26 Best Argentina Food – Exploring the Culinary Wonders of Argentina

Have you tasted Argentina’s flavorful asado or creamy dulce de leche? These are just some of the country’s gastronomic pride; more delectable table fares beckon to be discovered. Let’s go on a virtual culinary tour with this list of popular traditional Argentina food.

If you’re a meat lover or someone with a sweet tooth, one of the best things to do in Argentina is try the Argentinian food. 

Being famous for the quality and predominance of beef dishes can be expected from a country with more cattle than people. With cows come milk and cheese, which, magically blended with sugar and other local ingredients, produce numerous unique and delicious treats.

Here are some of the best Argentinian culinary delights that should be on every foodie’s wish list.

26 Best Argentina Food You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Asado 

Asado, the most popular dish in Argentina, is prepared with meat: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, or chorizo. 

The lamb asado is usually eaten in the country’s Patagonian region. By popular opinion, one of the best places to eat asado is at La Tablita in El Calafate. 

2. Dulce de Leche 

Dulce de leche is made with condensed milk and sugar. The cream is used as a filling for pancakes, pastries, cakes, cookies, desserts, and more. 

Argentinians (and most other South American countries) love to put dulce de leche in everything they can imagine. Some people even eat it with a spoon. 

3. Empanadas

Empanadas are an incredible snack, usually eaten during lunchtime or late at night. It is a quick meal that satisfies your hunger. It’s a savory pastry filled with anything you can imagine, from cheese to potatoes, to veggies, to meat. Empanadas are pretty simple to prepare. 

All you need to do is to make a bready dough and fill it with your favorite fillings. The Argentinian variant includes eggplant, squash, cheese, ham, and zucchini. 

4. Choripan

Choripan is a delicious street food prepared with beef chorizo or grilled pork. The sausage is cut into pieces and flavored with chimichurri sauce. The sauce has olive oil, garlic, oregano, and parsley. 

The best place to try this dish is in the San Telmo market in the stunning city of Buenos Aires.

5. Provoleta 

If you love grilled cheese, there is no better dish than provoleta. The whole dish is a large chunk of grilled cheese topped with oregano and chili flakes. The dish’s surface is usually crispy, and the inside is soft and moist. 

A bit of crunch in the first bite with cheese melting into your mouth is an experience you will never forget. 

6. Matambre Arrollado 

Matambre arrollado means “kill the hunger.” The dish is prepared with vegetables, eggs, and mixed herbs. A thinly sliced meat is added to the mixture to enhance the flavor. 

Many people in Argentina also add mozzarella to the top. Argentines love mozzarella in their food. 

7. Picada

Picada is a platter with cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and cheese. The best place to try this dish is Tandil town, only five hours from Buenos Aires. 

If you don’t want to travel the distance, try it in the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires at Hache’s Wine Bar. 

8. Alfajores

Alfajores is a popular sweet in Argentina. It is made with a stuffing of dulce de leche. The preparation process is pretty simple. 

You just need to take two shortbreads and stuff them with dulce de leche. Afterward, top it with coconut flakes and chocolate to enhance the flavor. 

If you plan to visit Argentina, you can find alfajores in every supermarket, on the market, and even in some restaurants. If you like sweets and enjoy chocolate, I highly recommend you try them out.

9. Queso y Dulce

Queso y dulce is commonly found in the Andes region. It is another great dish with sweet potato or jam on top of cheese. Quince jam is usually used in the Argentinian variant of queso y dulce. 

The finest Queso y Dulce is said to come from the northwest of Argentina, including San Juan, Tucuman, La Rioja, and Salta

10. Flan

Flan is a typical Latin American dish prepared with boiled milk and egg yolks. Like other sweet dishes in Argentina, flan is often topped with the famous dulce de leche cream. You can also use other creams as a topping for your dessert.

11. Pastelitos 

Pastelitos can be prepared by making layers of phyllo pastry and filling jam or sweet potato in the center. The pastry is then fried and topped with some sugar before serving. 

Pastelitos are frequently available in the form of flowers or pinwheels and are traditionally enjoyed during the commemoration of Argentina’s May Revolution, which occurs on the 25th of May.

12. Milanesa

Milanesa, a classic dish in Argentina, comprises a slice of beef that has been breaded and fried to golden perfection. This culinary delight is an adaptation of the Italian dish veal Milanese and was introduced to Argentina by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Milanesa enjoys immense popularity in Argentina and is commonly accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes, French fries, or a refreshing salad.

13. Tartas

If you are a vegetarian, tartas are the perfect dish for you. It is similar to a quiche but with more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to enhance the flavors. 

Boiled eggs and pumpkins are also added in some variants. 

14. Pizza a Caballo and Fugazzeta 

Argentineans love pizza, but it is not similar to what you will find in your hometown. Argentinian pizza is far more complex than bread dough with cheese. There are two types: pizza caballo and fugazzeta. 

Pizza a caballo is topped with cheese and a slice of chickpea flatbread, whereas fugazzeta has cooked onions on top of the slice instead of cheese. 

15. Media Luna 

Media luna is the croissant of Argentina. The word is translated as half-moon, which perfectly represents the shape of the dish. It is a puff pastry that is very sweet and usually eaten for breakfast. 

16. Humita 

Humita is considered a snack and a main dish, depending on size. The dish is prepared with onions, creamed corn, goat cheese, and a lot of different spices. The mixture is then covered with corn husks before steaming. 

Humita is quite popular in the Andes region. 

17. Miga Sandwiches 

Miga sandwiches are a beloved choice in Argentina. These sandwiches are crafted by thinly slicing miga bread and removing its crust, as “miga” means “crustless.” Typically, they are filled with ingredients such as ham, cheese, mayonnaise, and eggs, with some individuals opting to incorporate tuna as well.

