Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Argentina, talking about food! There are so many amazing cuisines around the world, and trying the local food is a big part of travel. But as travelers, we don’t always have the time, or the money, to try all of the local foods in a new destination. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the list for you, to tell you the best Argentina traditional food to try!
Argentinian Beef
When people think of Argentina cuisine, they tend to think of steak. There are a million different ways to eat steak in Argentina. You’ll have Asado, BBQ, lomo, lomito, and chorizo. You’ll see lots of parrillas, which are the steakhouses, and most of them have an open kitchen where you can see all the different cuts of meat being prepared. When you order your steak, you order your side dishes separately, and they are usually served family-style in portions large enough to share. Also, just a head’s up that they like their steaks well-done in Argentina, so let them know if you like your steak with a bit of pink in the middle.
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Choripan
Choripan is basically chorizo sausage, in bread, with a chimichurri sauce on top. This is one of the Argentinian foods you’ll see at fairs and festivals all over the country. It’s a staple takeaway food in Argentina.
Super Pancho
Another common street food in Argentina is the super pancho, which is really just a hot dog. If you buy a super pancho on the street, make sure you try the mustard before you put it on the hot dog. It might be different than what you are used to!
Dulce de Leche
When it comes to Argentina desserts, nothing beats dulce de leche. It looks like caramel, but it’s actually condensed milk (leche) and sugar boiled down into a syrup. Dulce de leche is often served as a topping for pancakes or your morning pastry. For a more portable dulce de leche, try alfajores, which is dulce de leche sandwiched between cookies and then dipped in chocolate.
Helado
Another of my favorite Argentina desserts is helado, also known as gelato or ice cream. Yes, ice cream is good everywhere, but somehow Argentina ice cream is even better. When I studied in Argentina, I pretty much ate steak and ice cream non-stop. There are good chains, like Freddo, but there are also lots of good mom-and-pop ice cream shops to check out. My personal favorite is banana split ice cream…it’s so good!
Italian Food in Argentina
Believe it or not, Italian food is a big part of Argentinian cuisine. You usually choose your pasta and then choose your sauce and/or toppings. I really like gnocchi in Argentina. You can get pizza in Argentina, too, but it’s a bit different than Italian or American pizza. It’s got a thicker dough base than traditional pizza.
Argentinian Wine
Argentina is also known for its wine. The area around Mendoza produces really great red wine, especially syrah and malbec wines. It’s really excellent wine, and I highly recommend spending an afternoon enjoying a bottle at a local cafe, watching the world go by. If you’re not a wine drinker, Quilmes is one of the most popular local beers in Argentina.
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Empanadas
Empanadas are a great snack to try in Argentina. If you haven’t tried them, empanadas are the Latin version of calzones. It’s a doughy pocket with meat, cheese, and sauce inside. You can get sweet empanadas, too. It’s a great food to take on the go and eat in the park.
Omelets & Quiche
More snack options in Argentina include omelets and quiche. These are usually available all day long, making them a great snack in the middle of the day.
Medialuna
One of the most common snacks in Argentina is the medialuna, which is shaped like a half-moon, hence the name. It’s a croissant, but with a very sweet glaze and a sugar coating. These are often eaten for breakfast, or for a snack during the day.
When Do You Eat in Argentina?
Dinner time in Argentina is pretty late. Some restaurants don’t open until 8 pm. If you are visiting Argentina with kids, you might need to plan accordingly as you’re probably not used to eating that late. Fortunately, you can usually grab some snacks at a cafe, or pick up some street food to tide you over until dinnertime.
I studied in Argentina and have always loved the food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very affordable, so you can eat really well in Argentina, without spending a fortune. I hope you get the chance to visit Argentina and try some of the amazing Argentinian cuisines! Looking for more tips on South America travel? Check out some of these other blog posts!