Completo Day in Chile

Every May 24, Chile enthusiastically celebrates Día del Completo, a date that pays tribute to one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of national gastronomy. This event is not only a perfect excuse to enjoy this delicious sandwich, but also an opportunity to reflect on its cultural importance, its history and the impact it has on Chilean identity.

Origins of the complete: From Germany to Chile

The completo has its roots in the American hot dog, which in turn was inspired by German sausages. However, it was in Chile where this dish evolved to become something unique. In the 1920s, Eduardo Bahamondes Muñoz, a Chilean businessman, introduced the hot dog at his soda fountain called "Quick Lunch Bahamondes" in Santiago. Inspired by European condiments, he began experimenting with different local ingredients, giving rise to the completo we know today.

The completo differs from its North American counterpart mainly due to its variety of ingredients. Unlike the traditional hot dog with ketchup and mustard, the Chilean completo includes tomato, avocado, mayonnaise and, in many versions, sauerkraut, cheese, and other sauces. This combination makes it a more robust and substantial sandwich, adapted to the Chilean palate.

Varieties of the complete: For all tastes

Although the classic complete includes sausage, tomato, avocado and mayonnaise, over the years numerous variants have emerged that reflect the culinary creativity of Chileans:

1. Completo Italiano : It gets its name from the similarity of its colors (green, white and red) with the Italian flag. It includes avocado, tomato and mayonnaise.

2. Dynamic Complete : In addition to the traditional ingredients, sauerkraut, American sauce or even mustard are added.

3. Completo A lo Pobre : Inspired by the classic Chilean dish "bistec a lo pobre", it includes fried egg, caramelized onions and French fries.

4. Vegan Completo : In response to modern food trends, this completo replaces sausage with plant-based options and uses vegan mayonnaise.

Complete Day: A national celebration

Completo Day was created by fast food chains and restaurants in Chile as a marketing strategy, but it quickly became a popular holiday. During this date, food establishments offer special promotions, discounts and even free completos. It is common to see long lines of people waiting to enjoy their favorite completo, and social media is filled with photos and comments related to this celebration.

The impact of this holiday is not only gastronomical, but also economic. On average, millions of hot dogs are sold during this day, which generates a significant boost for the food industry and small businesses.

The complete as a symbol of identity

Beyond its flavor, completo is a reflection of Chilean identity. It represents the country's ability to take foreign influences and adapt them to its own context. In addition, its versatility makes it accessible to all social classes and generations, consolidating itself as an inclusive food.

The completo has also transcended national borders. In Chilean communities abroad, especially in the United States and Australia, it is common to find completos at cultural events and family gatherings, functioning as a link to the homeland.

The art of preparing a good complete

Although it seems simple, preparing a perfect complete meal is a science. Here are some tips to achieve it:

1. The bread : It should be fresh, soft and lightly toasted to prevent it from falling apart with the ingredients.

2. Sausage : It is recommended to boil or lightly roast it to enhance its flavor.

3. Ingredients : The avocado should be ripe and well mashed, the tomato fresh and chopped into small cubes, and the mayonnaise, ideally homemade, should be applied in generous amounts.

4. Order : This is key to prevent the ingredients from sliding around. Generally, the sausage is placed first, then the tomato, followed by the avocado and finally the mayonnaise.

Curiosities about the complete

1. Records : In 2015, a group of students in Santiago prepared the longest complete in the world, with a length of more than 70 meters.

2. Complete and healthy : Although it is a high-calorie dish, some nutritionists point out that it can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation and lighter versions are chosen.

3. The "Complete Tour" : In cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, there are gastronomic routes dedicated exclusively to establishments that offer complete meals, allowing tourists and locals to discover different styles and flavors.

The evolution of the complete

Over time, the completo has been able to adapt to consumer trends and demands. Today, it is common to find gourmet versions that include ingredients such as blue cheese, caramelized onions, artisanal sauces and even truffles. At the same time, healthy and vegan options have gained popularity, proving that the completo is a dish in constant evolution.

Completo Day is not just an excuse to enjoy a delicious dish, but also an opportunity to celebrate Chile's creativity, inclusivity and cultural identity. This simple sandwich, which combines international influences with a local touch, has managed to conquer hearts inside and outside the country, consolidating itself as a true icon of national gastronomy.

Whether in its classic, gourmet or vegan form, completo is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things can have the most lasting impact. So, this May 24th, don’t hesitate to join the celebration and enjoy completo in all its glory. Bon appetit!