18. Rabas 

Rabas are fried squid rings. The bread coating is applied before deep frying, giving the dish a crunchy finish. They are usually eaten as a snack by local Argentines. 

19. Pancho

If you love hot dogs, there is no better food than pancho. It is an Argentinian take on the hot dog. The first two steps of preparation are the same. You take a bun and put a hot dog in it. 

However, the twist comes when locals add thinly cut fried potatoes and sauces on top. You can often choose between mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard. In addition to that, some shops offer pesto, egg salad, or other tasty toppings.

20. Ensalada Rusa

Ensalada rusa is the Russian salad in Argentina. The salad includes cold potato, green peas, carrots, and mayonnaise. Some locals add tuna to it. 

21. Argentine Pasta 

Pasta is loved by people all over the globe. Argentina’s pasta is a bit unique in terms of shape and taste. There are many different types, but the best one is sorrentino. 

Sorrentino is a large round-shaped pasta with a decent amount of cheese filled in it. 

22. Centollas 

Centolla, or king crab, is one of the most delicious seafood in Argentina. We highly recommend you try this dish in the Tierra del Fuego. The dish is made with massive crab cooked on the spot, and the crab is then served with salsa rosa sauce. 

23. Merluza Negra

Merluza negra is another great seafood in Tierra del Fuego. The dish is prepared with Patagonian fish, which is quite fat. However, the meat is quite moist and soft. The best way to enjoy the dish is simply to have it grilled. 

24. Gelato

Gelato in Argentina is known for its rich and intense flavors, made with high-quality ingredients like fresh fruits, nuts, and locally sourced dairy. The gelato is carefully churned to create a smooth and dense texture that melts in your mouth. 

25. Locro

Locro is a traditional Argentine dish that holds a special place in the hearts of its people. It is a hearty stew made primarily with corn, meat (usually beef or pork), and various vegetables. The star ingredient is a large white corn called “maíz blanco,” which gives the dish its distinct flavor and texture. 

Locro is often enjoyed during patriotic celebrations, especially on May 25th, the anniversary of the May Revolution. 

26. Lomito 

Lomito is a beloved Argentinian sandwich showcasing the country’s beef passion. It typically consists of a tender beef steak, commonly a cut of beef tenderloin, grilled to perfection. The steak is placed on a crusty roll and topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayonnaise. 

Additional condiments such as chimichurri sauce or melted cheese are often added to enhance the flavors further. 

Popular Argentinian Drinks 

Having a drink after some delicious food is always necessary. Here are some top drinks to try in Argentina. 

Non-Alcoholic

• Yerba mate – a beloved Argentine tradition, is a unique herbal infusion with an earthy, slightly bitter taste. Beyond flavor, it’s a symbol of the community as friends gather to share it using a communal gourd and straw. 
• El Submarino – a comforting treat by submerging a chocolate bar into hot milk. It’s a beloved tradition, perfect for warming up on cold days and creating cherished moments.
• Café con leche – a harmonious blend of strong coffee and warm milk. It’s a symbol of Argentine coffee culture, cherished for its versatility and ability to evoke leisurely moments and nostalgia.

Alcoholic

• Anana fizz (Pineapple cider) – a thirst-quenching delight that blends pineapple juice with sparkling soda. It’s a bubbly, tropical escape perfect for hot days and gatherings.
• Malbec – Argentina is a huge wine region, especially Mendoza is the place to be if you want to try authentic Argentinian wines and want to learn more about how the wine is made.
• Fernet liquors – an iconic herbal liquor closely associated with Argentina, known for its distinct bitter and herbal flavor. It plays a central role in Argentine drinking culture, enjoyed in various ways, from neat shots to cocktails like “Fernet con Cola.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Argentina Food 

What Is Argentina’s Most Famous Food?

Asado is the most famous food in Argentina, mainly because it includes BBQ. Local Argentineans love meat, which you will find in almost every local dish. La Cabrera in Buenos Aires is the best place to try this dish.

What Is Argentina’s Traditional Food?

Asado (Argentinian BBQ), choripan, and empanadas are Argentina’s three most delicious traditional food items. You can find them almost everywhere. If you enjoy sweets, don’t skip the alfajores for dessert.

What Is a Typical Argentinian Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner?

In Argentina, a typical breakfast often includes coffee or mate (herbal tea) with media lunas (sweet pastries) or toast with butter and jam. The traditional asado (barbecue) with various grilled meats or empanadas (filled pastries) is popular for lunch. Dinner can feature dishes like pasta, milanesa (breaded meat), or pizza with a thick crust. 

Argentina’s vibrant café culture also offers coffee and snacks throughout the day.

What Is the National Dessert of Argentina?

Dulce de leche is the most popular Argentine dessert made from sugar and milk. Almost every restaurant uses it as a base or filling for cakes and other dessert items. 

What Are Examples of Street Food in Argentina?

Among the street foods locals love are choripan, empanadas, miga sandwiches, and lomito. Argentine street food is mostly sold in roadside carts, food stands, trucks, and small canteens. 

Conclusion – Argentina Food

Contrary to what most people think, Argentina is not just about steak and wine. 

The country’s gastronomy is characterized by a medley of distinct flavors, influenced by the Spanish, Italians, and other European settlers and Guarani, Mapuche, Quechua, and other indigenous groups. Argentina’s varied geography also provides plentiful local ingredients, further making the cuisine unique, tasty, and memorable.

So, when in Argentina (or in an Argentinian home or restaurant in your country), do as the natives do and have a bite of as many traditional dishes as you can. Your taste buds and tummy will thank you for it.

¡Buen provecho!

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