The 10 Argentine Dishes You Must Try

Argentina is a land of contrasts, not only in its diverse geography ranging from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the vast plains of the Pampas, but also in its rich culinary tradition. Influenced by waves of European immigration, notably Italian and Spanish, Argentine cuisine offers a symphony of unique flavors. This article takes you on a tour of Argentina's ten must-try dishes, dishes that tell the story of the history and culture of this magnificent country.

 

1. Empanadas

Empanadas are small stuffed turnovers that perfectly represent Argentina's culinary diversity. Each region has its own version of this traditional dish, with variations in filling and cooking method. Empanadas can be baked or fried, and are often filled with minced meat, chicken, ham and cheese, or vegetables such as corn and spinach.

Empanadas de carne (meat empanadas) are probably the most popular. They are generally prepared with minced meat, onions, hard-boiled eggs, olives and spices, creating a rich and tasty blend of flavors. Empanadas de pollo (with chicken) are another delicious variation, often seasoned with cumin and paprika for an extra touch of flavor.

Empanadas are perfect as aperitifs, snacks or even main meals, and are often served at parties and celebrations. Preparing and tasting them is an excellent way to discover Argentina's culinary culture.

2. Choripán

The choripán is the perfect example of simplicity meeting culinary perfection. This popular sandwich features grilled chorizo, served in a crusty loaf of bread, usually topped with chimichurri. The name “choripán” comes from the combination of the words “chorizo” and “pan” (bread).

It's a typical street snack, often sold at soccer matches or outdoor events. The chorizo, a spicy pork-based sausage, is grilled until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The bread, meanwhile, is lightly toasted to add a crunchy texture that complements the chorizo perfectly.

Choripán is often accompanied by a variety of sauces, the most common being chimichurri, but you can also find versions with hot sauces, avocado or grilled vegetables. This sandwich is a must for anyone wanting a taste of Argentine street food.

3. Milanesa

Milanesa is a breaded, fried meat cutlet, often prepared with beef or chicken. It is inspired by Italian cuisine, specifically cotoletta alla milanese, and has been adapted to suit Argentine tastes.

The meat is first soaked in a mixture of beaten eggs and spices, then coated in breadcrumbs before being fried until golden and crispy. Milanesa can be served in many ways, the most common being with French fries and a salad. A popular variation is milanesa a la napolitana, where the cutlet is topped with tomato sauce, ham and cheese, then baked au gratin.

Milanesa is a comforting dish that often brings back childhood memories for Argentines. It's also very versatile, and can be eaten as a sandwich, with mashed potatoes, or even in a vegetarian version with eggplant or zucchini instead of meat.

4. Provoleta

Provoleta is a simple but delicious dish made with provolone, an Italian cheese, grilled until melted and golden. This dish is often served as an appetizer at an asado, adding a touch of creamy richness before the meaty feast.

The provolone cheese is seasoned with oregano, red pepper and sometimes a drizzle of olive oil before being grilled directly on the parilla. The result is a crispy, golden exterior with a meltingly tasty interior. Provocaleta is usually served hot, with slices of fresh bread for dipping in the melted cheese.

It's a culinary experience not to be missed, especially for cheese lovers. The combination of the smoky flavors of the grill and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the provolone creates an irresistible dish that is the perfect opening to a traditional Argentine meal.

5. Fugazzeta

Fugazzeta pizza is a unique variation of pizza, characterized by its abundant topping of caramelized onions and cheese. Fugazzeta is a dish derived from fugazza, a traditional pizza without tomato sauce, topped with onions. In fugazzeta, cheese is added in large quantities, making each bite incredibly melt-in-your-mouth.

This pizza is a tribute to the Italian roots of many Argentines and is often enjoyed in traditional Buenos Aires pizzerias. The caramelized onions add a sweetness that marries perfectly with the richness of the cheese, creating an explosion of flavors in the mouth.

Fugazzeta is often served with a thick, chewy crust, perfect for soaking up the juices from the onions and melted cheese. It's a must for pizza lovers and those who want to discover an Argentinian twist to this classic Italian dish.

