10 Delicious Traditional Argentinian Dishes
Traditional Argentinian food is fantastic, especially if you love meat. Argentina is famous for its world-class beef and homemade empanadas!
More than 6 million immigrants moved to Argentina between 1853 and 1955, mostly from Italy and Spain. After the U.S., Argentina has the second largest number of immigrants.
The Italian influence runs deep. When I traveled to Argentina, I could clearly see the European influence, and I also felt the warmth and cheer from the Latin American culture.
Let’s dig into 10 delicious traditional Argentinian dishes you’ll definitely want to try!
Food and Cultural Identity
Food in Latin America is a huge part of the culture. Argentinians are proud of their Italian roots and make a huge effort to keep their cuisine authentically Italian.
10 Delicious Traditional Argentinian Dishes
Let’s explore the best traditional Argentinian food that you won’t want to miss on your next trip down south.
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1. Empanadas
Find the recipe here.
Simple and delicious, empanadas are be baked or fried and stuffed with almost anything you can think of. They’re usually sold by the dozen in Argentina. The most popular empanada is filled with beef.
Empanar means to bread and it was derived from the Indian samosa, but the Argentinians have made the empanadas their own. In fact, they have the best empanadas in the world!
Immigrants from northern Spain introduced empanadas to Argentina. It was originally larger than the empanadas we know today. There are many versions of empanadas. When you travel to Argentina, be sure to try the ham and cheese, chicken, and beef.
Read more: 12 Traditional Chilean Foods to Write Home About
2. Asado
Find the recipe here.
Asado is the Argentinian barbecue that everyone loves. Again, it’s not just about the delicious steak but gathering and grilling the meat together. This gathering in Argentina is also known as a parrillada. Some families enjoy having these asados almost every weekend. It’s their national dish and it originated from los gauchos (cowboys).
This traditional Argentinian food usually includes sausages, beef, ribs, pork, and bread. If you’re going to Patagonia, you can find a whole pig or lamb roasting on an open flame. They always have fresh chimichurri, which is next on the list, and it all makes for a flavorful meal.
Asado is the way of cooking and not just the meal itself, it’s the experience. It’s the perfect dish for a social event or if you’re looking to socialize.
3. Chimichurri
Find the recipe here.
Chimichurri is one of the tastiest sauces I’ve ever tried. It’s an Argentinean pesto which is an uncooked sauce that is used to marinate grilled meats, to dip your bread in or on choripanes. Argentinians eat it all the time. It’s almost as popular as ketchup is in the U.S.
Chimichurri usually includes minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, olive oil, and vinegar. Some people add tomatoes or bell peppers to make a red version of this tasty Argentinian sauce. It’s a garlicky and tangy salsa that pairs well with red meat, chicken, and sandwiches.
When you go to an Argentinian restaurant you’ll be served a bread basket with chimichurri and other sauces.
4. Dulce de Leche
Find the recipe here.
Dulce de leche is caramelized condensed milk and it’s in many Argentinian desserts.
Try the Argentinian dulce de leche because it’s unlike any other you’ve ever tried. Spread it on bread or pancakes or eat it with crackers.
Traditionally, Argentinian dulce de leche is made by heating sweetened cow’s milk, caramelizing it, and letting it set.
See also: Traditional Peruvian Food: 15 Must-Try, Big-Flavored Dishes
5. Choripán
Find the recipe here.
Choripán is the Argentinean hotdog, but instead of beef, they use chorizo (pork sausage). They’re served with baguette bread and spread with chimichurri for extra flavor.
The sausages are grilled and then cut down the middle to make this delicious meal. Depending on where you go in Argentina, the choripán varies. In some regions, it’s served with caramelized onions, green peppers, and pickles.
Just like empanadas, choripanes can also be enjoyed as finger food or as a full meal accompanied by a salad. Just like hot dogs, they’re easy to have on the go and the perfect snack while you’re sightseeing.
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6. Medialunas
Find the recipe here.
Medialunas are Argentine croissants. They’re similar to French croissants but the shape sometimes varies. I found medialunas a bit smaller, gooier, and sweeter, and just as yummy as croissants.
Many medialunas are glazed with sugar or plain. They’re a popular snack or breakfast food with café con leche (coffee with milk).
Medialunas are served with dulce de leche, jam, or chocolate. People love to serve medialunas in coffee shops and it’s common to meet up with friends and have Argentine croissants and coffee.
7. Milanesa
Find the recipe here.
Milanesa is another Italian-influenced food in Argentina. Milanesa is popular in many Latin American countries but this South American version is fried, breaded steak, pork, or chicken and accompanied with French fries or mashed potatoes.
Milanesa napolitana is another Argentine version with melted cheese and tomato sauce on top. This is a delicious traditional dish like veal parmesan. It’s a rich comfort food dish that Argentinians enjoy on a warm night.
8. Alfajores
Find the recipe here.
Alfajores are the national cookies of Argentina. They have the best dulce de leche you’ve ever tried. Alfajores are two butter cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche. They’re similar to French macaroons but they taste more like shortbread.
Alfajores are originally from the Arab world but brought to Argentina by the Spaniards. Argentinians made them their own, and they consume more alfajores than any other country in the world!
9. Locro
Find the recipe here.
Locro is a traditional corn and meat-based Argentinian stew of the Andean people in South America. Argentine locro usually has meat and vegetables. The ingredients include squash, white beans, carrots, and potatoes.
Locro is a traditional Argentinian food that is close to the locals’ hearts because it was born in the Andes and it’s consumed all year long. It’s especially ideal for the cold months in Argentina.
10. Humitas
Find the recipe here.
Another ancient Andean food is humitas. This food predates the Hispanic period. Humitas are similar to fresh corn tamales and ground with other ingredients.
Humitas are usually made with fresh corn, sautéed onions, and spices. The most important part of humitas is the dough and wrapping them in corn husks for that special flavor. They’re boiled or steamed and served with fresh bread or tortillas.
Eat—and Learn Spanish—In South America
Food is a major part of South American culture. It’s wonderful to celebrate with loved ones and cook special foods to try out new dishes!
Spanish is constantly growing in the U.S. By learning Spanish, you gain the ability to speak this exotic language, teach yourself and your children a new skill, and become fluent as a family. Learning a language also helps you improve your cognition and decision-making abilities. It’s educational and fun!
Sign up for a free trial class before your trip to Argentina at Homeschool Spanish Academy and get ready for your travels! Have a 1-to-1 conversation with one of our friendly, certified teachers from Guatemala. Learners of every level are welcome, including total beginners. Check out our programs, prices, and testimonials and choose what works best for you.
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