Summer in Chile isn't just about the beaches or festivals; it's also about savoring the food. Every year, social media is flooded with fresh, colorful, and typically Chilean recipes that win over both locals and tourists. From the traditional summer stew, charquicán , to innovations like mote with artisanal ice cream , Chilean cuisine proves it can reinvent itself without losing its identity.
Next, we review the most popular Chilean dishes of summer 2026 according to trends on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest, along with their history, their modern versions and the best places to try them.
Chilean ceviche reinvented for summer
Chilean ceviche has evolved considerably. Today, it's not only prepared with reineta or corvina, but also with tofu, mushrooms, or cochayuyo (seaweed) , vegetarian versions that have gained thousands of likes on social media.
Its distinctive touch remains lemon juice, red onion and cilantro, but new generations add avocado, mango or passion fruit , seeking that balance between the traditional and the tropical.
On platforms like TikTok, hashtags such as #CevicheChileno or #CocinaVeraniega exceed millions of views, even boosting small coastal restaurants in places like La Serena or Pichilemu.
Beans with cornmeal porridge, the classic dish that's making a strong comeback
Although many associate beans with cornmeal porridge with the countryside, today they are an urban phenomenon. Lighter and healthier versions, made with coconut milk or sweet potato squash , are circulating on social media, without losing their traditional flavor.
This dish has been revived by food bloggers who promote traditional Chilean cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
In addition, it is an excellent source of plant-based protein, ideal for those who follow plant-based diets during the summer.
Chilean salad with a gourmet touch
The Chilean salad (tomato, onion, and green chili) continues to reign supreme on tables, but on Instagram it has acquired a gourmet touch. Today it's served with goat cheese, fresh basil, olives, or citrus vinaigrettes .
Its colorful aesthetic and freshness have made it one of the protagonists of summer 2026.
National chefs such as Carolina Bazán and Rodolfo Guzmán have incorporated its essence in renowned restaurants, reinforcing the heritage value of this simple but powerful preparation.
Mote with homemade ice cream, the star dessert of the summer
The traditional mote con huesillos remains an emblem of Chilean gastronomy, but its modern version is revolutionizing social media.
Foodies and artisan bakeries are transforming it into mote with homemade ice cream , combining the cereal with flavors like cheerful cherimoya, raspberry or even pisco sour.
This reinvention has been especially successful among young people looking for visually appealing and refreshing desserts . Furthermore, mote is a natural, economical, and nutritious option, perfect for beating the heat.
Seafood and shrimp empanadas, the coastal queens
Summer empanadas are also experiencing a boom on social media. Beachside restaurants like Bahía Inglesa, Dichato, and Zapallar are filled with videos of empanadas stuffed with shrimp in garlic and olive oil or abalone with cheese .
These gourmet versions are trending on TikTok, where creators show the step-by-step process of preparing them outdoors, accompanied by pebre and a glass of Chilean white wine.
Furthermore, the interest in consuming seafood reinforces the link between gastronomy and sustainability, two topics that are currently trending in Chilean culture.
Summer corn cake, tradition with a twist
Corn pie , although it is more associated with February and March, continues to be one of the most shared preparations on social media throughout the summer.
Culinary influencers have adapted the original recipe with vegetarian fillings or oven-free versions , perfect for those looking for practicality.
In places like the Elqui Valley or the Maule Region, food fairs promote artisanal corn pie, attracting national and foreign tourists interested in seasonal Chilean cuisine .
Natural juices and refreshing Chilean cocktails
Drinks also play a starring role in summer. Instagram is full of recipes for natural juices with local fruits —like melon, peach, and strawberry—as well as cocktails like melon with wine or the " terremoto de verano" (summer earthquake ), made with artisanal ice cream.
These drinks and juices are shared not only for their flavor, but also for their aesthetics: vibrant colors, decorated glasses, and beach settings that convey the joy of the Chilean summer.