Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
  • Drink
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Food Itineraries
    • Books
    • International Food
    • Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Accommodations
    • Cooking Classes
    • Food & Wine Tours
    • Food Traveler Tips
    • People in Food
Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
  • Drink
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Food Itineraries
    • Books
    • International Food
    • Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Accommodations
    • Cooking Classes
    • Food & Wine Tours
    • Food Traveler Tips
    • People in Food
Dec 11
Peru Gastronomy Guzman

Borago Fascinating Chilean Cuisine with Top Chef Rodolfo Guzman

  • Rosemary
  • 21 Comments
  • Chile, People In Food, Restaurants
200shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

Understanding authentic Chilean cuisine was more challenging than we expected. Chile is located in the southeast corner of South America and squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean.

It is only 240 km across at it’s widest point, but more than 4,200 km long covering an impressive range of geography and climate.

In the extreme north, you will find Atacama desert, the driest and the oldest desert in the world. In the center, you find fertile lands, beaches, and mountains.

The south is the area of lakes, forests, and the glaciers of Patagonia and Antártica. Each of these regions has its own unique specialties making it difficult to identify one or two emblematic Chilean dishes.

On our quest to understand the diversity and unique Chilean specialties, we decided to seek the perspective of top Chilean experts.

Through the graciousness and generosity of friends, we connected with Michelin-starred Chef, Rodolfo Guzman, famous for cooking with indigenous Chilean ingredients.

Article last updated April 27th 2020
Authentic Food Quest Page_Break

Table of Contents

  • Meeting Chilean Chef Rodolfo Guzman of Borago Restaurant
  • Boragó – Best Restaurant in Santiago
  • Exploring Endemic Chilean Cuisine with Rodolfo Guzman
  • Organic Farm & Chilean Native Ingredients For Borago Restaurant
    • Organic Farming & Mapuche Chickens
  • Highlights of Endemic Chilean Cuisine at Boragó Restaurant 
    • Borago Menu – Raqko and Endemica
  • The Food at Borago – Best Restaurant in Santiago 
  • Creative Presentation at Borago Santiago
  • Chilean Wines for Endemic Chilean Cuisine 
  • The Environment at Borago Restaurant Santiago
  • Outstanding Creativity in Chilean Cuisine – Our Favorites
    • Rock Sequence
    • Punta de Tralca –  Invoking the Beach 
    • Glacial Dessert
  • In Summary
  • Where to Find Borago Restaurant Santiago 
  • Chilean Gastronomy Book by Chef Rodolfo Guzman 
  • Read More Conversations with Top Chefs & Local Produce 
  • Love it? Pin it!

Meeting Chilean Chef Rodolfo Guzman of Borago Restaurant

Rodolfo Guzman is Chile’s acclaimed chef who focuses on the use of local and native Chilean ingredients. In 2015,  Mr. Guzmán’s Boragó restaurant was named #2 in Latin America of the world’s 50 best by San Pellegrino. This was the first time a Chilean chef has been included on the prestigious list.

The recognition continues to grow and in 2019 Borago ranked #5 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Similarly, the restaurant made #26 on the 2019 list of the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants.

We were excited and couldn’t wait to Rodolfo Guzman and learn about endemic Chilean cuisine.

Understanding Chilean Cuisine with Rodolfo Guzman by Authentic Food QuestRodolfo Guzman courtesy of Borago

Boragó – Best Restaurant in Santiago

We were set to meet at 3:00 pm at Boragó restaurant on a Friday afternoon. Pablo, the Communications Manager, met us at the kitchen lab located above the restaurant.

Walking in, we immediately felt that something special was going on. The chalk walls had preparations and formulas written on them, resembling mathematical equations instead of expected cooking recipes.

The kitchen shelves were filled with experimental conserves of different oils and vinegar. The wine cooler was used to make cheese out of carrots.

It made for a creative atmosphere and it put us in the right mindset to meet with the chef.

Understanding Chilean CuisineKitchen lab full of formulas
Understanding Chilean CuisineClaire in the part science - part kitchen Lab

Exploring Endemic Chilean Cuisine with Rodolfo Guzman

After being introduced to chef Rodolfo Guzman, we took his car and drove to his farm which is about 30 min drive south from Santiago in El Monte.

