Food & Drink

Argentina’s cuisine is a flavourful blend of its immigrants who learned to make dishes from their home countries from local ingredients. Dishes that appear Italian or Spanish often have flavours lent from Indigenous Argentine plants and meats.

For centuries, beef has been the most important ingredient in Argentine cuisine. Even when not at an asado, Argentines consider a steak to be a complete meal. Until very recently, Argentines consumed well over 50 kg (110 lb) of beef per capital annually. In 2020s this had fallen to less than 50 kilos, though it’s still significantly higher than the global average.

What is Argentina’s traditional cuisine?

Argentina offers a cornucopia of culinary delights that are as diverse as its landscapes. Try these notable foods and drinks that one should savour during Argentina vacations.

Empanadas: These savoury pastries are ubiquitous across Argentina. Traditionally stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables, they are a staple appetizer and come with a variety of fillings. This includes beef, pork, chicken, or ham seasoned with spices like chilli and cumin. The dough can either be fried or baked, making them a perfect comfort food​​.

Asado: This is the quintessential Argentine barbecue experience. Asado is not just about the food; it's a social event involving hours of grilling various types of meat over an open fire. It's a must-do for visitors, offering a taste of the local culture alongside delicious grilled meats​​​​.

Milanesa: A result of the Italian influence on Argentine cuisine, milanesa consists of thinly pounded beef or chicken coated in breadcrumbs and either baked or fried. This dish is commonly served with toppings like fried eggs, cheese, or tomato sauce.

Locro: A hearty Andean stew, locro is slow cooked for hours to perfectly meld the flavors of chorizo, pancetta, pork chops, skirt steak, pumpkin, white corn, butter beans and spices. It’s often served with a side of spicy sauce, freshly made just before the locro is served.

Wine: Malbec and Torrontés are the most renowned Argentine wines, celebrated for their rich flavours. Argentina also produces other varieties such as Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Yerba Mate: This traditional hot beverage is more than a drink; it's a cultural ritual deeply ingrained in Argentine society​​.

Fernet: A type of amaro, or bitter herbal liqueur, often mixed with cola in Argentina and a staple in the local drinking culture.

Dulce de Leche: A popular sweet milk caramel used in various desserts or eaten alone​​.

Alfajores: These are shortbread cookies sandwiched over a layer of dulce de leche and often covered in chocolate.

What is the dining etiquette in Argentina?

Argentines are rather informal at the table and eating with your hands is normal, especially at an asado. When you’re invited to an Argentine home, first look to see if your hosts are using a fork or their hands before diving in. At upscale restaurants, especially the closed-door gems in Buenos Aires, European table manners are strictly observed.

Be aware that dinner in Argentina doesn’t start until around 10pm. Most restaurants close after lunch and don’t reopen until 9pm. If you’re used to having dinner at 6pm, have a light snack but save your appetite for a late meal.

What is the drinking etiquette in Argentina?

Wine accompanies every meal in Argentina. It’s polite to accept a glass of red wine, though if you don’t feel like drinking, you don’t have to drink all of it. If you empty your glass, it will be refilled. Fernet mixed with cola is the Argentine drink of choice after a meal or when a neighbor drops by for an afternoon visit. Drinking in public is only common on beaches.

Does Argentina cater to dietary restrictions?

Argentina is an easy place for gluten-intolerant travellers as many dishes are focused on meat, potatoes and vegetables. Even the traditional faina bread is made with chickpea flour. It’s unusual to add wheat flour but when ordering in a restaurant always check with the server.

Argentina is not so easy for vegetarians and vegans. In the past decade, vegetarian restaurants, or at least one vegetarian option on a menu, are easier to find in large cities and small towns like Ushuaia that get a lot of tourists. The number of Argentines who prefer vegetarian or vegan fare is small, though there is a common understanding that many international travellers may not eat meat.

Shellfish and tree nuts are not common ingredients in Argentina, but those with allergies should still double check ingredients when ordering in restaurants.

What do meals typically cost in Argentina?

Meals can be quite inexpensive in Argentina, even when you include a bottle of wine. An extravagant dinner at the most exclusive closed-door restaurants in Buenos Aires will run between $50 and $100 per person. An average restaurant will run about $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner. If you want just an empanada or a slide of pizza, you may be charged around $2.