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Argentina is known for its delicious food, reflecting its rich traditions and culture. The food in Argentina includes a variety of grilled meats, savoury pastries, and sweet treats. Meals are often enjoyed with family and friends, making food an important part of daily life. Dishes like asado, empanadas, and alfajores are just a few examples of Argentine cuisine. Sampling these traditional dishes gives you a true taste of Argentina’s culinary heritage and shows how food brings people together.
Top 10 Foods In Argentina
Here are the 10 most famous foods in Argentina, each offering a taste of local traditions:
1. Asado
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Asado is a popular Argentine barbecue, often considered the national dish. It consists of various meats cooked over an open flame or grill, such as beef, pork, and sausages. The meat is usually seasoned with chimichurri, a sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil. Asado is typically enjoyed during family gatherings and social events. It is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring people together. The cooking process is an important part of the experience, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza
2. Empanadas
Photo: Oskari Kettunen / Wikimedia Commons
Empanadas are pastry pockets filled with different ingredients, such as minced meat, chicken, cheese, or vegetables. The dough is either baked or fried, giving them a crispy texture. These small, handheld pies are a common snack or appetiser in Argentina. They can be found in various shapes, depending on the region. Empanadas are often served with a side of chimichurri sauce for dipping. They are enjoyed at family gatherings or as a quick snack.
Best Places to Try: Salta, Tucumán, Mendoza
3. Milanesa
Photo: Horacio Cambeiro / Wikimedia Commons
Milanesa, one of the most famous foods in Argentina, is a breaded and fried meat cutlet, similar to a schnitzel. It is usually made with beef or chicken, which is coated in breadcrumbs and then fried until golden and crispy. Milanesa is often served with mashed potatoes, salad, or rice. It’s a common dish in Argentine homes and popular at restaurants. Sometimes, it’s topped with a fried egg or served as a sandwich in a baguette, known as a “milanesa sandwich.” This dish is simple yet satisfying and loved by people of all ages.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba
4. Choripan
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Choripán is a beloved Argentine street food, consisting of a chorizo sausage placed in a crusty bread roll. The sausage is grilled over an open flame, giving it a smoky taste. It is often served with chimichurri sauce, adding a tangy and herby flavour. Choripán is a popular snack at asados and is commonly enjoyed during outdoor events, such as sports games or barbecues. It’s a simple yet flavourful meal that embodies Argentina’s love for grilled meats and casual dining, making it a must-try food for visitors.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Santa Fe
5. Provoleta
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Provoleta is a traditional Argentine cheese dish made from provolone cheese. The cheese is grilled until golden and melted on the inside, often served with a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil. Provoleta, alongside bread or meats, is commonly served as an appetiser during asados. The grilled cheese’s texture is soft and slightly crispy on the outside. It’s a famous food in Argentina that highlights Argentina’s love for cheese and grilled food, offering a unique taste experience at any meal.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, La Plata
6. Dulce de Leche
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Dulce de leche, a famous food in Argentina, is a sweet milk-based spread made by slowly cooking sugar and milk until it thickens and turns golden brown. It has a creamy, caramel-like taste and is used in many Argentine desserts. Dulce de leche is spread on toast, used as a filling for pastries like alfajores, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful. It’s also used in cakes, ice cream, and other sweets. This treat is a staple in Argentine kitchens and is loved by children and adults for its sweet, comforting flavour.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, San Juan
7. Mate
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Mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It is typically served in a hollowed-out gourd and drunk through a metal straw called a “bombilla.” The tea-like drink has a strong, earthy flavour and is often enjoyed socially, with friends or family. In Argentina, mate is a part of daily life, and it’s common to see people drinking it throughout the day. It’s known for its energising properties and is often shared, symbolising friendship and connection between people.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Misiones, Corrientes
8. Fugazza
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Fugazza is a thick, bread-like dish that closely resembles focaccia. It is made with a soft dough that rises high and is topped with sliced onions, herbs, and a touch of olive oil. Unlike traditional pizza, fugazza does not include tomato sauce and is often served without cheese. The dough is usually fluffy inside with a crisp outer crust. The topping of caramelised onions gives it a sweet, savoury flavour that balances well with the soft base. It is commonly eaten as a snack or shared during meals.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Rosario, La Plata
9. Locro
Photo: Cesar Pérez / Wikimedia Commons
Locro is a thick, traditional stew known for its rich, comforting flavour. It is made by slowly simmering a mix of corn, beans, potatoes, and chunks of meat, often beef or pork. The long cooking process blends the ingredients into a hearty, filling meal where the textures are soft and well combined. The corn adds sweetness, while the beans and meat bring depth and protein. Potatoes give it a creamy consistency that thickens the stew naturally. A small spicy sauce or seasoning is sometimes added to enhance the flavour, giving each bite a warm and satisfying taste.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Salta, Jujuy
10. Alfajores
Photo: V!NZ / Wikimedia Commons
Alfajores are sweet, delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche. They are often coated in powdered sugar or chocolate, making them a popular treat in Argentina. These cookies come in different shapes and sizes and are often served during holidays, celebrations, or as a simple snack with tea or coffee. The soft, crumbly texture of the cookies and the rich filling make alfajores a beloved dessert in Argentina. They are widely available in bakeries and are often given as gifts or brought to family gatherings.
Best Places to Try: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Mar del Plata
The food in Argentina gives you a real taste of the country’s culture and traditions. Each dish offers something special, from the delicious asado to the sweet alfajores. Trying these foods is a great way to experience Argentina’s warmth and hospitality. If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, book your trip with TripXL to make your trip memorable and full of amazing experiences.
Cover Photo: Los Muertos Crew / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
