Ordering:
Sweetness: Like many South American countries, Chileans often drink their coffee sweet. Sugar will usually be provided on the side, or the cafezinho might come pre-sweetened.
"Para llevar" or "Para aquí": "To go" or "for here."
Sizes: While not as standardized as in global chains, you can often ask for "pequeño" (small), "mediano" (medium), or "grande" (large) in more contemporary cafes.
Cafes vs. Fuentes de Soda / Picadas: You'll find a wider range of coffee options in dedicated cafes (cafeterías). Traditional fuentes de soda (soda fountains/diners) or picadas (local eateries) might offer simpler coffee choices, often instant coffee (café instantáneo or café soluble) or basic brewed coffee.
Tea Culture: Don't be surprised if tea is prominently featured on menus; Chile has a strong tea-drinking culture.
While Chile might not be a major coffee-producing nation, its coffee scene is evolving, especially in urban centers like Santiago, with a growing appreciation for specialty coffee.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.