There are all kinds of travelers. Those who seek adventure, others who love sightseeing. And then there are the foodies! Foodie travelers, incited by their taste buds, choose to explore the culture of each country through their traditional flavors. This time, our palate will travel all the way into the secrets of Argentinian cuisine. Step out of your comfy Airbnb and head out in search of Argentina’s must-try dishes. Or splurge in all-inclusive resorts that allow you to indulge in the local cuisine hassle-free. Inspired by European cuisine, with Spanish, Italian, and French influences, Argentinian food has a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. Particularly known as a meat country, especially beef, Argentina serves a variety of carnivore recipes. Succulent meats, hearty stews, spicy sausages, drool-worthy desserts, and a blooming street food scene, are just a sample of what you should expect. To discover more delicacies, read for the top traditional food in Argentina.
1. Pastelitos - crispy Argentinian pastries
Pastelitos, cherished traditional pastries in Argentina, encapsulate the country’s culinary heritage with its delightful flavors and cultural significance. These delectable treats, often enjoyed during special occasions and gatherings, are a testament to Argentina’s vibrant culinary traditions.
Comprising delicate layers of flaky dough filled with sweet quince paste or smooth dulce de leche, and occasionally incorporating other fillings such as sweet potato or pumpkin, pastelitos offer a symphony of tastes and textures. The preparation of pastelitos involves intricate folding and shaping techniques, resulting in their signature geometric patterns.
These pastries are not only a delight for the palate but also a visual feast. With their mouthwatering looks, they are often served as appetizers in restaurants and trendy establishments such as the boutique hotels in Buenos Aires.
2. Revuelto gramajo - scrambled egg and potato dish
Featuring finely sliced French fries, delicate shreds of ham, and scrambled eggs, revuelto gramajo exudes comfort and indulgence. The marriage of textures and flavors is elevated by the addition of green peas, contributing a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Traditionally enjoyed as a substantial breakfast or a fulfilling lunch, revuelto gramajo embodies Argentina’s passion for rich and hearty fare.
Its origins trace back to a military officer named Artemio Gramajo, who purportedly created the dish using the available ingredients in his kitchen. Today, this traditional dish in Argentina has transcended its historical roots to become a beloved culinary gem that encapsulates the essence of Argentine comfort food.
3. Asado & parrillas – traditional Argentinian barbecue
Asado isn’t really the name of a particular dish but it’s mostly used to describe the traditional event of the Argentinian barbecue, largely common between families and friends in the weekends. It’s also used to describe the method of grilling. Asado’s meat parade consists of heaping platters with appetizers, chorizo and morcilla (Argentinian sausages) and meat galore, placed on parrillas (Argentinian word for a grill) and cooked low and slow until they fall apart into delicious tenderness.
Don Julio
Address: Calle Guatemala 4699, Palermo Viejo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: Don Julio
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4. Empanadas - fried or baked dough stuffed with meat
Jam-packed with flavors, these stuffed dough pockets are a must if you want to take a bite from Argentina’s street food culture. The most common filling is, of course, minced or sliced-by-hand beef, seasoned with cumin and onion. Other varieties may come stuffed with chicken, sweet corn, cheese and ham or veggies. This is definitely an Argentinian food you have to try!
Empanada Making Class in Buenos Aires
Duration: 3 hours
5. Choripan – chorizo sandwich
This is the Argentinian hot-dog. Named out of its ingredients which are chorizo and pan (bread), Choripan is one more proud example of Argentina’s street food scene. Cheap and delicious regardless its simplicity, it’s topped with fresh and spicy chimichurri.
Chori
Address: Calle Thames 1653, Thames Y Pasaje Santa Rosa, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Webpage: Chori
6. Fainâ - Argentinian pizza
Highly influenced by their Neapolitan cousins, Argentinian’s love pizza and they serve the cheesiest in the world! They follow three simple rules. Thick crust, light sauce and loads of cheese, dripping down the side of each slice. Toppings include green olives, oregano, and dried chili flakes. If you want to eat your pizza like a local, then order a slice of fainâ to go with it. Fainâ is a crunchy, thin flatbread and it’s made from chickpea flour. Served in slices, its purpose is to be set on top of the pizza as a crunchy top layer. Doubles as an edible tissue to absorb the fat drippings from the extra cheese.
Los Inmortales
Address: Avenida Corrientes 1369, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: Los Inmortales
7. Milanesa – Argentinian schnitzel
Known to the rest of the world as escalope or schnitzel, milanesa is another common food in Argentina with Italian influence. Made from pounded beef or chicken covered with breadcrumbs, the dish is either fried or baked and is often served for lunch. The variety of toppings is what makes this dish special, ranging between fried eggs, cheese, ham, and tomato sauce, served with fries and/or salad.