This trip gave us time to talk with Rodolfo to get to know him as well as to understand his approach with Chilean cuisine.

He went on to tell us that together with his team, they had spent 9 years since the restaurant opened in 2006 learning about the ingredients that exist in Chile.

Specifically, they learned about the products that were used by the Mapuche, the native population from Chile, for thousand of years.

All the cuisine uses endemic ingredients that come from the farm or from foragers that provide the fresh produce.

Rodolfo Guzman works directly with about 200 foragers. His search and curiosity for native ingredients caught the attention of Biologists and Botanics. As a result, he now partners with the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile for scientific studies.

Organic Farm & Chilean Native Ingredients For Borago Restaurant

Chilean cuisine farmRosemary, Claire, Renato and Rodolfo at the farm (left to right)

When we arrived, we were met by Renato, who is in charge of the farm.

The farm is used for cultivating different plants, vegetables, and grains used at Borago restaurant.

As Rodolfo moved around talking with Renato, he had us try several flowers and plants used in endemic Chilean cuisine. It was quite an experience tasting the raw plants and flowers directly from the source. 

Chilean Cuisine FarmRodolfo Guzman intently studying plants
Chilean Cuisine FarmRosemary smelling fresh garlic
Chilean Cuisine FarmClaire and Rodolfo tasting plants

Organic Farming & Mapuche Chickens

The farm was started in 2013 and it is a relatively small farm of about 1 hectare.

This is not a typical farm. Everything grows naturally and organically. No fertilizers are used and instead, a variety of bees and insects pollinate and protect the plants. 

At the time of our visit, there was one cow and a few chickens to produce milk and eggs. 

Some of the chickens were of the Mapuche species. They are recognized by their lack of tails. What was most amazing about the Mapuche chickens, is that they lay blue eggs.

Chilean Cuisine at Borago farmMapuche chicken with no tail
Chilean Cuisine FarmRodolfo Guzman with blue eggs from Mapuche chickens

All in all, we spent a delightful afternoon with Rodolfo Guzman and Pablo who were very generous with their time. 

We found Rodolfo Guzman to be a passionate chef, driven by endemic ingredients, inspired by the indigenous Mapuche population. 

Needless to say that we learned a ton during our afternoon regarding Chilean cuisine, culture, and food landscape.

After sampling some of the ingredients directly from the farm, we were eager to see their expression on plates at Borago restaurant.

Highlights of Endemic Chilean Cuisine at Boragó Restaurant 

Chilean Cuisine BoragoThe sleek interior of Borago restaurant

Tasting of the Borago menu began as soon as we walked in. Even before getting seated in the minimalist restaurant, we were offered our first unique bite.

The concept behind Chilean cuisine at Boragó restaurant is to

“look back in time to move forward and connect the past with the possible future of Chilean cuisine. The culture that comes from our natives is what we strongly believe are the roots of our origin.”

This is accomplished by the use of Chilean endemic ingredients presented in a contemporary manner.

Borago Menu – Raqko and Endemica

The Boragó menu is seasonal and continuously changes based on and availability. Menus are prepared daily and It is not unusual to have several hundred dishes in just one season.

That evening, the restaurant offered 2 tasting menus which combine the best endemic products from Chile.  

Raqko, with 10 tastings and Endemica which had 18 tastings. We decided to go with the 18 tasting menu to be able to get the full expression of Chilean cuisine.

Rather than go through dish by dish, we highlight below our overall experience and a few of our favorite dishes.

The Food at Borago – Best Restaurant in Santiago 

Every dish had a story to tell. Each time a server brought out a dish, there was a narrative that was shared. 

For example, the marqui berry  in the picture below of “Crudo of deer from Valdivia and Marqui from Patagonia.” The berry is native to Chile and known for its high antioxidant properties. 

Apparently, the berry was eaten by the Mapuche Indians who harvested it near the Andes Mountains. Tasting this ancient berry in a contemporary setting was a treat.

When combined with the deer was divine, the flavors were divine. On its own, it was slightly tart and flavorful. 

