Welcome to What to Eat, our newest blog series covering the authentic cuisines of our favorite cities around the world! Check out our must-eat meals in Rome, New Orleans, and Ireland, and keep an eye out for a new post next month.
If the only thing you know about Argentine food is the abundance of red meat and red wine, then you’re in for a treat! Full of Spanish and Italian influences, this country’s cuisine is no stranger to unique flavors, exciting dishes, and regional diversity. In Buenos Aires, cooking food for friends and family is just one small way to celebrate kinship and show affection. So, what’s on the menu?
Empanadas
Empanadas are a cheap, portable Argentine delicacy that comes baked or fried, in sweet or savory varieties — think stewed meats and vegetables or dulce de leche with cinnamon sugar. Often eaten as an appetizer or on-the-go snack, empanadas are similar to a Hot Pocket, but better!
Choripan
A low-cost street food that’s been gaining popularity over the last few years, choripan is a sandwich made of grilled chorizo and chimichurri on a fresh baguette or roll. Think of it as the Argentinian version of a hot dog, often found at sporting events, festivals, and fairs.
Asado
An asado is a multistep barbeque meal during which people slowly grill meats on a parilla, or large iron grill. This hands-on feast usually includes beef, pork, chicken, and sausage cooked over a fire. For an extra taste of Argentine culture, try some chimichurri on top! The parsley and garlic-forward condiment adds a splash of color and flavor to flame-roasted meats.
Alfajores
We’re thankful the Moors introduced alfajores to Spain so that Spaniards could bring these delicious cookies to Argentina. Picture two crumbly, buttery cookies stuffed with a layer of sweet dulce de leche, covered in chocolate, coconut, or powdered sugar. Yes, please.
Provoleta
Slightly crispy on the outside with a melted, gooey center, provoleta is cooked in a special skillet to ensure optimal heating and extra smoky flavor. Topped with a drizzle of olive oil and some chili flakes, this appetizer dish is an Argentine favorite.
Yerba mate
Gather up your friends, it’s time to brew some yerba mate! A caffeinated bitter herb that’s similar to tea, yerba mate is typically served out of a gourd and consumed through a metal straw. It’s common to take a sip and pass it along to a friend or stranger, making mate-drinking a popular social practice.
Locro
Usually enjoyed during the May 25th celebration of Argentina’s revolution, locro is a hearty, corn-based stew made with chorizo, tripe, beef, and assorted vegetables like beans, squash, and pumpkin (though ingredients vary by region). It’s a nationally recognized dish in several Latin American countries, including Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Argentina.
Excited to try these Argentine treats? Explore the Parisian boulevards of Buenos Aires as you eat your way through town on our 8-10 day Argentina tour.