Buenos Aires is the largest and capital city of Argentina. It is Argentina’s most-visited city and is known for the Eclectic European architectural style buildings resembling Paris and Madrid lining its streets. As a result of immigration, Buenos Aires has various ethnic groups and diverse cultures which give the city its diverse characteristics. It has a vibrant live theater industry and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year. Perfect your steamy Tango strut in this city where this dance move originated. Discover Argentine cuisine, a blend of different cultures with Mediterranean and Native American influences. BA has a dynamic food scene with flavorful and juicy steaks being a major component of their diet. This city has restaurants ranging from high-end to normal, bodegón, bars and canteens. These different dining options offer a variety of cuisines and flavors at different prices. Read on to know more about top street food you must try in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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1. Empanadas (baked or deep-fried pastry with filling)
Enjoy some tasty empanadas which are common in Latin America. It is made by folding the dough and filling it up. Ingredients for the dough include all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, salt, and shortening. The ingredients are mixed together and kneaded into dough. The filling may consist of meat, cheese, fish or corn. The fillings are spiced up using ground cumin, cayenne pepper, red bell pepper, sweet paprika, dried oregano, and onions to enhance flavor. It is then baked or deep-fried until the dough turns golden brown. Empanadas are served during parties as a starter or main course.
2. Bondiola (pork meat and fat from the pig’s shoulder)
Relish the taste of amazingly prepared Bondiola. The meat and fat used to make it is taken from the area adjacent to the pig’s neck. It is then wrapped in a membrane which can either be a piece of the large intestine or the artificial cellulosic type and tied using threads. Condiments such as salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg are added to add flavor. During its maturation period of between 30 to 60 days, its water content reduces and lactic acid fermentation takes place. The enzymatic activities occurring give it its characteristic flavor. Once ready, the Bondiola is slowly cooked, nicely sliced and grilled to add it to a sandwich or served as part of a meal.
3. Milanesa (breaded meat fillet)
Originating in Italy, Milanesa is a type of breaded meat fillet. It comprises of a thin slice of beef, chicken, veal or pork. Beaten eggs are seasoned with salt and other condiments such as garlic, parsley and black pepper depending on your preferred taste. The thin slice of meat is dipped into the egg mixture and then coated with bread crumbs. Sometimes, flour is used in the place of bread crumbs. It is then shallow fried in cooking oil or baked if you want a less oily and healthier option. The end product is golden, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Milanesa can be served as a main course with mashed potatoes, French fries or salad.
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4. Choripán (a hotdog with chorizo)
Choripán is a popular snack in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. It is a type of hotdog with chorizo. Chorizo is a type of beef or pork sausage whose casings are made from intestines. Ingredients include grilled chorizo and crusty bread such as a baguette. The hot off-the-grill chorizo is inserted into a sliced bread roll and topped with sauces such as chimichurri. Chimichurri sauce or salsa is a mixture of parsley, oregano, cloves, green onions, red chili pepper, salt, red wine, vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and oil. Choripán is served as an appetizer or a snack. In Buenos Aires, they are must-haves during an Asado (barbecue).
5. Garrapiñada (caramelized peanuts)
Enjoy this street food consisting of caramelized peanuts and originates from Uruguay. Ingredients used are sugar, water, vanilla essence and peanuts. They are used to make syrup and the peanuts are then dipped into the heated syrup after adding the vanilla essence. It is then stirred over low heat. Once the peanuts are completely coated and the syrup hardens, the garrapiñada are ready to eat. The street vendors selling them are referred to as garrapiñeros. They are packaged in small and long bags which you can buy and eat as you go. The alternative for peanuts are almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts or hazelnuts.
6. Lomito (steak sandwich)
Indulge in this tasty extreme steak sandwich which is winning when it comes to fast food snacks. It is typical of Argentine cuisine. Ingredients used are steak tenderloin of beef, ham, cheese, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and bread. These ingredients are stacked between two rectangular loaves and topped with mustard or mayonnaise. Often, the bread is toasted to avoid moisture of the ingredients wetting it and making it soggy. Enjoy eating this snack with its dripping juices. Never mind the mess, that is just part of the fun that comes with eating a lomito.
7. Tortilla (potato omelette)
A tortilla is a common street food that is both filling and delicious. It is made using potatoes and eggs. Salt, pepper, and onions are added to enhance the flavor. The sliced potatoes are put in a pan with heated oil, onions and spices such as crushed garlic or garlic powder and cloves are thrown in and sautéed under low heat. Once the potatoes have browned around the edges, the scrambled eggs are added. When one side is cooked, a plate is used to cover the pan and the pan flipped upside down. Gently, the tortilla is then pushed back into the pan for the other side to cook. Tortillas are often served with a salad for a light meal or as a side dish for beef or chicken.
8. Sandwich de Miga (thinly sliced bread without crust)
Enjoy a delicious Sandwich de Miga which is commonly eaten at parties in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Ingredients commonly used are white bread with no crust, hard-boiled eggs, ham, cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, and lettuce. The thinly sliced bread with no crust is spread with butter and then filled with the other ingredients. You have the option of a single, double or multiple layered Sandwich de Miga. The bread can be toasted or untoasted.
9. Churrasquito (grilled skirt steak)
Beef is a staple in Buenos Aires and beef dishes are always a must-have when in this city. Churrasquito is a succulent and mouthwatering grilled meat. Ingredients used are skirt steak, red wine, vinegar, olive oil, parsley, oregano, garlic, minced shallots, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. The ingredients are combined to make a marinade. The grill is then prepared to medium-high heat, the steak marinated with the marinade and cooked over the grill. The steak is flipped repeatedly until both sides are cooked and golden brown. The flavors will not disappoint.
10. Pancho (hotdog)
A hot dog always makes a nice option for street food to eat on the go. Pancho is a hotdog and variations come in the toppings used. Common toppings include corn, onion, cheese, mustard, and salsa golf (a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise). The extra-long hotdog that sticks out on both sides of the bread is grilled and put inside the sliced bread. You then have the option of choosing the toppings you want. Enjoy this amazing snack that is also very filling and satisfying.
Indulge in Buenos Aires street fare
Relish the delights of street food in this city. With a mix of different cultures as a result of immigration, the foods are characteristic of different regions. Do not miss out on these top street foods you must try in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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