As with many other aspects of Argentinian culture, its cuisine has been heavily influenced by European immigration. Mix your favorite Spanish and Italian dishes with top quality (and affordable!) Argentinian beef and dairy products and you have a combination worth jumping on that long-haul flight for. For the low-down on all things food in South America, check out our guide that we put together here.
It’s important to keep in mind that dinner is eaten late in Argentina. Most restaurants close in the afternoon and do not reopen until 8 pm, although locals typically do not actually start dinner until 9 or 10 pm.
Must-try food and drink in Argentina
1. Asado
With Spanish origins, asado describes succulent barbecued meat, slow-cooked on a metal frame over an open fire or a bed of hardwood charcoal. In Argentina, asado is in equal parts a dish and a social gathering – both of which you will want to experience.
2. Provoleta
Soft provolone cheese is grilled in a skillet and topped with oregano, chilli flakes or other herbs. A typical asado starter, provoleta is crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside and delicious all-around.
3. Chimmichurri
A piquant combination of chopped garlic, chopped parsley and oregano, olive oil and vinegar, this classic Argentinean condiment is the quintessential accompaniment to grilled meat.
4. Malbec wine
Argentina has one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Malbecs from the wineries of Mendoza are famous around the world (and happen to pair well with steak), though other provinces also produce quality wines, including torrentes from Cafayate and syrahs from San Juan.
5. Alfajores
Argentina’s favorite sweet biscuit. Two round shortbreads, filled with dulce de leche (a decadent caramel made from condensed milk), often coated in chocolate.
6. Helado
Argentineans take ice cream seriously. Don’t miss helado de dulce de leche, the national flavor of Argentina.
7. Dulce de leche
Condensed milk is slowly reduced and sweetened to create a thick, sticky caramel. Find it in alfajores (crumbly biscuit sandwich filled with dulce de leche), dessert empanadas, drizzled on ice cream or just eat it by the spoonful!