5 foods you have to try in Argentina

There are so many different foods to try in Argentina it is hard to narrow it down to just a handful but if we had to pick just five these are the ones we’d go with.

Asado

Asado stands for BBQ in Argentina and in a country known for its beef, Asado is a meat lover’s fantasy. Grilling is a national pastime in Argentina and they have turned it into an art form. Asado is available almost anywhere but the best is to have it authentically grilled on an open pit. It is amazing.

Helado

Helado is ice-cream. This frozen treat is more similar to Italian gelato than the North American version of ice-cream and it is beloved by all in Argentina. Buenos Ares even has a tour specifically for helado lovers. If you like ice-cream you have to try helado. If you’re in Buenos Aires, stop by Freddo’s. You won’t be disappointed.

Choripan

Choripan is a street food staple. This is Argentina’s answer to the hotdog. It’s made with chorizo sausage (chori) and a bread roll (pan). Chimichurri—a mixture of oregano, garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes—is often added to give it a little spice. For those who don’t like it so spicy, have it with some avocado to balance out the heat.

Empanada

Empanadas are another classic from Argentina. These pockets of baked dough are stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings and served up hot. The most traditional way to have them is with a savory beef filling but we love them with chicken or chorizo as well.

Alfajores

Alfajores are like cookie sandwiches filled with everything from dulce de leche to fruit jams. In Argentina, there are whole cafes devoted to serving the delicious treats. This is a must, especially for anyone with a sweet tooth.

A few Notable Mentions

Yerba Mate is an herbal tea that people in Argentina drink like coffee. It can be a bit of an acquired taste—just like coffee— but it’s definitely worth a try. Trust us—the whole process of drinking it is an experience in and of itself.

Carbonada is a savory beef stew typically topped with dried fruits to add a little sweetness to the mix. This hearty mix is perfect to take the chill out of a South American winter’s day. Most of all, it also pairs extremely well with a nice Malbec wine from Mendoza.

Dulce de Leche is a silky smooth caramel made from condensed milk. It’s a topping, a filling, a desert, and it’s in almost anything sweet in Argentina.

Provoleta is cured provolone cheese that’s grilled and served with herbs and spices. It’s a savory treat that is arguably one of Argentina’s most popular side dishes.

Milanesas is a dish very similar to chicken parmigiana or wiener schnitzel. It’s typically made with chicken or beef that is pounded thin, breaded, and fried. In Argentina, this dish is topped with thin slices of ham, melted cheese, and a tomato-based sauce. This is a great dish for folks looking for something familiar but with a slight cultural twist.