What To Buy In Buenos Aires, Argentina

1. Asado knives (Facones)

Do you have a chef friend back home? Get him an Asado knife as a souvenir. These knives were once used by the gauchos as weapons, worn either tucked into the cowboys’ leggings or around the waist. Today, the facones is considered a utility knife. While they are best best for neatly slicing meat, these traditional Argentinian knives would also make great decorative pieces at home, perfect to get for yourself too.

In Argentina, there are silversmiths that still make these knives. Most of them are handmade and they come in different sizes. A good place to get this knife is from Marcelo Toledo in San Telmo, Argentina.

2. Mate set

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Experience true Argentinian culture by buying a mate set at a specialty store or at a local supermarket. Mate is an herbal tea and is a highly important part of their culture. The mate set contains a mate cup, a metal straw, a flask, and yerba leaves. To make tea, put some yerba leaves into the cup and fill it with hot water from the flask. Use the metal straw for sipping the tea.

Today, almost all locals own a mate set that they take with them wherever they go. It’s a great, functional souvenir of your trip to Buenos Aires.

3. Glass siphon

Market stalls in Buenos Aires sell siphon bottles that are used for storing seltzer, which is cold water that contains carbon dioxide. These glass siphon bottles keep the drink cool and refreshing. To use the glass siphon bottles, just press the nozzle down for the water to come out.

Glass siphons tell the history of the country’s love for carbonated water, so they make a great souvenir. If you buy them in Argentina, they might even be delivered to you by soderos or sifoneros right to your vacation home.

4. Alfajores

A sweet treat for sugar lovers is the alfajores, an Argentinian cookie that’s excellent with coffee. It’s made with cornstarch, coconut flakes, and dulce de leche. There are many varieties of alfajores in Argentina and all are delicious. For locals, eating alfajores evokes nostalgia as it reminds them of their childhood since they have been eating this sugary treat for years.

Buy some as a snack or for your travel home to get a taste of this wonderful dessert. You’ll find this in almost every kiosk in the city.

5. Dulce de leche

Another treat that you need to try in Argentina is dulce de leche, the most popular dessert in the country. This well-loved caramel sauce made with condensed milk is perfect for your bread and pastries. They also go well with bananas and other fruit. It’s one of the main ingredients for cakes, muffins, and waffles in this country. It’s nearly impossible to find a dessert that doesn’t contain this sweet milk jam.

The most popular brands of dulce de leche are Cachafaz and Havanna. You can also buy jars of this jam at grocery stores and specialty stores throughout the city.

6. Pinguino

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This serving jug in the shape of a penguin is called a pinguino, a symbol of Argentinian culture. Dating back to the 1930s, these jugs were used for wines and containing other drinks in every household. They come in many forms - some are painted while some are plain. If you need a souvenir that lasts and reminds you of the culture of Argentina, this jug would be an excellent choice.

7. Fernet

Fernet can be enjoyed in two ways: as an alcoholic beverage mixed with Coca-Cola or soda water, and as an herbal drink. It dates back to the 1800s as an aromatic spirit. Originally, this was used to cleanse the body, highly popular as a medicinal drink that is believed to help with upset stomachs and even hangovers. About 40 spices and herbs such as chamomile, saffron, and cardamom are found in Fernet.

Several brands are available in Argentina but the brand Fernet-Branca is one of the most popular ones. Get a bottle of this as a gift either for yourself or for the people back home.

8. Rhodochrosite (rhodochrosite) jewelry

Rhodocrosite is the country’s national pink stone and is dubbed a gemstone of love. It is believed that those who wear Rhodocrosite attract love. This stone, often used in jewelry design, is also referred to as Inca Rose since the Incas once believed that the blood of their ancestors was turned into stone.

The price of a piece of jewelry with this stone, ranging from light pink to reddish pink, depends on the color. The darker red the stone is, the more expensive it will most likely be. You’ll often find these in the market and even on the streets. However, for a piece of high-quality jewelry, try checking out a boutique.

9. Cowhide wallet

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Some of the wallets sold around Buenos Aires come from the finest of cowhide. They are soft and silky and come in browns, stripes, and even florals. Cowhide wallets will be great souvenirs of your trip as they add style to any outfit. Handmade wallets from specialty stores are the best ones, boasting beautiful prints and patterns. Apart from cowhide wallets, though, you can also buy cowhide bags, jackets, and even rugs.

10. Chimichurri sauce

Do you love to cook? Try this staple ingredient in Argentinian cuisine called chimichurri sauce. These make for an excellent marinade for meat dishes and the best table condiment for your sandwiches, pasta, and vegetables. They come in both red and green sauce and are made from a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

If you want your meals bursting with flavor even after your trip to Argentina, don’t hesitate to get yourself a jar of this, easily found in major supermarkets and grocery stores.

Get yourself a souvenir from the colorful Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a beautiful city that is busy almost every day of the week. Maximize your time there and make sure you get a lot of souvenirs to take home with you.