The Best Place to Eat Bistec a lo Pobre in Santiago

When in Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile, there are many places to enjoy bistec a lo pobre. Steak a lo pobre or steak a lo pobre is a typical dish of Chilean gastronomy with French influence. Over time it has been incorporated even in cuisines such as Peruvian. Common items in both countries are grilled beef, eggs, and chips/fries. There are many similar dishes with different names in other parts of the world

.

According to the Chilean writer and folklorologist Oreste Plath, this dish was have been born in the Santiago restaurant on Huérfanos Street No. 54, owned by François Gage, famous as Papa Gage. One of his most requested dishes was, precisely, this "steak a lo pobre", baptized as such because of the modest ingredients of its recipe.

Chilean history tells that the "steak a lo pobre" comes from the Chilean countryside and particularly from the cattle ranching areas of Maule, brought to the capital by the famous restaurant "Santiago", in other times "bastion" of the picada and good Chilean food. The story goes... that "after the census (1744 Talca) (first national census) they sat their royals under the portal of branches and adobes and ate meat and onion with eggs". [citation needed]

For the most authentic and memorable experience, Fuente Alemana is frequently cited by locals and visitors alike as the top spot. Located in the heart of the city, Fuente Alemana has been serving classic Chilean fare since 1956. The restaurant is known for its generous portions, friendly service, and traditional preparation of bistec a lo pobre: perfectly grilled steak, eggs cooked to order, sweet sautéed onions, and a mountain of crispy fries.

Other notable places in Santiago to try this dish include El Hoyo, a historic tavern famous for Chilean classics, and Las Vacas Gordas, a steakhouse that puts a gourmet spin on traditional favorites. Each of these restaurants offers its own unique interpretation of bistec a lo pobre, but all honor its roots and deliver an authentic taste of Chile.

How to make Steak a lo Pobre

4 beef steaks

4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick slices

2 large onions, sliced into rings

4 eggs

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Vegetable oil for frying

Salt and pepper, for seasoning to taste

To serve:

White rice

In a large frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to fry the steaks. Cook them on both sides over medium-high heat until they are browned.

When they are ready, carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a plate covered with absorbent paper to remove any excess fat.

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and fry the potatoes until golden brown and crispy. Remove them and drain them on absorbent paper. In another small pan, fry the eggs until the yolks are cooked, but still runny.

Finally, sauté the onions and garlic until golden brown and soft. Serve immediately. Enjoy your meal!

Conclusion

Bistec a lo pobre is more than just a meal ... it’s a celebration of Chile’s culinary history and working-class spirit. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, indulging in a plate of this iconic dish at one of Santiago’s renowned eateries is an experience not to be missed. The next time you find yourself in Santiago, be sure to order bistec a lo pobre and savor a true taste of Chilean tradition.

Julie O’Hara

THANK YOU for reading my work. I am a global nomad/permanent traveler, or Coddiwombler, if you will, and I move from place to place about every three months. I am currently in Peru and heading to Chile in a few days and from there, who knows? I enjoy writing articles, stories, songs and poems about life, spirituality and my travels. You can find my songs linked below. Feel free to like and subscribe on any of the platforms. And if you are inspired to, tips are always appreciated, but not necessary. I just like sharing.

YouTube Top Song List.

https://www.YouTube.com/results?search_query=julia+o%27hara+top+songs

Amazon PlayList

https://www.amazon.com//music/player/artists/B0D5JP6QYN/julia-o'hara

Spotify PlayList

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2sVdGmG90X3BJVn457VxWA

You can also purchase my books here:

https://www.lulu.com /spotlight/julie-ohara

I am also a member of Buy Me A Coffee – a funding site where you can “buy me a cup of coffee.”

https:www.buymeacoffee.com/JulieOHara