Explore South America with Traditional Argentine Dishes
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Eating Your Way Across Argentina, One Bite at A Time!
Located in the southern part of South America, Argentina is a country with an impressive array of landscapes, climates, and culture. But it is also a land of vibrant cuisine, where local ingredients combine with immigrant ingenuity to create traditional Argentine dishes. During the early 20th century, more than 7 million European immigrants came to work and live in Argentina. This helped shape the culture of food in Argentina, creating a melting pot effect that visitors can still see today.
Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner
Argentina is one of five countries in the world where cattle are more plentiful than people. So it should come as no surprise that traditional Argentine cuisine features an impressive array of beef dishes. From empanadas to milanesas, and from stews such as locro to the iconic BBQ asado, beef is central to many traditional Argentine dishes.
Other notable influences on food in Argentina are the Italians, who introduced pizza and pasta to the Argentinian palate. Today, many Argentinian cooks still make Italian dishes, including gnocchi, from scratch. Gnocchi is so popular, in fact, that the puffy little dumplings are eaten for good luck on the 29th day of every month.
Keep reading to whet your appetite and learn more about Argentine cuisine!
Top 10 Traditional Argentine Dishes
Food in Argentina is a serious business, so it’s difficult to pick just 10 dishes to represent the culture – but we’ll try! Here is a brief rundown of 10 famous Argentinian dishes:
- Asado: Plan your visit to Argentina to coincide with a leisurely afternoon around an open fire, feasting on grilled asado. While it’s true that asado is one of many traditional Argentine dishes, it’s also so much more! Asado is a cultural affair that is as much about friendship and socialization as it is about food. That being said, asado is a bucket-list item if you travel to Argentina!
- Chimichurri: This green salsa is made of finely chopped parsley, oregano, onion, garlic, chili pepper flakes, and olive oil, and is seasoned with a touch of lemon or vinegar. It is commonly used as a side or marinade for grilled beef.
- Provoleta: This semi-hard cheese is often grilled and served as a side at BBQs. Add it to crusty bread and top it with chimichurri for a tasty treat.
- Empanadas: A staple in traditional Argentine cuisine, empanadas are stuffed dough pockets, deep-fried or baked, and filled with sweet or savory stuffing, depending on regional variation.
- Humita en chala: Made of creamed corn and seasoned with onions, spices, and goat cheese, Humita en chala is then wrapped in corn husks and then steamed or boiled.
- Matambre Arrollado: This flavorful Argentinian flank steak is stuffed with vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, herbs, and olives. The meat is rolled around the filling, then boiled, baked, or grilled.
- Milanesa: Like many examples of food in Argentina, Milanesa is influenced by Italian immigrants. The dish is made from pounded beef or chicken, covered with breadcrumbs, and topped with fried eggs, cheese, ham, and tomato sauce.
- Choripán: This sandwich consists of pork and beef chorizo sausage and a variety of condiments served in a crusty bun. It is usually consumed on the go and is a popular street food.
- Carbonada: Carbonada is a stew made from potatoes or sweet potatoes, sweetcorn, carrots, peppers, and bacon, and topped with fruits like dried apricots, raisins, peaches, pears, or grapes. It is often served in a pumpkin that has been hollowed out and baked.
- Pizza and Fainâ: No food in Argentina is more popular than pizza! Argentinians make this dish with a thick crust, light sauce, and lots of cheese. Common toppings include green olives, oregano, and dried chili flakes. Pizza is often eaten with fainâ, a thin flatbread made from chickpea flour that is placed on top of the pizza to form a crunch top layer.
Five Favorite Argentinian Sweet Treats
Traditional Argentine cuisine includes a handful of favorite desserts. While many traditional Argentine dishes are savory, these sweet treats have their place in the cultural landscape.
- Alfajores: These crumbly, shortbread sandwich cookies are filled with jam, mousse, or dulce de leche. Originating in the Arab world, they made their way to Argentina via the Spaniards.
- Dulce de leche: A thick and sugary caramel-like sauce, this sweet confection is found in cakes, truffles, and cookies, and is used as a topping for ice cream, dessert empanadas, or crepes.
- Medialunas: Dense and gooey, these pastries are lovingly referred to as an Argentinian croissant.
- Helado: Like much of the food in Argentina, helado arrived with Italian immigrants who brought their love of gelato to their new country. Of course, the most popular flavor of this sweet treat is dulce de leche!
- Flan: One of the most beloved traditional Argentine dishes of all time, flan is a classic custard dessert that is often served with a drizzle of caramel sauce, dulce de leche, and whipped cream.
Food In Argentina: Regional Variations
Argentine cuisine is as diverse as the different regions of the country, with each locality offering unique flavors and ingredients. Below, we break down some of the must-try regional dishes and where to find them.
Region |
Traditional Argentine Dishes to Try |
The Northwest: Salta, Jujuy, Cafayate, Purmamarca or Tilcara |
Locro – a traditional stew made from corn, beans, and meat Tamales – steamed corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, and spices Humita en chala – corn and cheese |
The Northeast: Indigenous cuisine with a European twist |
Chipa – a type of bread made with cassava flour Mbejú – a cassava pancake filled with meat or cheese Dorado and surubí – regional fish served as part of traditional Argentine cuisine |
The South: Rare meats, seafood and berries |
Rosa mosqueta (rosehip), calafate (barberry), cassis, and blackberries – used in jams, liqueurs, and syrups Chocolate – combined with nuts and berries to produce wonderful delicacies Seafood – centolla and King’s Crab |
Discover Argentine Cuisine with Gondwana Ecotours!
Traveling to another country means exploring every facet of its culture, including its food! When you travel to Argentina with Gondwana Ecotours, you will discover traditional Argentine dishes alongside the incredible scenery, cultural landscape, and welcoming people. The food in Argentina is just as much a part of your international experience as the rest of your trip – so pull up a chair, grab a bottle of vino, and get ready to experience the food in Argentina with your Gondwana guides.