A Local’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires
Argentine cuisine is recognized worldwide. Not only for the top quality food that it exports, but also for the delicious recipes that make it up. Today it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, known for its variety and flavor, as well as for the mixture of influences from different cultures.
Argentine gastronomy differs from that of the rest of America by maintaining its Creole and indigenous character while showing a great influence from European gastronomy, especially Italian and Spanish cuisine.
Not to forget the fact that Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in Latin America and eight in the world; in 2010, wine was declared a national drink (mate being its first competitor) and is one of Argentine´s favorite ambassadors abroad.
But, we need to mention that as it´s a vast and heterogeneous country, each region has its own gastronomic culture, strongly influenced by the ingredients and traditions of the place. The geography and climate of each site also have a strong impact on the kitchen.
To start with, Argentinians are great meat consumers and the country's classic asado (barbecue) is said to be unbeatable. Many foreigners seek to taste the best-known cuts, such as the entraña, tira de asado, or the achuras.
All across the country, Fernet with Coca, pasta, Milanesa and dulce de leche, among others, do not escape the list of the popular meals.
Vegans and vegetarians, don’t panic, there is a growing market with delicious alternatives for you, mainly in Capital cities, being Buenos Aires the most “green friendly”.
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Table of contents
Introduction to dining in Buenos Aires
Meal times
Service at restaurants
Tipping
Best restaurants in Buenos Aires
Typical Argentine dishes to try
Main dishes
Desserts and sweets
Drinks
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An introduction to dining in Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, the specialty is variety. This cosmopolitan city has restaurants and bars for the most demanding variety and with the possibility of finding food from all over the country, but dishes such as churrasco, fainá, a superb asado or milanesa, great pasta and pizza, delicious empanadas are some of the most popular.
In addition to everything there is to see and do, the gastronomy of Buenos Aires is another of the great attractions of the capital. Although it is closely linked to Spanish and Italian cuisine, it also maintains its Creole influence.
But not everything is over tradition, it is certainly an ideal place to enjoy the different proposals, including exquisite international cuisine, eclectic fusion restaurants, cutting edge food thanks to a growing and prolific business of signature cuisine.
The preferred neighborhoods to enjoy the pleasures of Argentine gastronomy are Recoleta, Palermo, Las Cañitas and Puerto Madero, but also vibrant and bohemian neighborhoods like San Telmo, Villa Crespo and Chacarita.
So get ready to start planning your food itinerary in this big and amazing city!
Meal times
Like the Spanish, Porteños and Argentines in general, are late eaters and eating hours are variable. Normally, we have four meals, spaced throughout the day.
Breakfast is usually served between 7 and 10 in the morning. Lunch starts from 12:30 pm, but usually locals will eat around 1-1:30 pm, and on weekends at 2 or later.
A late afternoon tea is had at 5, and dinner hours usually start at 8:30 pm but locals normally eat at 9 during the week and at 10 or even 11 on weekends.
As we are night lovers, it is possible to find restaurant kitchens open until very late, even past midnight!
Service at restaurants
Don’t expect a fast food service in Buenos Aires restaurants. Even if it is modern, big and cosmopolitan, it preserves its South American rhythm when we talk about service. Of course it will depend on the place; normally the top ones are faster, but not always.
So be patient and make your time for lunch and dinner; both are ceremonial moments in Argentina; this is a nice thing to enjoy and learn about. So, service can be slow but good. People are usually kind and ready to help.
Many waiters know English so it´s not hard to understand them. But, again, this will depend on where you eat. Naturally, local simple restaurants won´t be the same as a restaurant in Puerto Madero, for instance.
Finally, remember to ask for the bill, you will sometimes need to raise your hands in order to catch the waiter attention! So if you are short of time, ask it as soon as you finish your meal, cause they also take their time to bring it, mainly if the place is too busy.
Tipping in Argentina
Tipping is not mandatory in Argentina, but still, every waiter will expect it. The usual tipping is a 10%; you can give more if you feel like, try not to give less. Think that tipping represents for the waiters more than what they earn as a salary.