Chilean Cuisine at BoragoCrudo of deer & marqui berries

Creative Presentation at Borago Santiago

Nature and food blended together harmoniously. The integration of meals and dishes was unlike anything we had experienced before. 

Each dish was presented with the original products. Raw elements such as the horns of a cow or earth elements like rocks, trees or shrubs, were part of the experience.

Chilean cuisine at BoragoPicoroco and caldillo de congrio
Chilean Cuisine at BoragoCuchufly of desert roses

Chilean Wines for Endemic Chilean Cuisine 

We chose the wine pairing which was highly recommended. All the dishes were accompanied by red and white wines from Chile. 

What was interesting about this pairing was the switching back and forth between red and wine. There was no predefined sequence, yet, each glass was the perfect complement to the food.

Chilean Cuisine at BoragoDelicious Chilean Riesling
Chilean cuisine at BoragoExcellent red Cabergnan

The Environment at Borago Restaurant Santiago

The restaurant decor is simple and earthy with lots of wood and slate. You immediately get the feeling of nature in a warm and welcoming space. 

As one of the World’s Top Restaurants, not surprisingly, the service was impeccable. The attentive staff is available to provide guidance on how to eat some of the interesting and unusual Chilean dishes.

For a Friday night, the restaurant was fairly busy. At one point all the tables were completely occupied. 

If you’d like to savor endemic Chilean cuisine at Boragó restaurant we recommend booking your reservation way in advance. 

Chilean cusineActivity in the open kitchen at Borago restaurant

Outstanding Creativity in Chilean Cuisine – Our Favorites

Out of the 18-course Borago menu, the following three dishes were culinary experiences of a different level. While we enjoyed the entire experience, these three really stood out.

Rock Sequence

Chilean cuisine at BoragoRock puree and rock broth

One of the most creative dishes we enjoyed was part of the Rock Sequence and a tribute to Pablo Neruda.

This was rock puree and rock broth from Isla Negra, where Pablo Neruda resided.  

Surprisingly, the dish was a rock bowl with another rock inside it covered with a puree.  A broth was poured over the rock which was absolutely delicious. 

You had to scrape the puree off the rock and then soak it in the broth before eating it. 

An exceptional presentation and flavorful dish.

Punta de Tralca –  Invoking the Beach 

Chilean Cusine at BoragoPunta de Tralca by levels

Heading toward the sea, another creative dish was Punta de Tralca by levels. Named after a beautiful Chilean beach in Valparaiso, the name Tralca is thunder in Mapuche language. This is in reference to the sound created when the waves collide.

Presented on a large slate plate were different colors of chips. Underneath the chips were different preparations representing the progression of the sea. 

Starting with the sandy beaches and going further into the deep dark waters. Our two favorites were the centolla or king crab and the locos or abalone, which we previously wrote about.

The unique presentation and the progression of colors and flavors made for a delicious sensorial experience.

Glacial Dessert

Chilean cuisine at BoragoFun and drama with Frio Glacial dessert at Borago Restaurant

The most viscerally engaging dish was one of the desserts called Frio Glacial. 

Inspired by the glaciers of the south, this dessert had to be eaten immediately. 

We put the ball-shaped dessert into our mouth and were met with an explosion of gases.

Unexpected and lots of fun.

Authentic Food Quest Page_Break

In Summary

Spending time with Rodolfo Guzman and learning about endemic Chilean cuisine was an incredible experience. 

Prior, we had struggled to find the most popular and emblematic dishes of Chile and we finally understood why. 

The geographic and climatic diversity found from the north to south means there are numerous specialties based on region. 

Taking a culinary tour of Chilean cuisine at Boragó Restaurant is definitely the best way to go. 

What impressed us most about Rodolfo Guzman was his passion and vision. His vision extends beyond the restaurant and calls for a return to and respect for native and endemic ingredients. 

This was particularly evident in the stories he shared of chefs who had worked under him.

With great pride, he told us of several that left and started their own locally-focused restaurants.

What we took away was a call to arms for the respect of nature and the use of locally available ingredients. 

