Doña Tina: A Bite of Chile’s Hearty (But Salty) Soul 🇨🇱

Let’s be real: Chilean comfort food isn’t winning any Michelin stars, but it’s a must-try for the cultural immersion. This iconic local eatery delivers big portions, zero frills, and a side of flies (🪰 proceed with caution). The Vibe Old-school charm: Huge space with indoor/outdoor seating and super friendly staff. Bug alert: Flies love this place as much as the regulars. What We Ate 🍷 Sangria Jug (16,000 CLP): Sweet, fruity, and cheaper than therapy. 🍷 Pisco Sour: Budget-friendly, but we stuck to sangria. Mains (all meat, zero greens—classic Chile): 1️⃣ Cazuela Vacuno (Beef Stew) – 13,500 CLP “Grandma’s chicken soup for the Chilean soul.” Tender beef, root veggies (potato, squash, corn), but bland AF. Saved by Liupo chili flakes (DIY hack!). 2️⃣ Salmon Arrayan (15,000 CLP) Buttery salmon baked under an empanada-style crust—first bite = 😍, but the saltiness hits hard by bite 5. Ask for less salt! 3️⃣ Doña Tina Pork + Rice (13,000 CLP + 3,500 CLP) Boiled pork so bland even rice couldn’t save it. Boyfriend cleared the plate (respect), but I’d rather eat the napkin. Total: ~61,000 CLP (≈$70 USD) – decent value for the mountain of food. Hidden Gem 🥖 Free Bread Basket: Dip it in the salmon sauce—carbs + salty butter = guilty bliss. Final Verdict ✅ Go for the salmon crust dish and sangria. ❌ Skip the pork; beef stew only if you’re starving. 💡 Bring chili sauce (trust me). 📍 Doña Tina 📌 Cam. los Refugios del Arrayan 15125, Lo Barnechea, Santiago For adventurous eaters only! 🌶️ #ChileanComfortFood #SantiagoEats #TravelLikeALocal #NoSaltNeeded #ChileTravelTips