Ep 6. Chile

In season 2 episode 6 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern heads to Chile to explore the country's culinary traditions and unique dishes. From bustling cities to remote villages, he sets out to discover the variety of flavors and ingredients that make Chile's cuisine so distinctive.

Zimmern begins his journey in Santiago, the country's capital, where he samples traditional Chilean dishes such as pastel de choclo (a savory pie made with corn) and cazuela (a hearty soup with meat and vegetables). He also visits local markets and street vendors to try street foods like anticuchos (grilled meat skewers) and sopaipillas (fried dough).

Next, Zimmern travels to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, where he visits San Pedro de Atacama, a small town known for its archeological sites and unique cuisine. He meets with a local chef who prepares a traditional dish called charqui, which is made from dried llama meat and spiced with chili peppers and cumin.

From there, Zimmern heads further north to the town of Arica, where he samples local specialties such as seafood empanadas and humitas (sweet corn tamales). He also visits a farmer who grows a unique fruit called quinoa, which is used to make a refreshing drink called chicha.

Continuing his exploration of Chile's culinary landscape, Zimmern travels to the coastal city of Valparaiso, where he tries dishes like machas a la parmesana (baked clams with cheese) and locos (a type of shellfish). He also visits a local vineyard to try Chilean wines and learn about the country's wine-making tradition.

Zimmern's final stop on his Chilean adventure is the island of Chiloé, located off the coast of southern Chile. Here, he meets with locals who still practice traditional methods of fishing and farming, and samples dishes like curanto (a stew made with seafood, meat, and potatoes) and milcao (a dish made from grated potatoes and pork fat).

Throughout the episode, Zimmern meets with local chefs, farmers, and fishermen to learn about the history and culture behind Chile's cuisine. He also tries a variety of unique and sometimes unexpected dishes, from llama meat to seaweed salad. With its stunning landscapes and diverse culinary traditions, Chile proves to be a fascinating and delicious destination for any food lover.