The magazine gastronomic Taste Atlas, recognized for highlighting the best preparations in the world, announced its annual ranking of “the 100 best dishes in the world.” Among the selected preparations, a Chilean recipe achieved a prominent place: the traditional parmesan machas, which were positioned in 90th place with a score of 4.45 out of 5.
Machas with parmesan, a dish which combines the richness of Chilean seafood with the Italian influence, has a particular history. Its origin dates back to the 1950s and is attributed to Edoardo Melotti Ferrari, an Italian immigrant who popularized the recipe in Viña del Mar. The preparation uses simple but flavorful ingredients: machas, white wine, butter, salt, parmesan cheese gratin and a touch of lemon.
According to Taste Atlas, machas “are roasted until the cheese melts and it is recommended to serve them immediately, ideally accompanied by a glass of white wine.” In addition, they highlighted recommended places for taste themsuch as El Chiringuito in Zapallar, Alto Mar de La Gatita in Concón, Donde Augusto in Santiago and Restaurante La Concepción in Valparaíso.
The featured dishes of Taste Atlas
This is not the first time that Taste Atlas highlights this preparation. In 2023, machas a la parmigiana reached second place in the category of the best dishes with clams from around the world, consolidating its importance in Chilean gastronomy.
This year’s ranking was topped by Colombian lechona, a roast pork stuffed with rice, peas and spices. It was followed by Neapolitan pizza from Italy, picanha from Brazil, rechta from Algeria and phanaeng curry from Thailand. Although the machas were lower, their presence reaffirms the identity and value of the gastronomy Chilean in the world.
