Completo, Chile’s Famous Hot Dog

A favorite street food of Chileans, the completo is a hot dog stacked high with tasty toppings.

These super-loaded hot dogs can be enjoyed sitting down in a restaurant or on the go from a street cart. They are a staple of Chilean Street food in the country’s culinary scene.

The completo is a hotdog in a bun usually loaded with avocado, tomato salsa, sauerkraut, and mayonnaise. The add ons are infinite, and this loaded dog can be enjoyed as lunch, as a snack, or as a late-night fast food option. 

In the rest of this article, we will see what you might find on a completo as well as where this popular Chilean food got its start.

We will also take a look at how you can easily make your own completos at home. 

What Is a Completo?

The completo is a Chilean take on loaded hotdogs. Although completo toppings may vary, the classic completo is a hotdog loaded with avocado, tomato salsa, sauerkraut, and mayonnaise.

This is only the beginning, though, as you can easily find completos with a long list of tasty toppings. 

In Chile, the completo is a go-to option for lunch or a snack. It can be found in restaurants, market stalls as well as street carts.

They are also a favorite for the late-night crowd that needs something to eat after a night of drinking.

History of the Completo

The story of the completo begins in the 1930s, in the capital city of Santiago.

The story goes that Don Eduardo Bahamondes got the idea for completos after spending time in the United States.

His restaurant, El Bahamondes, is known to be the origin place of the completo.

Nowadays, you can still visit this location but under the new name of “El Portal Ex Bahamondes.”

Types of Completo

Chileans have perfected the art of customizing the completo, leading to several popular variations that offer something for everyone.

Here are the most well-known types:

1. Completo Italiano

This is perhaps the most famous version of the completo, named after the Italian flag due to its green, white, and red toppings.

The completo italiano is topped with:

• Avocado (Palta): Mashed and spread generously over the sausage.
• Mayonnaise (Mayonesa): Often applied in large amounts, it’s an essential part of the completo experience.
• Tomato (Tomate): Freshly chopped tomatoes provide a vibrant and juicy finish.

The balance of creamy avocado, rich mayonnaise, and fresh tomato makes the completo italiano a favorite across Chile.

2. Completo Dinámico

The completo dinámico is all about variety and customization.

In addition to the classic toppings, you can add extra ingredients like:

• Sauerkraut (Chucrut): A tangy touch that contrasts nicely with the creamy avocado and mayonnaise.
• Mustard (Mostaza): Adds a sharp, spicy kick.
• Ketchup: A sweeter option for those who want to add a little tang to their bite.
• Pickles: Another tangy topping that adds crunch and zest.

This version is called “dinámico” because you can personalize it with whatever toppings you prefer, making it a dynamic and versatile option.

3. Completo A lo Pobre

Inspired by the traditional Chilean dish Lomo a lo Pobre, this version of the completo is a hearty meal in itself.

It’s topped with:

• Fried Egg (Huevo Frito): A rich and savory addition, the runny yolk adds a luxurious texture.
• Sautéed Onions (Cebolla Salteada): Caramelized onions enhance the overall flavor, adding sweetness and depth.
• French Fries (Papas Fritas): Some variations even include crispy fries as a topping.

This indulgent version is perfect for those looking for a more filling and comforting meal.

4. Completo Vegano

As plant-based diets grow in popularity, the completo vegano offers a meat-free alternative that still captures the essence of the classic completo. Instead of sausage, vegan versions often include:

• Vegan Sausages: Made from soy, wheat, or pea protein.
• Vegan Mayonnaise: A plant-based substitute for traditional mayo.
• Avocado and Tomato: The signature toppings remain the same, ensuring the dish stays true to its roots.

Other Regional Variations

In addition to the main types, different regions of Chile have put their own spin on the completo.

Some add spicy elements like ají (Chilean hot pepper), while others experiment with different kinds of bread or sauces.

These variations showcase the versatility of the completo and its ability to adapt to different tastes and preferences.

Each type of completo offers a unique flavor profile, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in Chile’s beloved street food tradition.

How To Make a Completo

Now, it’s time to see how you can make a completo in your very own home.