Tipping is also common at bars and cafes. In self-service or fast food sites, you can introduce the tip in a jar or a pot that is shared by all workers.
Tipping is never included in the bill, not even if you ask for. In many restaurants (upscale and casual) an extra service is added to the bill, but different from tipping. I´s an additional called “cubierto” (meaning fork and knife) also called “servicio de mesa”(table service).
This includes the service in general, that you don’t have in fast food restaurants for instance, (dishes, fork and knife, cloth napkins, bread and some sauce). Pay attention not to confuse this service with tipping as they are two different things.
26 Best places to eat in Buenos Aires
Get ready, I now list my favorite 25 + 1 restaurants including few unmissable bars. Sorry, I tried to stick to 25, but at last minute I remembered one extra loving place out of center, and that’s the way I am! And remember, this is just a subjective list, there are so many great spots in B.A that you would need an entire life to try them all.
The list follows the map of the city from South to North but there is no order in price and style. I mixed the very fancy with the very simple, bohemian with classy, so just pick whatever feels more like you, or try many. Remember Buenos Aires is defined in many ways for its contrasts.
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Restaurants in La Boca and San Telmo
1. El Obrero
This is one of the best known bodegones of Buenos Aires, more than 70 years old, located in an out of the beaten path part of La Boca, a working class neighborhood (Obrero means worker).
Practically every local has eaten here, and also tourists love it. Their kitchen amalgamates the Creole menu with the Spanish and Italian tradition.
Created by the Asturian immigrant Marcelino Castro and today ran by his daughter who maintains the imprint of this iconic place
If its winter try the fantastic Puchero, and always, the tortilla española or tortilla de papas.
2. Atis Bar
In a building near 150 years old, formerly a nunnery, we find this unique
bar with a hidden terrace surrounded by more than 500 plants. In fact, Attis is the son of a Greek goddess related to vegetation. From outside it does not seduces you but once you are in you don’t want to leave.
The green landscaping with terraces and spiral stairs amazes you. You can have breakfast, lunch, a snack, after office or outdoor dinner, mainly, burgers, BBQ, bagels, craft beer and wine. No booking, you need to go and line. Its really worth waiting!
3. Napoles Bar
This 2000 square meters building with exposed historic brick walls and ceilings was originally a storage site. Now is an amazing restaurant, created by benchmark in the world of antiquities that arouses the interest of diners for its themed dishes of Italian food combined with the Buenos Aires tradition but mainly for its extravagant decoration:
Carousel horses, chandeliers, statues, tables of enormous dimensions, replicas of ships on a large scale, libraries, jewelery cabinetry and virgins make up an unbelievable collection). Service can be very slow when it´s busy so be patient, you won´t regret it.
4. San Telmo Indoor Market
This old indoor market from 1879 is one of the cities gems and a great spot to try most of the argentine typical food in a gourmet version. The old flea market and food market for fruit vegetables meat and chicken is still working, but during the last years a gourmet gastronomic pole for all kind of food has been developed.
My favorites: La herrería for a superb parrilla, El Hornero for juicy and delicious empanadas, humitas and tamales, La choripanería for a stunning choripan, and Coffee Town, a must for a roasted coffee after your walk in the old town.
Restaurants in Puerto Madero and Costanera Sur
5. Crystal Bar
This is for sure one of the best roof top bar in the city, located in the 32 floor of Alvear Icon hotel. It offers magnificent views and gorgeous drinks; food is ok but it´s not the highlight.
No bookings are available so you need to take the risk. Try to go before sundown to see the reddish orange colors over the city and the River Plate.
6. Los Carritos
Just beside the Ecological reserve, on the Eastern side of Puerto Madero, there is a long promenade called Costanera Sur where you can find the iconic and historical “carritos parrilleros”, sort of portable wheeled grills, foods stands selling choripan, bondiola pan, hambrguers, among others.
