Argentina is famous for its stunning landscapes and tango, but if you’re a foodie, the country offers much more. The cuisine is diverse, rich in flavor, and heavily influenced by European immigration. Whether you’re eating at a local market stall or a fine dining establishment, there are a few dishes you absolutely have to try!
The Asado: Argentina’s National Dish
If you love barbecue, you’ll be in heaven with Argentine asado. Asado, which refers to both the grill event and the meal itself, is a celebration of meat. Argentine beef is world-famous for its quality, and you’ll often find people gathering around the parrilla (grill) with friends and family for a full day of slow-cooked, flavorful eats.
The traditional cuts to try are:
- Asado de Tira: Rib cuts that are richly marbled with fat.
- Vacio: Flank steak, popular for its tenderness.
- Chorizo: Spicy pork sausage, often grilled to perfection.
- Morcilla: Blood sausage, a favorite among locals.
After the meat is prepared, it’s often paired with chimichurri, a fresh, zesty sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It’s a must-try addition to your meal!
Milanesa: The Argentine Comfort Food
Milanesa is Argentina’s take on breaded meat. Thin slices of beef, chicken, or pork are coated in breadcrumbs, then fried or baked until golden and crispy. You can think of it as the South American cousin to schnitzel or a breaded cutlet. It’s a staple in households across the country.
For a more filling version, look for milanesa a la napolitana, topped with ham, tomato sauce, and melted cheese — almost like a pizza on top of the meat!
Empanadas: A Quick, Tasty Snack
Empanadas are the go-to street food in Argentina. These little hand pies are found everywhere, from bakeries to food stalls. They are dough-wrapped pastries that can be fried or baked and are usually filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Every region has its own special twist.
The most popular fillings include:
- Meat Empanadas: Filled with minced beef, often spiced with cumin and paprika.
- Cheese Empanadas: Loaded with mozzarella or local cheeses.
- Humita: A creamy corn filling, rich and sweet.
Be sure to try regional variations. In Salta and Tucumán, the empanadas are smaller and filled with more spiced meats, while in Buenos Aires, the fillings might be simpler.
Provoleta: Grilled Cheese, Argentine-Style
Provoleta is the perfect companion to an asado. This is a thick slice of provolone cheese that’s grilled until it has a crispy exterior and melted interior. Typically seasoned with oregano and topped with olive oil or chimichurri, it’s a cheese-lovers dream.
Street Food Delights
If you’re looking for a more casual meal, grab some choripán from a street vendor. Choripán is a juicy chorizo sausage served on crusty French bread and slathered with more chimichurri. It’s as simple as it is delicious, the perfect quick bite while exploring a city.
Another tasty street food option is bondiola, slow-roasted pork shoulder served in sandwich form. Bondiola sandwiches are packing flavor and are found at many food stands across the country.
Argentine Pizza and Pasta
In Argentina, pizza is also a big deal. The Italian influence is strong here, and pizza comes with a thick, doughy crust and layers of mozzarella cheese. Try the fugazzeta, a pizza topped with caramelized onions and more cheese. It’s an absolute must.
Italian immigrants also brought pasta to Argentina, so you’ll find plenty of pasta dishes on restaurant menus. Be sure to try sorrentinos, large ravioli stuffed with ham and cheese or spinach and ricotta.
Regional Specialties
Patagonia
In Patagonia, you’ll find unique dishes like cordero patagónico, a slow-roasted Patagonian lamb that is divine. Pair it with a glass of Argentine Malbec while overlooking the picturesque landscapes and you have a memorable meal.
Northern Argentina
Head up to the northern provinces of Salta and Jujuy, and you’ll discover more flavors influenced by Andean culture. Be sure to try locro, a hearty stew made from corn, beans, and meat. It’s usually eaten during cold weather or national holidays like May Revolution Day.
Mendoza
In the wine region of Mendoza, you can pair your food with some of the best Malbec in the world. Look for hearty meals like carbonada, a beef stew made with potatoes, corn, squash, and fruit (often peaches or pears).
Dulce de Leche: Sweet Indulgences
If you have a sweet tooth, Argentina won’t disappoint. Dulce de leche, a creamy caramel spread made from milk and sugar, is everywhere. It’s used to stuff pastries, slathered on bread, or eaten straight from the jar — no shame!
Indulge in facturas, the Argentine version of pastries, often filled with fruit, cream, or dulce de leche. Another must-try is alfajores, two soft cookies with dulce de leche in between and often coated in chocolate or powdered sugar.
Where to Eat
Local Markets
For authentic and cheap eats, head to a local market. You’ll find food stalls brimming with empanadas, fresh bread, choripán, and more. In Buenos Aires, San Telmo Market is a great spot to sample many traditional dishes in a historic venue.
Parrillas
If you want the full Argentine asado experience without doing the grilling yourself, go to a parrilla, a traditional steakhouse. Buenos Aires is home to many famous ones. Try Don Julio for an upscale experience or La Cabrera for another highly recommended option.
Bodegones
For a step back into old-school Argentine dining, visit a bodegón. These are traditional neighborhood restaurants where portions are generous, and the meals are hearty. Try El Preferido de Palermo in Buenos Aires for excellent milanesas and rib-sticking pasta dishes.
Drinks: What to Wash It All Down With
You can’t visit Argentina without trying mate, the traditional drink. It’s a bitter, caffeinated infusion made from yerba mate leaves, shared among friends. Be sure to try it prepared by a local. It’s an acquired taste, but many visitors end up loving it.
For something stronger, Argentina has some of the best wine in the world, especially Malbec. Take a wine tour in Mendoza to experience world-class vineyards. If you prefer cocktails, try fernet con coca, a mix of bittersweet fernet and Coca-Cola, a classic Argentine drink.
Final Thoughts on Eating in Argentina
Argentina’s food culture is all about celebrating the simple pleasures of life. Whether you’re grilling meats with friends or grabbing pastries at a local bakery, there’s always something delicious to try. Dive into the rich flavors of beef, cheese, and dulce de leche and experience the country’s culinary traditions firsthand!
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