Ondel' Pala restaurant nominated for national gastronomy award

The traditional Chillán restaurant Ondel' Pala is a finalist in the Regional Gastronomic Identity category for the Premios Fuego 2026. The establishment is one of three nominees selected for its historical contribution to its territory's culinary identity, alongside Las Viejas Cochinas from Talca and El Sauce de Lo Abarca from Cartagena.

Public voting for the award concludes on Thursday, September 25. The winners will be announced during a gala on Tuesday, September 29, held as part of the Food & Service Fair.

Currently owned by Rodrigo Palavecino, the restaurant represents three generations of the Palavecino family. The business originated in the 1960s as a wine and chicha outlet before formally establishing itself as a restaurant in 1967. Under previous ownership by Rómulo Palavecino Ramírez, the venue became a cultural hub for Ñuble by incorporating a stage for local folk musicians.