We share that message with you. As you make your restaurant choices, opt for the restaurants that celebrate local. Together, let’s join forces for the preservation of what is endemic.

In the comments below, let us know what you think about native or endemic cuisine?

Savor The Adventure!

Where to Find Borago Restaurant Santiago 

Borago Restaurant relocated to a new location in 2019. The new restaurant is at the foot of  Manquehue Hills, an important landmark in the city. The vision remains dedicated to the use of Chilean native or endemic products.

Chilean Gastronomy Book by Chef Rodolfo Guzman 

In an attempt to share the story of Chilean ingredients, products, and techniques, Rodolfo Guzmán released his first book. The book, Borago: Coming from the South showcases flavors and products often displaced, and points to the future horizon. Also included is a selection of 100 sweet and savory recipes exclusively from the Borago menu.

Read More Conversations with Top Chefs & Local Produce 

  • In Laos, we met with Sebastien Rubis, Culinary Director at the Rosewood Luang Prabang, where he uses local produce to showcase Royal Laos cuisine.
  • In Argentina, we interviewed top chef, Francis Mallmann and discussed Argentine cooking and a return to traditional roots.
  • Nathalie Dupree, known as the “Queen of Southern Cuisine” talked to us about American Southern cuisine in Charleston, South Carolina.

Love it? Pin it!

Pinterest_BoragoReviewRodolfoGuzman_AuthenticFoodQuest

Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. That means at no extra charge to you, we earn a small commission when you purchase using these links. Please note we only link to products and services that we personally use or trust. Thank you for your support. 

Rosemary

Rosemary, ex-marketing and advertising strategist, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Claire, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Peru. Favorite local dish: Bacalhau. Favorite way to keep fit: Running. Rosemary is the chief content writer and strategist on Authentic Food Quest. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.

21 Comments

  1. Ana O
    December 12, 2015 at 10:21 am · Reply

    What a fantastic experience. I like the idea of using local ingredients as much as possible. The food tastes so much better, and you support local communities as well.
    I was expecting a more traditional approach to Chilean food and this was a nice surprise. I’m definitely saving this post for a future visit to Santiago.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      December 12, 2015 at 1:30 pm · Reply

      Thanks Ana. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Not only to learn about Chilean food, but to see how it is grown in nature. The approach to using endemic products is admirable.

  2. Megan | Traveling Nine to Fiver
    December 12, 2015 at 11:02 am · Reply

    You got to have such an amazing experience! It was basically your own personal episode of Chef. I don’t know much about Chilean food and it’s great to learn a little more about it. Thanks for sharing.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      December 12, 2015 at 1:33 pm · Reply

      Thanks Megan. It was quite an honor to spend so much time with chef Rodolfo Guzman learning and seeing him in action. Passionate and committed chef. A real inspiration.

  3. Jey Jetter
    December 12, 2015 at 11:57 am · Reply

    I love Chilean food and wine!!! My partner is Chilean, so this is a post I love already because it’s about Chile 😀 Thanks for sharing!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      December 12, 2015 at 1:32 pm · Reply

      Thanks Jey. Indeed the food and wine is delicious. The people are also very friendly and approachable. Glad you like the post.

  4. Fiona @ London-Unattached
    December 12, 2015 at 2:30 pm · Reply

    The Frio looks an amazing experience in its own right. What a once in a lifetime experience! Lucky you

    • Rosemary
      December 12, 2015 at 7:01 pm · Reply

      The Frio was amazing. It disappeared in an instance though. Great experience and looking to showcase authentic Chilean cuisine. It was great to experience the range from the country:) Thanks.

  5. Giulia Blocal
    December 12, 2015 at 3:03 pm · Reply

    What a great experience! I’m sure having his own farm is part of his success, it all comes down to high quality ingredients!

    • Rosemary
      December 12, 2015 at 7:02 pm · Reply

      Agreed!! High quality ingredients are key!! The best part is that Rodolfo Guzman also works with about 200 foragers who provide him with native or endemic products. He gets to preserve the culture as well as create jobs! A win-win all around.

  6. Natasha Amar
    December 13, 2015 at 3:06 am · Reply

    This post has really piqued my curiosity about Chilean cuisine- it seems very unique and nothing like I’ve ever tried.