La Pulperia del Cotorro
Address: Pepiri 400, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Webpage: La Pulperia del Cotorro
8. Provoleta – grilled cheese
If you are a cheese lover, then you definitely have to try Provoleta. It’s simply a thick, round slice of provolone cheese put straight on the grill in a skillet until it turns into a gooey goodness with a slightly crisp and browned top on the outside. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano and red crushed pepper is usually served as an appetizer to an Argentinian asado.
Minga
Address: Costa Rica 4528, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Webpage: Minga
9. Humita en chala – a flavorsome corn snack
Similar to the Mexican Tamales, Humita is the ultimate celebration of corn. Made of creamed corn, onion, spices, and goat cheese, wrapped in corn’s husks (chala), and then steamed or boiled, Humita serves both as a savory snack or a main dish.
1810 Cocina Regional
Address: Mendoza 2312, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: 1810 Cocina Regional
10. Medialunas – Argentinian croissant
Literally translated as half moons, Medialunas are of course influenced by the well-known French croissant we all love, yet they are more, dense and gooey. Medialunas are either, grasas (salty) or manteca (slightly sweet) and they’re usually served for breakfast or as a condiment alongside coffee in bakeries and coffee shops.
Dos Esqudos
Address: Montevideo 1690, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: Dos Esqudos
11. Chimichurri – uncooked sauce or condiment
Chimichurri is an uncooked sauce made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, red chili flakes, olive oil, and vinegar. This sauce is a staple in Argentina barbecues and can also be used as a marinade or as a table condiment. There are two versions of chimichurri: green and red. Chimichurri rojo (red) contains red bell peppers and tomatoes to give it that red color. For a spicier kick, some add chili flakes or fresh chili in them. Chimichurri has a fresh, bright taste and pairs very well with beef. When having steak in Argentina, you have to try it with chimichurri.
12. Alfajores – cookie sandwich with dulce de leche
Alfajores are a soft, crumbly cookie sandwich typically with dulce de leche or manjar blanco as a filling. These cookies are deliciously sweet and are made with flour, sugar, salt, vanilla, cornstarch, butter, and egg yolks. Children love eating this tasty little treat as they’re perfect for snacking.
13. Matambre arrollado – stuffed flank steak
Matambre arrollado is a beef dish with the ingredients varying depending on the region. The usual way of preparing this popular food in Argentina is by rolling flank steak and stuffing it with vegetables, boiled eggs, herbs, and ham. It makes for a great appetizer and even as a main dish. It has a very flavorful and savory taste. You can also enjoy it with some chimichurri.
14. Yerba mate – herbal tea
Yerba mate is a caffeinated tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant that is found in South America. It has the health benefits of tea plus the kick of coffee. It has a strong, earthy taste and can be a little bitter because of the plant’s high tannin content. It is usually drunk using a special, stainless steel straw called a bombilla.
15. Locro – traditional Argentinian stew (from USD 94.0)
Traditionally served to commemorate Argentina’s May Revolution on May 25 but also as a cure for the cold winters, locro is considered a national dish. This authentic Argentinian food is a thick, hearty soup made from a combination of corn, beans, potatoes and/or squash and some form of meat, seasoned with cumin and bay leaf. Usually, it’s served with a splash of chimichurri, a typical hot sauce made from paprika, onions, chili, garlic, parsley, and other herbs smothered in olive oil.
El Sanjuanino
Address: Calle Posadas 1515, Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: El Sanjuanino
Buenos Aires: 3-Hour Gourmet Food Adventure
Duration: 3 hour
16. Dulce de leche - sweetened milk (from USD 75.75)
Don’t you feel like you need something sweet now? Dulce de Leche is nothing more than sweetened milk cooked in low heat until it’s caramelized. For Argentinians, it is the go-to ingredient to top, fill or accompany almost any other kind of dessert. But with no arguments, the most popular use of this sweet and sticky confection, is the South American version of the Italian gelato, the so-called, Dulce de Leche Helado. Creamy, smooth with rich caramel flavor and aroma, exactly what you need to wash down all the above finger-licking meat dishes.
Heladeria Cadore
Address: Avenida Corrientes 1695, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: Heladeria Cadore
Puerto Iguazu: The Argentine Experience Gastronomical Dinner
Duration: 4 hour
Take a bite from everything
Argentina is a country with so many amazing places to visit. While you’re here, diet isn’t a thing you should worry about, especially if you want to explore the country’s traditional food. From the hearty asado gatherings and the gooey provoleta to the sweet perfection of medialunas and dulce de leche, it’s a mouth-melting experience you should not miss.
Frequently asked questions about the top traditional food in Argentina
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