You eat them in the open air, just a couple of tables and chairs surround it on the sidewalk and patience if there is no place, prepare yourselves to eat standing up.
Few tourist adventure here, but locals love it!
One of the best known, but probably also among the more expensive ones is El Parrillón.
Restaurants in Downtown, Tribunales, and Barrio Norte
7. Confiteria Ideal
This is an icon of the city, one of the emblematical cafes preserved by the city government, a historical venue founded by a Spanish merchant in 1912. It has recently been recycled after many years closed, and is worth a visit.
French chandeliers, Italian furniture and stained glass windows, among other period treasures, this architectural jewel is just few 100 meters from the Obelisk.
It has been visited by practically all milongueros (tango dancers) from Buenos Aires in the last twenty years, famous guests, artists, actors and more, and many scenes from films were shot here, the most famous one: Evita by Alan Parker, with Madonna.
I Recommend it for breakfast tea or appetizer, not so much for dining. Try the submarino, or capuccino with medialunas or churros. Also a tasting of sandwiches de miga, fantastic.
8. Million
An outstanding restaurant and bar in the Piccaluga Palace, a terraced house with garden and elegant dining room, offering tapas and Argentine food. But more than the food, what seduces is the architecture, the many different halls and floors to explore, the great garden, and the bar.
Try its spectacular beer, and the must: Fernet con coca, but also their amazing martinis. Not pricey at all!
9. Gran Bar Danzon
This is one the main destination for locals after office as its located in the center of town. It serves Mediterranean food and tapas. One of the best places in town for wine tasting accompanied by great food, its cocktail bar, its wine bar, its living rooms and its restaurant are all highlights at the same level.
Great music and the best selection of wines and sparkling wines.
10. Pizzería Guerrín
The most iconic pizzeria in Buenos Aires, recently chosen 18th in a ranking of 150 most legendary restaurants in the world!
It was founded in 1932, and today is a must-stop of Corrientes Avenue. Its famous pizza consists is muzzarela called just “muzza” by locals, and fugazzeta, consisting of a thick dough, “al molde” and with such a lot of cheese that each bite is accompanied by a long, golden thread of cheese that stretches forever!
11. Florería Atlántico Bar
If you don’t know about it, you would never discover this bar in a basement of a flower shop over a quiet and peaceful street of a classy neighborhood. It was build in the same place where a mythical nightclub once stood.
It has the longest bar counter in the city (18 meters long), and has been chosen as the best bar of America and 7th in the world. The cocktails are unique!
The space, narrow and long, is populated from 7 pm and explodes around midnight. Not only the cocktails are superb, but also food, not common in many bars to combine both. Food offers a big variety, mainly tapas but also menu a la carte.
12. Panaderia La Exposición
This is one of the best traditional bakeries in town, which still preserves the spirit of the authentic bakeries of Argentina serving all typical local stuff like facturas (medialunas and bolas de fraile among them), sandwiches de miga and chipas. It´s located in Barrio Norte border with Recoleta on a corner. Just go!
Restaurants in Recoleta
13. El Sanjuanino
A great option to try some of the most typical dishes of what we locally call regional food, such as locro, carbonara, humitas and tamales and the unmissable empanadas.
There are several branches of this restaurant, the one in Recoleta is probably the most suitable for its location also cause its cozy, authentic and not pretentious, a kind of “anti gourmet” place.
14. Martí
Vegetarians, this place is for you! Marti is a bar that proposes a direct exchange between diners and chefs; while you eat you whatch what the kitchen staff is doing.
A sort of speakeasy; there is no sign with the name of the restaurant, the front door opens onto a long, winding corridor illuminated in blue that leads to this great place led by the well- known chef Germán Martitegui.
The menu is divided into diverse kind of breads, a dozen small heavenly dishes, and scrumptious desserts. All the food is vegetarian and certainly yummy.
