La Fondita Chilena

Chilean

Home Cook

Discover the heart of Chilean cuisine with authentic Empanadas de Pino filled with seasoned beef, onions, olives, and egg; golden Empanadas de Queso with melty goodness in every bite; and Humitas (vegan), a comforting corn-based dish wrapped in husks and bursting with flavor.

More about us:
As a child growing up in Tucson, one of the most magical weekends of the year was Tucson Meet Yourself. The air would fill with music, laughter, and the scent of spices from every corner of the globe—but for me, the heart of it all was the Chilean booth.

My mother and her friends, proud members of Grupo Chileno, would gather with flour-dusted aprons and radiant smiles, crafting empanadas by hand—de pino, rich with beef and onions, and de queso, oozing with melted cheese. I grew up behind that booth, tucked between coolers and folding chairs, watching the rhythm of community unfold. I remember the warmth of the oven, the hum of Spanish conversations, and the joy of seeing people take their first bite and light up with delight. It wasn’t just food—it was heritage, hospitality, and home.

As the years passed and life pulled people in different directions, the booth quietly disappeared. But the memories never did. They lived in the scent of sautéed onions, in the crinkle of wax paper, in the stories my mother told. Now, we’re bringing it back.

This year, we’re reviving the Chilean booth—not just to serve empanadas and humitas, but to honor the legacy of Grupo Chileno and the generations who shared their culture with Tucson. It’s a tribute to the community that embraced it.

Come find us. Taste the tradition. Be part of the story

MENU

Empanada de Pino $8
A baked pastry filled with a savory mix of seasoned beef, sautéed onions, hard-boiled egg, and olives, wrapped in golden dough.

Empanada de Queso $6
A golden, deep-fried pastry filled with rich, melted cheese, offering a simple yet indulgent taste of comfort.

Humita (Vegan) $6
Chilean humitas are a comforting, traditional dish made from fresh ground corn mixed with basil and onion, wrapped in corn husks and steamed to tender perfection.

Porotos Granados (Vegan) $6
A classic Chilean summer stew made with fresh beans, pumpkin, corn, and fragrant herbs, celebrated for its comforting warmth and bright seasonal flavors. It’s one of those dishes that feels humble but deeply satisfying.

Mote con Huesillo (Vegan) $7
A beloved Chilean summer drink-dessert, made from caramel‑sweet dried peaches (huesillos) simmered until tender and served in their syrup with a scoop of cooked wheat berries (mote).

ALLERGY INFO

Food Items May Contain: Gluten, Dairy