Despite its somewhat plain and dingy exterior and interior, La Africana is a the epitome of a "picada". They offer quality products at below market prices earning themselves the name "Supermercado del Pueblo" or "supermarket of the people".
A lot of their products are from the south and although they don't have a wide selection, the quality and price (for example their milk price is lower than what you would find in any supermarket) has people from all over the barrio coming to buy their essentials for the week.
Below are my recommendations:
Bring cash! They do no accept cards, Redcompra or Tickets/Cheques restaurant.
I especially recommend the chanco cheese and the queso fresco from La Vaquita however, anything from this brand is good.
**MEGA tip** From what I have been told, the meat they sell here is from the owner's land in the province of Ñuble. The owner of the supermarket has his own farm where he raises the animals and then sells it in his supermarket (I assume this is why the meat is good quality but cheap).
If you are in the area, this is a great place to pick up your groceries, as the owner has made relationships with providers so that his individual clients can get products for wholesale prices. read more