15. Sottovoce
One of the best places to eat pasta in Buenos Aires. An Intimate and cozy restaurant with a stunning and very efficient service. Exquisite dishes made with the best ingredients arrive at the table in generous portions, al dente, with yummy sauces; so subtle that they do not invade the pasta flavor. As a dessert the authentic gelato!
16. El Club de la Milanesa
If you want to know Argentine Milanesa in all its ways and shapes, this is the place. The "Superpicada" offers a bit of all the batters on the menu: mozzarella sticks, cantimpalo croquettes, crispy breasts, chicken wings, meat and chicken square.
Now, if you want to go straight to the main sdish, pork or chicken milanesas, pick one of the 20 varieties on the menu with different toppings and accompanied by mashed potatoes and French fries.
You can also order a tasting of "milanesa de peceto" of different flavors: Neapolitan, cheddar, German, barbecue, unruly, or try the “Milanesa Inmortal”. You will love all. So get ready and go hungry!
17. El Rincón
In the heart of Recoleta, where most of restaurants are top and fancy, this is an exception. Not pretentious, antigourmet local restaurant that preserves the spirit of those “bodegones” that used to predominate in the area long time ago.
Argentine Spanish cuisine, such as bife de chorizo, carne a la cacerola, pastas, milanesa, and the top, tortilla española. Excellent food and very good prices.
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Restaurants in Palermo, Las Cañitas, and Belgrano
18. Casa cavia
The story tells this beautiful house was gifted by a very rich man to his wife on the 1920s. Built for this purpose by the famous Norwegian architect and artist Alejandro Christophersen, became a benchmark in eclectic architecture.
It´s located in the limits of a traditional and sophisticated neighborhood: Palermo Chico. Today this house is a restaurant, a bookstore, a publishing house, a flower shop, a garden, a bar.
Its kitchen vindicates a cooking style simple in appearance but deep in its execution, and priorizing local and season fresh products. Suggestion: sit at the checkered patio, the best spot.
19. Antonino
This is a Paradise of pasta, located in Las Cañitas, very little known by tourists so remains quite peaceful as it´s probably still an undiscovered spot. Loving everything, pasta is delicious and excellent wines to accompany. On the back side there is a nice patio to eat outside.
So, if you are pasta lover and don’t like to go where everybody does, don’t skip this place, you need to take a taxi unless you are staying in the area. Just 10 minutes driving from Recoleta.
20. Don Julio
This is the most famous grill in the country, and it has a reason, service and food, beaf are totally stunning, celebrities from all over the world have visited it even Messi has eaten there just after becoming the champion number one.
The hard part is that you need to book at least two months in advance and is very difficult to do it through the website cause it always seems impossible. If you have a friend in BA a guide or agency to make your booking then, you will achieve it.
Otherwise, take the risk and go directly, you will need to line for a long while but if you are not in a hurry, just do it.
21. Lo de Jesús
According to the woner: “The temple of beef and wine”. Built on an old store formerly owned by a man called Jesús and his wife, this is a geat alternative to Don Julio which is always full. Great food and service, sophisticated bar and grill venue with an extensive wine list, covered terrace and lush garden.
22. Rapa Nui
Honestly, the best ice cream in town. There are several branches of Rapa Nui spread in the city, maybe the nicest is the one in Palermo Soho. The setting is very typical of the area, preserving the style of the old chorizo house .and an adorable garden to sit an enjoy the ice cream.
All ice creams are made there and they offer a big variety of delicuous flavors. White, milk or dark chocolate. With pistachio, caramel, maroc, dulce de leche, almonds and more; strawberry, forest fruits, and kiwipassion fruit. Very fresh, highly recommended.
My favorite: dulce de leche de cabra, and the vegan chocolate!!
23. Sipan
This is my favorite Nikkei food restaurant in town. Not touristy; mainly for locals. It has a great atmosphere inside and outside a quiet and green courtyard, mainly during the week. The food is so good that you want to eat everything that the menu offers.
This restaurant was recognized by the Peruvian government as the best Nikkei cuisine restaurant outside of Peru.
