That Special Taste..., The Temuco Market

Many of you that are more familiar with Chile, as you read this article, will wonder why the Temuco market is so special, when many of the same things can be found across all of Chile. That is exactly the point. We challenge you to try the traditional Chilean products and products of the Temuco market, then compare it with any place in Chile for both the quality and selection in one location.

 

Even in the IX region, you will find markets that sell a better local version of the things covered in this article, but it will be very hard to match the scope of Temuco market's selection in one location. At the very least, this challenge should be fun. 

In a kind of “all roads lead to Rome” sense, the Temuco market attracts the best foods that the surrounding communities can produce. It is one of the largest in the region, with more than 6 blocks of covered stalls and several additional blocks of shops and street vendors. There is also a major two block expansion nearing completion.

The Temuco market is well organized, clean, and very safe without loosing the adventure of a real Latin American market by being scrubbed into some sort of dull supermarket. Did we mention it was safe? We counted more than 10 police officers in a 2 block area.

Being a major regional transit point, for one reason or another, most people coming or going from the area will find themselves with time to kill in Temuco. The market is a few blocks from most of the regional bus stations. The rural bus station is across the street from the market. For those passing through, with a couple hours to kill, this could not be a better or a cheaper way spend the afternoon.

So, regardless if you are living in Temuco or just passing through for the day, we would like to give you our 5 favorite southern chile products to find at the Temuco market.

2. Spices
On the subject of Spices, the Temuco market is loaded with the smells of Spices. This has a nice of way of controlling the standard overwhelming mix of odors found in most markets around Latin America. The Temuco Market has all the standard spices you would find in any kitchen such as oregano, cumin, and pepper. However, Southern Chile, and the IX region, have their own special spice rack.