    • Rosemary
      December 13, 2015 at 12:22 pm · Reply

      Thanks Natasha. Chilean cuisine is indeed really different and worth seeking out. Make sure to try it with the fantastic Chilean wines. Glad the post shed a new perspective.

  7. Hugo
    December 13, 2015 at 10:48 am · Reply

    Very interesting! Particularly enjoyed reading about the story behind the restaurant and, obviously, about the Chef.

    • Rosemary
      December 13, 2015 at 12:23 pm · Reply

      Thank you Hugo for your comments. We really had a great time learning about endemic cuisine in Chile. Glad you enjoyed the post.

  8. Laura Lynch
    December 13, 2015 at 3:10 pm · Reply

    That is just the kind of thing we like to do when we travel. I love Chilean food and his looks really creative and incredible. It’s so awesome that you got to spend a day with the chef and see how things are done there, and then experience the food at the restaurant. I would love to do that!

    • Authentic Food Quest
      December 13, 2015 at 6:02 pm · Reply

      Thanks Laura for your feedback. What is your favorite Chilean dish? Spending time with Rodolfo Guzman was a treat and a learning experience. It was wonderful to have the opportunity and experience. Thank you.

  9. Claudia
    December 13, 2015 at 10:42 pm · Reply

    What an amazing food experience. The Rock sequence of dishes sounds truly unique! I would love to visit this restaurant on a future trip to Chile – thanks for the tip.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      December 14, 2015 at 7:49 am · Reply

      Thank you Claudia for your feedback. The creativity and food was truly one of a kind. Do check it out on your future trip to Chile. Reservations highly recommended!!

  10. Vanessa
    December 15, 2015 at 10:02 am · Reply

    This seemed like half culinary adventure and half being mad scientists for the day! I have to say, this might be the most unique food experience I’ve ever heard about! But I mean that in a good way. I had never given Chilean food much thought before, to be honest, and now I can’t get it off my mind.

    • Authentic Food Quest
      December 15, 2015 at 5:43 pm · Reply

      Thanks so much Vanessa for your comments. It was a great time especially seeing a top chef “at work” on the farm. The food is incredible. Seek it out, you will not be disappointed. Cheers!

  11. Peru Gastronomy Magazine Feature - An Interview with Cecilia Portella Morote - Authentic Food Quest
    February 5, 2016 at 12:01 pm · Reply

    […] To understand Chilean cuisine and identify the emblematic dishes of Chile, we met with Rodolfo Guzman. Mr. Guzman is Chile’s acclaimed chef who focuses on the use of local and native Chilean ingredients. In 2015,  Mr. Guzmán’s Boragó restaurant was named #2 in Latin America of the world’s 50 best by San Pellegrino. The first time a Chilean chef has been included on the prestigious list. Also in 2015, Guzman was chosen as the winner of the  Chef’s Choice Award voted by his culinary peers.  You may read more about meeting Rodolfo Guzman and Chilean cuisine here. […]

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Post a Comment

We love to hear from you, so tell us what you think.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.

I accept the Privacy Policy

Claire and Rosemary Hi! Welcome to Authentic Food Quest. We are Claire and Rosemary. Our goal is to help you explore local culture through food. As digital nomads, we travel to share authentic food recipes and food guides from around the world so you can savor them during your travels or in your home kitchen. Learn More

Get Authentic Food Quest Books

Authentic Food Quest Peru Book Authentic Food Quest Argentina Book

CONNECT WITH US

Connect With Us

Partner With Us

To discuss ways to advertise or partner, please visit our media page.

Disclosure

Authentic Food Quest participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program designed to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Get local food and travel tips, recipes, inspiring stories and exclusive discounts.

Don’t Miss These Popular Links

  • Food and Travel in Mexico
  • Eating in Portugal
  • Get Tasty UK Snacks & More Delivered To Your Home
  • Make Chilean Pisco Sour at Home
  • Food in Vietnam
  • Recipes
© 2015-2021 - All Rights Reserved - Authentic Food Quest ™ | Terms | Privacy
200shares