24. El Preferido
This century-old building that was once a grocery store, bar and tavern, reopened its doors two years ago, and is now considered among the 50 best restaurants in Latin America.
Located at the corner of Jorge L. Borges street with Guatemala street in the Palermo neighborhood, where the famous worldwide Aregtine writer, Jorge Luis Borges spent his childhood. This pink corner formed part of the poet's childhood scenery, and was included in his famous poem “The Mythical Founding of Buenos Aires”.
Today, this restaurant with “porteño” food recovers old cooking traditions, combining comfort food or vermouth with typical details of modern cuisine.
Highly recommended for a typical porteño experience.
25. Apunema
This is a treasure in thriving Chacarita neighborhood, ran by two women; one of them an American with Phillipine routes and the other one Argentinian.
This fantastic corner serves outstanding Asian tapas inspired in the original flavors of Phillipine cuisine, mainly by the homemade recipes of Cristina Sunae's (the American owner and creator) Filipino grandmother. Pieces are all creative and delicious and the ambience, fabulous and original.
26. Orei Ramen
This spot serves one of the best Ramen in the city. With a very informal and relaxed atmosphere, it invites you to experience this traditional Asian recipe in “street food” style. It´s located just next to the China Town in Belgrano neighborhood, a beautiful area of the city, border with Palermo.
People gather in front of the bar to order (don't expect a fancy restaurant with tables and chairs). You need to have your cell phone handy because the menu is scanned with a QR code and the order can only be made online, you pay and wait!
Try to go early as it usually gets crowded, especially on weekends. But it's worth it. Their ramen is delicious! A must in cold winter days.
What foods and dishes to try in Buenos Aires
Argentine main dishes
Asado
Asado (Barbecue) is the flagship dish of Argentina! The roast includes different types of cuts, the most commonly used being the tira de asado (long strips of grilled beef rib), the vacío (a very tender and boneless cut of meat, with a layer of fat that adds flavor when cooked) and bife de chorizo (entrecote), accompanied by offal such as delicious sweetbreads, chitterlings, kidneys, black pudding and chorizos.
Buenos Aires is located in the Central and Pampean region of the country, the place to try an authentic and tender asado.
Provoleta
The provoleta is a must in Argentine roasts, which is customary to serve as an appetizer or accompaniment. It´s a provolone cheese cooked on the grill or in the oven, leaving it crunchy on the outside and soft and caramelized on the inside, adhered with seasonings such as oregano, garlic, chili or parsley.
Pasta
For sure on the main list of meals for all Argentinian, inherited from the Italians ancestors and is probably one of the best places in earth to eat it. But the Italian menu itself was expanded and filled with delicious and interesting fusions, creating a wide variety of dishes. For example, in Argentina it is common to eat meat together with roasted or grilled beef, as well as a thicker version of pizza.
Pizza/Fugazza/Fugazzeta
Due to the Italian influence, Argentines adapted some dishes from their culture and pizza is no exception. Pizza is not like Italian. In fact, there are two versions; the one with a thick crust and more yeast called locally “Pizza al molde”, and the thinner option, also very popular, is referred to as “Pizza a la piedra”.
They all have a base of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese and a wide variety of ingredients such ham, egg, olives, chicken, arugula, mushrooms, and many more.
The fugazza
This is similar to Genovese focaccia and today is one of the most popular type of pizza in Buenos Aires; to the base of tomato and mozzarella cheese, onion and olives are added. It was invented by the Argentine pizza maker Juan Banchero in 1893.
Fugazzeta is a pizza stuffed with mozzarella and onion, originally from Argentina. It is thought to have evolved from the fugazza. When sautéed vegetables such as spinach are added to the fugazzeta, it is called fugazzeta de verdura, and when slices of ham are added to the fugazzeta, it is known as fugazzeta con ham.
Fainá
It´s a unique flatbread made with chickpea flour, black pepper and lots of fresh herbs. It is very popular throughout Argentina and Uruguay. It´s usually served as an accompaniment to pizza, so that the slices of pizza are covered with a piece of fainá, but can also be eaten aside.