For this recipe, you will need:

• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• One red onion
• One large tomato
• One ripe avocado
• Sauerkraut
• Salt & Pepper
• Olive oil
• Mayonnaise 
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Chili Sauce

Just follow these simple steps, and you will be enjoying your own hotdog completo in less than a half-hour:

1. The first thing you’ll need to do is boil up your hot dogs. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add in your hot dogs. Allow these to cook for about 10 minutes.
2. Next, you will want to prepare your toppings. Take your onion and dice it up finely into small pieces. You will use this to flavor your tomato salsa.
3. Now, you will do the same thing with a tomato. Dice this up into small pieces to use as the base for your salsa.
4. Place the diced onion and tomato in a bowl. Salt and pepper these to taste. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice, about half a lemon’s worth, and mix well. Finally, drizzle in some olive oil to taste. You can top this topping mixture off with a little cilantro if you like.
5. Now, it’s time to mash the avocados. Remove the pit and skins from one ripe avocado and place the tasty interior inside of a bowl. Mash this with a fork, and then add salt, pepper, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice to taste. Drizzle olive oil on this mixture as well and stir. 
6. Next up, take your sauerkraut and place it in a separate bowl. You know how your toppings are ready: tomato salsa, avocado, and sauerkraut. 
7. It’s time to assemble your completo. Place one hot dog in a hot dog bun. Spread on a thick layer of avocado directly on the hot dog. Tuck some sauerkraut in between the hot dog and the bun. Add a heaping layer of tomato salsa on top. You can then top this with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and chili sauce. 
8. Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade completos!

If you would like to see a guided tutorial on how to make this recipe, you can check out this Youtube video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r03tjN2dG6s&t=7s 

Where to Find the Best Completo in Chile

Chile is dotted with street vendors, small eateries, and restaurants that serve up delicious completos.

Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet town, you’re never too far from enjoying one of these iconic hot dogs.

Here are some of the best places to experience a completo in Chile:

1. Santiago

• Dominó: Arguably the most famous completo chain in Chile, Dominó has been serving completos since 1952. With multiple locations across Santiago, it’s a convenient spot for locals and tourists alike. Their Completo Italiano is especially popular, and they offer a range of variations with premium ingredients.
• Fuente Alemana: Another classic spot, known for its huge, indulgent completos. They offer a wide variety of toppings and are praised for their generous portions and fresh ingredients. Their take on the completo dinámico is a must-try.

2. Valparaíso

• Café Riquet: Situated in the heart of Valparaíso, this iconic café has been around for decades, serving traditional Chilean food, including their popular completos. Their homemade sauces and crispy buns make it a local favorite.
• La Playa: Known for both its seafood and street food, La Playa is a great spot for grabbing a quick and delicious completo. Their Completo Italiano is highly recommended, offering a perfect balance of avocado, mayonnaise, and tomatoes.

3. Concepción

• Fuentes de Soda Tavelli: A beloved local chain, Fuentes de Soda Tavelli is known for its excellent completos. They serve traditional versions as well as more innovative takes on the dish. Their locations throughout Concepción make it easy to find.
• El Refugio: This cozy spot offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy large, well-prepared completos. Their attention to detail in the toppings and their excellent service have earned them rave reviews.

4. Temuco

• El Templo del Completo: The name says it all—this spot is dedicated to perfecting the completo. They offer a wide range of creative combinations, allowing customers to build their own custom completos with a variety of fresh and tasty toppings.
• Completería Chacarero: Known for both completos and chacareros, this eatery provides a classic Chilean street food experience. Their Completo a lo Pobre is especially famous for its richness and hearty portions.

5. Viña del Mar

• Completo Loco: A lively, casual spot near the beach, Completo Loco offers both traditional and inventive completos. It’s the perfect stop after a day at the beach to enjoy a flavorful hot dog topped with fresh avocado and homemade sauces.
• Fuente Reñaca: Located near one of the most popular beaches in Chile, Fuente Reñaca offers a classic take on the completo with fresh ingredients. Their reputation for consistently delivering tasty completos makes them a local favorite.

6. Local Street Vendors

• In addition to established restaurants and cafés, some of the best completos can be found at local street vendors across Chile. These vendors serve freshly made completos with authentic flavors, often at lower prices. Look for busy spots where locals gather to get a true taste of Chilean street food culture.

Wherever you go in Chile, the completo experience is always a delicious one.

Whether you prefer the classic Completo Italiano or a more adventurous variation, you’ll find that every region has its own take on this beloved dish.

Be sure to try a few different versions to truly appreciate the diverse flavors of this Chilean street food staple!

Final Completo Thoughts

Whether or not you can grab one of these super-loaded tasty hot dogs on the streets of Chile, you can always make them up at home.

Completos are easy to make and are a fun snack or meal option for the whole family. 

Sources

• The Culture Trip: A Brief Introduction to Completos Italianos
• Youtube: How to make a Hotdog Completo
• Youtube: El Completo: Chilean National Treasure

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