Top 5: Foods to Try in Argentina

Quickly becoming a popular tourist destination, Argentina’s culinary traditions are piquing the interests of foodies around the world. The country is a melting pot, second only to the United States in the number of immigrants that come to live in the country. Argentina’s cuisine is a blend between the indigenous cultures of the region and adoption of Spanish and Italian traditions.

Asado

The national dish of Argentina consists of long strips of flank-cut beef grilled on an open pit called a parrilla. Beef is the country’s meat of choice, though in certain regions like Patagonia, lamb or goat is preferred. Wine connoisseurs should pair the dish with one of Argentina’s famed Malbecs.

Chimichurri

This green salsa is Argentina’s favorite condiment. Sometimes used as a marinade, but more often used as a topping for various meat dishes like asado or chorizo sausage, chimichurri is made of parsley, oregano, onions, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes and a touch of lemon or vinegar.

Empanada

A testament to cultural globalization, the empanada’s origins can be traced back to the Middle East. Brought to Spain by the Moors, and in turn introduced to Argentina, this meat pastry is a popular dish among working class South Americans. Empanadas usually contain some kind of meat, cheese or vegetables, in addition to the sweet varieties stuffed with dulce de leche or quince jam.

Dulce de Leche

Argentina also has quite the sweet tooth. A popular desert item is dulce de leche, made by boiling down condensed milk until you get a thick, caramelized paste. The sweet substance is used to top everything from ice cream to croissants. Alfajores are a popular Argentinean snack that sandwiches dulce de leche between two pieces of shortbread biscuits.

Yerba Mate

The traditional herbal drink of South America originates from the gauchos on the grasslands of Patagonia. Yerba mate leaves are used to brew the liquid, which is traditionally drank from a hollow calabash gourd.