Empanadas
Probably the biggest attraction for tourists and a loving meal for every Argentinian!
Many advantages: they are fast to eat, they are cheap and certainly delicious. You can try empanadas in many corners of the world, but certainly Argentinians are among the best. Even if the most typical empanadas are made in the Northwest, Buenos Aires offers the porteño version.
Milanesa/Milanesa Napolitana
Meat is a fundamental element in Argentine gastronomy and Milanesa is one of its most popular examples. Its+sa kind of breaded schnitzel, with roots in Milán, Italy, but with migration it underwent small changes until it became the Argentine milanesa of which we find a great variety of recipes.
The most popular variety is the Milanesa Napolitana, covered in tomato sauce, cheese and oregano. The legend affirms it was invented in Buenos Aires, the 1930s or 1940s in a restaurant called Nápoli.
Revuelto de Gramajo
This dish, though less known than others, is a classic in Argentine gastronomy as it is cheap, easy to prepare and delicious. Just few ingredients: potatoes, eggs, peas, onion and ham, all mixed and fried.
Matambre arrollado
Flank steak folded and stuffed with vegetables, hard-boiled egg, olives and peppers. It is a traditional dish of Argentine gauchos.
Matambre a la pizza
It´s a traditional meat dish invented in Argentina. It consists on a flank steak marinated in milk and roasted on one side, then flipped over to grill on the other side, while the already grilled side is covered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and tomato slices.
Locro
The locro has its origin in pre-Columbian communities. In Quechua, it is known as “luqru” or “rucru”. It is a stew made from pumpkin, corn and beans, meat, red chorizo and bacon. This recipe is a fundamental part of traditional cuisine, being the obligatory preparation in winter and it is traditionally eaten on May 25th. and July 9th., which are national holidays in Argentina.
Choripán
The choripán, a sandwich made with chorizo (argentine pork sausage) and optional sauce (chimichurri), is probably the best sandwich in the world! Usually served as an appetizer at barbecues, but also the most popular street food, best meal at concerts and soccer matches.
Sandwich de lomito
It is a unique version of a meat sandwich: stuffed with thinly sliced tenderloin steak, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, mayonnaise, chimichurri sauce, ham, cheese and a fried egg.
Sándwich de miga
Very popular in Argentina and found in all bakeries and cafeterias, these sandwiches are made with crustless white bread, and can consist of two or more slices of bread per sandwich. The most common variety of the sandwich is made with mayonnaise, cheese, and ham, but there are no restrictions on possible fillings.
Picada
Picada is a typical starter dish of Argentine gastronomy that includes various foods served in small quantities. It is similar to Spanish tapas and to Italian antipasto. The picada ritual is interesting because it is social and sociabilizing. It can be eaten between meals, as a starter or as a main course when it is large.
Working class and historic La Boca is so much more than just Caminito and tourist traps. Get off the beaten path and see the neighborhood the right way with Maria!
Argentine sweets and desserts
Dulce de leche
Dulce de leche is the most characteristic sweet of Argentina but typical of all of South America. Kown as "arequipe" in Colombia, "manjar" in Chile and "doce de leite" in Brazil. (Similar to caramel spread in US).
In Argentina it is more creamy and consistent and with balanced sweetness. But what makes the real difference is that Argentinians like to use it for everything, such as cake fillings, facturas, alfajores, ice-creams, or in many occasions, just to spoonful straight from the pot. Actually there is probably no home in Argentina without a Dulce de leche pot in the fridge!
Pastelitos
Small pastries with flour dough, water and fat, filled with a sweet heart, either quince and sweet potato jam. Great to accompany mate!
Facturas/medialunas/bolas de fraile
At breakfast and snack time, the undisputed goddesses are the "facturas", those sweet pieces that are found in all bakeries in the country. To join with mate, coffee with milk, tea or a submarine, they are always a success!
