10 Foods You Must Try In Argentina

There's a saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Well that's true for a culture as well. Get to the heart of Argentine culture by eating your way through its delicious cuisine. While the country has many fine dining opportunities, especially in Buenos Aires and Mendoza, there are some staple foods you must try in Argentina.   [caption id="attachment_13677" align="aligncenter" width="675"] The truest Argentine feast: bife de chorizo on the parrilla. / source[/caption]   1. Steak This one is a no-brainer. Argentina is renowned for its meat and for a good reason. Whether you go to a fancy parrilla in Buenos Aires for a top quality bife de chorizo, or experience a typical asado (barbecue) with locals complete with morcilla (blood sausage) and choripan (see number 3), you'll be reminded of why vegetarianism is not for you. 2. Empanadas The perfect meal on the go, empanadas are a tasty pastry stuffed with delicious fillings such as: carne (meat), pollo (chicken), cebolla y queso (onion and cheese), humita (corn), espinaca (spinach) and everything in between. If you have to cook your own meal while in the country, simply pick up the ready made pastry circles at the supermarket and fill them with whatever your heart (or stomach) desires! 3. Choripan A choripan is quite simply chorizo (sausage) on pan (bread). Simple, but delicious, especially with ample chimichurri sauce on top. A good place to try this is walking around the antique market in San Telmo, Buenos Aires, on a Sunday, where you won't be able to resist the wafting scent of cooking chorizo from the vendors on the side of the street. 4. Milanesa This breaded meat fillet, usually beef or chicken is essentially a schnitzel. It's not exactly the most inspiring Argentine meal, nor the most memorable, but it's difficult to spend any amount of time in this country and NOT eat it, thanks to its prevalence on most set lunch menus. A typical way to order it is milanesa a la napolitana, with tomato and mozzarella cheese.   [caption id="attachment_13691" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Go loco for Locro in Argentina's Northwest! / source[/caption] 5. Locro A speciality of the North, a visit to Salta is not complete until you've tried Locro, a hearty Andean stew. This tasty National dish is made with corn, beans, vegetables, and usually has meat and/or chorizo mixed in. Mmm...delicious! 6. Trout The Lake District in Patagonia is famous for its fresh trout, making this an unmissable dish if you're heading to the south of Argentina. Get your fresh fish fix in Bariloche or El Bolsón, and wash it down with a local craft beer. 7. Medialunas Argentina's version of a croissant (but not a croissant), medialunas are an essential accompaniment to your morning cup of coffee. There are two types of this pastry. De manteca (butter), which are the fatter ones with a sweet glaze, and de grasa, (fat) which are the skinny ones that are a bit drier and less sweet. Be careful - these pastries are addictive! 8. Alfajores The quintessential cookie in Argentina is the Alfajor. Two layers of biscuit, filled with dulce de leche, and most often covered in chocolate, this is a sugar rush that is just oh so good. There are many variations of alfajores to be found, with plenty of options in every kiosko (corner shop), including an oreo alfajor. Many consider the best to be those made by Havanna.   [caption id="attachment_13690" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Delicious dulce de leche can be found hidden in many sweet treats! / source[/caption]   9. Dulce de Leche Literally meaning the sweet of milk, this caramel-like confection is so much better than caramel could ever be. That something made so simply from heating sweetened milk can be so heavenly is a mystery, but what we do know is that this sweet treat is divine. You'll find it in and on nearly everything in Argentina, whether it's jammed between alfajores, hiding inside your facturas (pastries) or as an essential ingredient in a cake (looking at you, chocotorta). 10. Helado Italy can keep their gelato. Argentine helado (ice cream) is all you'll ever need. A perfect blend of gelato (from Argentina's big Italian immigrant community) with a creamier version, the helado here is just perfect. Plus, it comes in every flavour under the sun, is available on every second block, and you can get your ice cream delivered to your door. What's not to love?! With all these delicious foods to try in Argentina, your stomach should be grumbling and your mind planning your vacation to this amazing country.

See more tours and activities in Argentina

  Get an introduction into Argentina cuisine with a Gastronomic Food Tour in Buenos Aires, then eat your way around the rest of the country!