Argentina
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Argentina's cuisine safely and confidently.
Avoid tap water in rural areas
While tap water is generally safe in major cities, it's advisable to drink bottled water in rural areas.
Be cautious with street food
Choose busy vendors with high turnover and proper food handling, especially in warmer months.
Be mindful of meat doneness
Argentinians typically cook beef well-done. If you prefer medium-rare, be specific when ordering.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
LOW AVAILABILITYTraditional Argentine cuisine is heavily meat-based. However, larger cities like Buenos Aires have vegetarian-friendly restaurants.
vegan
LOW AVAILABILITYVegan options can be limited outside of specialized restaurants in major urban areas.
gluten-free
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYMany Argentine dishes are naturally gluten-free, but communication about cross-contamination can be challenging.
Common Allergens
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCEDairy products, particularly cheese, are common in Argentine cuisine.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Wheat
MEDIUM PREVALENCEWheat is used in various Argentine dishes, especially pastries and bread.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Eggs
MEDIUM PREVALENCEEggs are common in many pastries and some savory dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Argentina's food culture for travelers.
Asado (Argentine Barbecue)
Asado is more than just a meal; it's a social gathering centered around grilling various cuts of beef, often accompanied by chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and provoleta (grilled provolone cheese).
Empanadas
These small, savory pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, from ground beef and onions to chicken, ham and cheese, or vegetables. They are a popular snack or appetizer.
Locro
A hearty stew made with corn, beans, squash, and various meats, locro is a traditional dish often enjoyed during national holidays and celebrations.
Milanesa
A thin, breaded cutlet of beef or chicken, milanesa can be fried or baked and is often served with mashed potatoes or french fries.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Argentina's diverse culinary traditions.
Pizza Argentina
A thick-crust pizza often loaded with cheese and toppings, distinct from Italian-style pizza.
Allergens:
Choripán
A chorizo sausage served in a crusty bread roll, a popular street food item.
Allergens:
Mate
A traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, particularly popular in Argentina.
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Argentina.
Buenos Aires
Influenced by Italian and Spanish cuisine, Buenos Aires offers a diverse culinary scene with classic dishes like pizza a la Argentina, pasta, and grilled meats.
Cultural Significance:
Reflects the city's cosmopolitan nature and immigrant history.
Signature Dishes:
- Pizza a la Argentina
- Pasta
- Asado
Key Ingredients:
Patagonia
Known for its lamb dishes, Patagonian cuisine also features seafood, game meats, and hearty stews.
Cultural Significance:
Shaped by the region's rugged landscape and indigenous traditions.
Signature Dishes:
- Cordero Patagónico
- Trucha
- Curanto
Key Ingredients:
Cuyo
Located in the Andes mountains, Cuyo cuisine features empanadas, hearty stews, and local wines.
Cultural Significance:
Influenced by the region's mountainous terrain and winemaking traditions.
Signature Dishes:
- Empanadas Mendocinas
- Locro
- Chivo
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Argentina's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Alfajores
Two delicate cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche and often coated in chocolate, a popular sweet treat.
Flan
A smooth, caramel-topped custard dessert, a classic in Argentina.
Pastelitos
Sweet pastries often filled with quince paste or sweet potato paste and deep-fried, traditionally eaten during holidays.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Argentina's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Fernet con Coca
A popular mixed drink made with Fernet-Branca, an Italian bitter liqueur, and Coca-Cola.
Malbec Wine
Argentina is renowned for its Malbec wines, known for their rich, dark fruit flavors.
Quilmes Beer
A popular Argentine lager beer, light and refreshing.
Soft Beverages
Discover Argentina's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Mate
A traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, prepared with yerba mate leaves and hot water, served in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla.
Submarino
A comforting hot chocolate drink made by submerging a bar of chocolate into a glass of hot milk.
Licuados
Fresh fruit smoothies or milkshakes, a popular and refreshing beverage.