There are all tastes: from the cloying filled with dulce de leche, to the lightest ones that are covered only with a little sugar. Among facturas we find the popular medialunas and Bolas de fraile.
Medialunas
These are considered the Argentine version of the traditional French croissants, but smaller, slightly sweeter and softer. There are two traditional types of croissants: the larger version, made with butter (medialuna de manteca) and the smaller one, made with lard (medialuna de grasa).
Bolas de fraile
To expain it in a simple way, they are the Argentinian version of a donut. Filled with dulce de leche or custard cream, and then dusted with powdered sugar. The name (friar balls) is said to have been invented by anti-clerical anarchists who wanted to oppose a harsh regime imposed by the Catholic Church.
Churros with dulce de leche
This is certainly a Spanish inheritance, but with two main particularities; Argentine churros are thicker and shorter than Spanish ones, and filled with the inevitable dulce de leche, the Argentine most popular sweet.
Alfajor
The alfajor is a traditional sweet of Argentine gastronomy with great international fame. They are two cookies joined by a fruit, chocolate or some type of mousse filling, but with no doubt the most popular are those filled with dulce de leche.
Helado
Argentina is said to have one of the best artisan ice creams in the world. After New Zeland, it’s the second ice cream consumer. Great variety of flavours, being dulce de leche and chocolate the most popular. Vegan options and with no tacc are growing. You can´t leave the country without trying!
Panqueque con dulce de leche
Everybody knows what a pankake is, but no everybody has been so lucky to try Argentine ones! These are kind of crepes (made out of flower milk and egg) filled with dulce de leche. Usually served hot so the weet filling melts and makes the dish even more delicious. When crispy and caramelized, those are the best.
Dulce de batata
This is a gelatinous dessert that is prepared with a base of mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, vanilla flavoring, and a thickening agent. Once cooked, the sweet is allowed to set and must always be well refrigerated. It can be found at any supermarket. It is normally eaten as a dessert matched with cheese (Postre vigilante)
Postre vigilante
A simple Argentinian dessert consisting of a thick slice of cheese covered in Dulce de Batata or Membrillo, two sweet gelatinous fruit paste made of sweet potato or quince. The dish owes its name to a colloquial word that designates the policemen (vigilantes) who liked this simple and portable combination.
Rogel
Rogel is a classic Argentinian dessert consisting of numerous thin layers of dough that are covered with a creamy dulce de leche. Traditionally, the cake consists of eight layers, while the top is usually decorated with Italian meringue. It is also known as rogel de alfajor, due to its similarity to sandwiched alfajor cookies.
Argentine Drinks
Wine
As Argentina does not have any typical local made drink like Tequila in Mexico or Pisco in Peru/Chile, for certain Wine is the national drink. Malbec and Torrontés are the most popular strains.
Fernet con coca
Fernet is an Italian herbal strong alcoholic drink but no one ever drinks there. Whereas in Argentina is a very popular option matched with coca cola makes an amazing local drink.
Clericó
Some believe is the Argentine version of the Spanish sangria, but it´s really an adaption of the British claret cup. A refreshing drink made with wine, variety of fruits and sugar, specially served on summer.
Submarino
A typical beberage of Argentina consisting on a black chocolate bar introduced into hot milk, and that´s all! You can try it in all cafeterias, especially enjoyable in winter.
Mate
Mate is a traditional infused herbal drink in several South American countries and is made of the leaves of the “yerba mate” plant.
Exceptional for many reasons; locals drink it all day from a gourd with a metal straw which is shared by many people, usually friends and family but even the unknown.
It keeps you out from hunger and awake because it has caffeine, but unlike coffee it has a double stimulating and relaxing effect, since it has other stimulant substances.
It's a source of minerals and vitamins and has many restorative properties on the mind and body. Just to warn you, it´s a bitter drink so prepare yourselves! And give it time, remember is an acquiring taste.
Maria Casiraghi
Argentina Expert based in Buenos Aires
¡Hola y buenos días! 👋
Hi, I'm Maria, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Argentina for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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