Verified Facts
When visiting Argentina, you should try the country's iconic asado, rich empanadas, and savory choripan, which showcase the nation's love for grilled meats, savory pastries, and hearty street food.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Argentine cuisine is defined by its strong European influences, particularly from Italy and Spain, which are evident in the country's love for pasta, pizza, and empanadas. The nation's gauchos, or cowboys, have also played a significant role in shaping the country's culinary identity, with their traditional asado gatherings showcasing the country's expertise in grilling meats. Regional variations also exist, with the Andean region in the northwest offering humitas and locro, while the coastal region in the east is famous for its fresh seafood.
The country's cuisine has been shaped by its history of immigration, with Italian and Spanish settlers bringing their own culinary traditions to Argentina. This blend of influences has resulted in a unique and flavorful cuisine that is both European and Latin American. From the juicy steaks of the pampas to the fresh seafood of the coast, Argentina's cuisine is a reflection of its diverse geography and cultural heritage.
Argentine cuisine is also known for its rich dulce de leche, a caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk, which is used in a variety of desserts, including alfajores and flan. The country's wine industry is also thriving, with the Mendoza region producing some of the world's best Malbec wines.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asado | Main Course | traditional Argentine barbecue featuring grilled meats | traditional estancias or restaurants |
| Empanada | Snack | savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables | street food stalls or panaderias |
| Choripan | Snack | grilled sausage sandwich | street food stalls or parrillas |
| Milanesa | Main Course | breaded and fried cutlet | restaurants or cafeterias |
| Locro | Soup | hearty corn and bean stew | traditional estancias or restaurants |
| Chimichurri | Sauce | tangy and herby sauce made with parsley, oregano, and garlic | served with grilled meats at parrillas or restaurante |
| Provoleta | Appetizer | grilled provolone cheese | parrillas or restaurante |
| Alfajor | Dessert | classic Argentine cookie sandwich filled with dulce de leche | cafeterias or panaderias |
| Churrasco | Main Course | grilled skirt steak | parrillas or restaurante |
| Torta de Ricotta | Dessert | rich and creamy cheesecake | cafeterias or panaderias |
Street Food & Snacks
- Choripan: a grilled sausage sandwich, typically costing $3-5 USD
- Empanada: a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, typically costing $2-4 USD
- Provoleta: grilled provolone cheese, typically costing $5-7 USD
- Milanesa: a breaded and fried cutlet, typically costing $8-10 USD
- Panchuker: a sweet and crispy dulce de leche-filled cookie, typically costing $2-3 USD
- Bondiola: a crispy fried pork rind, typically costing $5-7 USD
- Chimichurri: a tangy and herby sauce made with parsley, oregano, and garlic, typically costing $3-5 USD
- Torta de Ricotta: a rich and creamy cheesecake, typically costing $8-10 USD
Drinks
- Café con Leche: a strong and rich coffee with milk, typically costing $2-3 USD
- Mate: a traditional Argentine tea-like drink, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Fernet: a bitter and herbal liqueur, typically costing $5-7 USD
- Malbec: a full-bodied red wine, typically costing $10-15 USD
- Quilmes: a crisp and refreshing beer, typically costing $5-7 USD
- Jugo de Naranja: a freshly squeezed orange juice, typically costing $3-5 USD
Dining Customs
- Reservations: not always necessary, but recommended for popular restaurants
- Tipping: 10% of the total bill is customary
- Dress Code: casual to formal, depending on the restaurant
- Eating Etiquette: keep hands visible on the table, and wait for the host to indicate where to sit
- Meal Times: breakfast 8-10 am, lunch 12-2 pm, dinner 8-10 pm
- Table Manners: it is customary to wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal
Where to Eat
- Parrillas: traditional Argentine steakhouses, offering a wide range of grilled meats
- Restaurante: formal restaurants, offering a variety of dishes, including asado and empanadas
- Cafeterias: casual cafes, offering coffee, pastries, and sandwiches
- Panaderias: bakeries, offering a wide range of bread, pastries, and empanadas
- Mercados: markets, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meat, and dairy products
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Feria de San Telmo: a bustling market in Buenos Aires, offering a wide range of antiques, clothing, and street food
- Mercado de Liniers: a large market in Buenos Aires, offering a wide range of meat, produce, and dairy products
- Estancia El Ombu: a traditional Argentine ranch, offering asado and horseback riding experiences
- Mendoza Wine Region: a scenic wine region, offering wine tastings and vineyard tours
- La Boca Neighborhood: a colorful and vibrant neighborhood, offering street food, live music, and tango performances