Argentine Gastronomy

Why not take advantage of our stroll down this quiet street to talk food? Let’s face it, exploring the local cuisine is half the fun of traveling. And well, you’re in luck, because Buenos Aires is a foodie’s paradise. You can eat just as well in the streets as in restaurants! Sure, the buildings might have a French feel, but the food is arguably Italian. They say Argentinians are basically Italians speaking Spanish, and you can definitely see it, especially in their body language. As for their gastronomy, you won’t find a single menu without milanesa, gnocchi, or fresh pasta. You’ll see pasta factories all around town! The coffee is great, the gelato is seriously good (with Italian accents of course), and the local sweets are delicious. And then there’s the pizza! Locals swear it’s even better than in Italy, but you be the judge. Of course, you can’t leave Argentina if you haven’t tried empanadas. These little pastries are stuffed with all sorts of goodies and come in different shapes depending on the filling. You’ll also find these in Spain, Chile and Uruguay. Another popular street food is the Choripan, or Chori as locals call it. It’s the Argentine version of a hot dog, with a grilled sausage called chorizo, made of beef and pork, served in a bun with chimichurri sauce, traditionally served with meat. And no, it has nothing to do with the Spanish chorizo. If you prefer burgers, try the lomito. It’s like a supercharged burger with churrasco beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, fried egg, ham and melted cheese. Trust me, it’s amazing. And if you go to a café for a merienda, the typical light afternoon meal here, be sure to try the tostado – a fancy grilled ham and cheese sandwich, served with a cup of coffee. Grab a factura next – you’ll find them in every bakery. They’re mini pastries filled with cheese, ham, dulce de leche or quince paste. And back to meat! Now, I know what you’re thinking: if you’re a vegetarian, Argentina isn’t exactly a veggie heaven. But for meat lovers, it’s a dream come true. The only sides you’ll find at a barbecue around here are blood sausages, sweetbreads, and more sausages – don’t ask me why they don’t count as meat! Argentina is known for its good meat, so you’ll just have to see for yourself. And of course, it’s always best enjoyed with a glass of Argentine wine. Cheers!