Argentina is a foodie’s paradise, offering a blend of rich culinary traditions and local delicacies that no traveler should miss. Here are the must-try dishes in Argentina that you absolutely need to experience while traveling in Buenos Aires. Missing out on these would be an injustice to your trip!
If you’re a carnivore, Argentina will be your steak heaven. The average Argentinian consumes over 120 pounds of beef per year, with most of it cooked slowly on the parrilla (grill). Asado, or Argentine BBQ, is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural experience.
Essential Cuts to Try:
Chinchulines (small intestines) mollejas (sweetbreads), and riñón (kidney) are popular appetizers for the brave foodie. They require careful preparation and are often best at skilled parrillas.
📜A bit of history: Some claim that Achuras became popular during the 2001 financial crisis in Argentina. Costs for the more premium cuts were just too high for the average budgeted household. Family asados began to incorporate cheaper cuts and what many butchers considered scrap. Others point to the rugged countryside gauchos (Argentine cowboys) who aimed for maximum efficiency using all parts of a cow.
💡Do not miss out on the popular accompanying sauces to try, chimichurri, a mixture of olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper and salsa de criolla, a chunky mixture of diced red bell pepper, onion and olive oil.
💡How could we forget the iconic provoleta—Argentina’s version of provolone. Aged just enough to form a golden crust when seared, it’s tossed on the grill until crispy around the edges, then finished with a sprinkle of herbs. Just pace yourself—it’s dangerously easy to overdo.
Choripán is the ultimate Argentine street food—grilled chorizo sausage served on a baguette-style roll and topped with chimichurri or salsa de criolla sauce. Morcilla, or blood sausage, is another staple at any asado, and while it may be unfamiliar to some, it’s a must-try, especially spread on bread.
💡Now as to which parrilla is best for achuras, choripan and steaks in Buenos Aires…
Argentinian pizza might surprise you. Often deep-dish, with thick layers of mozzarella, it’s a rich departure from the thin-crust Italian styles you might be used to. Here are some of the unique Argentine pizzas you need to try:
– Fugazza: One of the few cheese-less, sauce-less options, Fugazza is drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs and layered with lightly sauteed sweet onions.
– Fugazzeta: Take the fugazza and load it with gooey cheese sandwiching the onions on top and below and maybe stuffing more cheese in the crust too.
– Fainá: An unleavened chickpea flour sort of pancake. Fainá (fah-ee-NAH) is often times used as an additional layer placed on top of another slice of pizza.
– Napolitana: One of the most popular pizzas in Argentina, the napolitana is the traditional tomato, garlic, parsley, cheese and sauce pie.
For the best pizza in Buenos Aires, visit classic spots like Guerrin or El Cuartito.
📜A bit of history: A slice of Fainá was commonly used to help fill up a hungry belly, especially for the taxi drivers who wanted to get back to work in a hurry. It was traditionally eaten on top of a slice of pizza as an additional layer.
Empanadas are one of Argentina’s most beloved street foods. These savory pastries come stuffed with various fillings and are readily found throughout the country. The classic empanadas most often found are:
Regional Varieties can be tougher to track down outside of their respective parts of the country, but some restaurants in Buenos Aires do have some tasty offerings like El Sanjuanino in Recoleta.
🍺Pair your empanadas with a cold Quilmes beer for the full Argentine experience.
Bodegones are traditional Argentine eateries where you’ll find hearty, classic dishes that feel like home-cooked meals. If you’re visiting one, these are the dishes you must try:
A thin cut of beef, chicken, or fish, breaded and pan-fried, milanesa is Argentina’s take on schnitzel. Common varieties include:
Matambre a la pizza: A thin cut of flank steak topped with cheese and tomato sauce.
Revuelto Gramajo: A mix of fried potatoes, eggs, and ham, often considered a quick comfort food.
💡Eating at a bodegón is about as of an authentic Argentine experience as it gets, combining hearty portions with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Argentinian ice cream, often compared to Italy’s gelato, is an absolute must-try. Made with high-quality dairy and fresh ingredients, it’s a dessert you can’t leave without experiencing.
Top spots include Lucciano’s, Antiche Tentazioni and the old school classic Cadore Gelato Artigianale.
Dense, creamy, and dangerously addictive, Argentine ice cream takes things to another level. From dulce de leche in various forms to bright, seasonal fruit flavors, it’s one of those things you’ll end up craving long after you’ve left Buenos Aires.
Speaking of the devilish dessert, no trip to Argentina would be complete without indulging in dulce de leche, the sweet caramel-like spread that finds its way into almost every dessert. Here are a few of the most popular treats:
Locro is a hearty, traditional Argentine stew made from corn, beans, meat (often pork or beef), and vegetables. This dish is especially popular on national holidays and is perfect for warming up on a cold day. Outside of regional restaurants it can most often be found at outdoor fairs or ferias and in the countryside. If you’ll be Buenos Aires bound check out the Feria de Mataderos.
A unique cultural experience, mate is a herbal tea made from dried leaves of the yerba mate plant. It’s traditionally shared among friends, using a gourd and a metal straw. Mate is a symbol of community and conversation, and no trip to Argentina is complete without at least a sip.
For more on mate and other Argentine regional drinks check out our drinks guide.
These must-try dishes in Argentina are more than just meals—they’re cultural experiences that define the country’s rich culinary tradition. Whether you’re enjoying an asado, savoring a slice of pizza, or indulging in a dulce de leche dessert, each dish offers a taste of what makes Argentina such a unique and delicious destination.
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