La Once - A Chilean Afternoon Tradition

In Chile, la once is a traditional afternoon meal shared with family or friends, usually between 7:00 and 9:00 PM. It is similar to tea time, but often more important than dinner.La once usually includes tea, coffee, or milk, served with bread. The most common bread is marraqueta or hallulla, eaten with butter, avocado, cheese, or jam. Sometimes there are homemade cakes, cookies, or kuchen, especially on weekends.More than the food, la once is about conversation and being together. It is a calm moment to talk about the day, share news, and enjoy simple company. Many families gather daily for la once, making it a small but meaningful part of Chilean life.