6. Asado

The asado is much more than a simple meal in Argentina; it's a veritable cultural and social institution. This traditional Argentine barbecue is a celebration of grilled meat, where pieces of beef, pork, lamb, and sometimes even chicken, are slow-cooked over charcoal embers. Preparing the asado is an art in itself, with each “asador” (grill master) having his or her own technique for achieving the perfect doneness.

The meat, cut into generous chunks, is simply seasoned with salt before being placed on the parilla (grill). The secret lies in slow cooking, which keeps the meat juicy and tender, while developing an unrivalled smoky flavor. Asado is often accompanied by chimichurri, a piquant green sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil and spices, which adds a touch of freshness and spiciness.

The asado is more than a feast, it's a moment of sharing and conviviality where family and friends come together. For those who want to live this experience, we also offer an article on how to make a real Argentine asado.

What's more, our range of gaucho knives is the perfect complement to this culinary experience.

7. Argentinian-style gnocchi (Ñoquis)

On the 29th of every month, it's traditional in Argentina to eat gnocchi, known locally as ñoquis. This custom originated with Italian immigrants and has become an integral part of Argentine culinary culture. ñoquis are made from potatoes, flour and sometimes eggs, kneaded into a soft dough, rolled and cut into small pieces, then boiled.

Gnocchi are often served with a variety of sauces, such as a rich tomato sauce, cheese sauce or meat sauce. Another tradition is to place a bill under the plate of gnocchi to attract prosperity and good luck for the following month.

The ñoquis of the 29th is more than just a meal; it's a social event where family and friends gather to share a meal and good wishes. It's a simple but delicious dish, a symbol of community and tradition.

8. Puchero

Puchero is a hearty and comforting stew, very popular in Argentine households. This dish is composed of various meats (beef, pork, chicken), potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, squash and sometimes chickpeas. Everything is cooked together in a large pot until the ingredients are tender and the flavors have blended well.

Puchero is often served in several stages. First comes the rich, flavorful broth, then the vegetables and meat. Each region and family has its own recipe for puchero, making it a very versatile dish adapted to local tastes.

It's a perfect dish for cold days and a fine illustration of Argentinian comfort food. To share a puchero is to share a moment of conviviality and human warmth.

9. Pastel de papa

Pastel de papa is an Argentinian family dish similar to shepherd's pie. It's made up of layers of seasoned ground meat (often beef), mashed potatoes, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, raisins and olives to add an extra touch of flavor.

The meat is cooked with onions, garlic, peppers and spices until well-flavored, then spread out in a baking dish. It is then covered with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until the top is golden and crispy.

Pastel de papa is a comforting dish that often brings back memories of childhood and family meals. It's an excellent example of Argentinian cuisine, blending simplicity and richness of flavor.

10. Alfajores

Pour terminer sur une note sucrée, les alfajores sont des biscuits sandwichs fourrés de dulce de leche (confiture de lait) et souvent enrobés de chocolat ou saupoudrés de sucre glace. Ces délices sont parfaits pour accompagner une tasse de café ou de thé.

Les alfajores sont disponibles dans de nombreuses variantes à travers l'Argentine, mais la version classique consiste en deux biscuits moelleux réunis par une généreuse couche de dulce de leche. Certaines versions incluent des noix de coco râpée, du chocolat ou même des fruits secs.

Ces biscuits sont non seulement délicieux mais aussi emblématiques de la pâtisserie argentine. Ils sont souvent offerts en cadeau et constituent un souvenir parfait de la richesse culinaire du pays.

Conclusion

As you explore these ten emblematic dishes, you'll discover an essential part of Argentine culture. Each dish tells a story, whether through traditional cooking techniques, local ingredients, or diverse cultural influences. Argentine cuisine is a true gastronomic adventure, where every bite transports you to the heart of the history and traditions of this fascinating country.

Argentine cuisine is world-renowned for its unconditional love of meat. From the famous asado to the delicious choripáns, meat is at the heart of Argentine gastronomy. To fully appreciate these carnivorous delights, the use of gaucho knives is essential. These traditional knives, inherited from the gauchos, the Argentine cowboys, are perfect for cutting with precision and savoring each piece of meat at its true value. Discover our selection of gaucho knives to immerse yourself even more deeply in Argentina's rich gastronomic culture.

You can also discover other aspects of Argentine culture in our catalog.

Buen Provecho!