If a Chilean invites a traveler to "tomar once," they're not proposing a glass of water at eleven in the morning: they're inviting you to one of the country's most deeply rooted customs, an afternoon meal that in many Chilean households directly replaces dinner.
What "once" is and when it happens
Once is a traditional Chilean meal served in the afternoon, accompanied by tea, coffee or milk, along with bread, cakes and various desserts -something like English afternoon tea, French goûter or Spanish merienda. Chileans usually "tomar once" between 6 and 8 pm, a time slot that mixes sweet and savory food at the same table.
Where the name "once" comes from
The most widespread theory about the name's origin traces back to colonial times: it would have been a coded way to refer to aguardiente (a strong spirit) without naming it directly, since the word "aguardiente" has eleven letters ("once" means eleven in Spanish) and was often drunk between meals. Over time the custom changed completely -today taking once has nothing to do with alcohol- but the name stuck in everyday Chilean speech.
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- Bread in all its forms: the essential element of any once, along with the hot drink.
- Simple sandwiches: with jam, or ham and cheese.
- Avocado, tomato or other vegetables: as a topping for the bread.
- Scrambled or "paila" eggs: a heartier option when once directly replaces dinner.
- Cakes and kuchen: especially common when guests are over or something is being celebrated.
A custom that has barely changed
Despite changes in work schedules and modern life, an estimated 90% of Chileans still take once, though today the ritual carries a different meaning than its colonial origin: above all, it's an excuse to gather with family or friends to eat and talk around a table, more than a simple meal requirement.
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See advertising formatsFAQ
Is once the same as dinner in Chile?
In many Chilean households it directly replaces dinner, though in others once is taken in the afternoon and dinner still happens later, depending on the family and the region.
What time should I show up if I'm invited to once in Chile?
The usual time is between 6 and 8 pm, though it's worth confirming directly with your host, since it can vary by family or day of the week.
Is it rude to decline an invitation to once?
It's not mandatory to accept, but it's a socially valued moment in Chile, so accepting an invitation is usually well received as a gesture of closeness, especially if a Chilean host offers it to a foreign visitor.
