Argentinian food is a delightful exploration of hearty and flavorful meals, with a particular emphasis on the renowned “asado,” a traditional barbecue that showcases the country’s love affair with meat. But there is more food to try in Argentina besides asado. The dining experience in Argentina is also marked by a unique cultural nuance—most restaurants open for dinner quite late, often around 9-10 pm, and extend their welcoming atmosphere until the early hours of the morning. So, if you are looking for early dinner, your options will be somewhat limited. Here is my list of 15 foods to try in Argentina besides asado.
Empanadas
Argentina’s beloved empanadas are savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, and often seasoned with flavorful spices.
Milanesa
A popular dish, milanesa consists of breaded and fried meat cutlets, typically made with beef or chicken, and often served with mashed potatoes or in a sandwich.
Humita en Chala
This traditional dish involves a flavorful mixture of grated corn, sautéed onions, cheese, and spices, wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.
Locro
Locro is a hearty stew made with hominy corn, meat, vegetables, and spices, creating a warming and satisfying dish enjoyed during colder months.
Mondongo al Escabeche
Mondongo al Escabeche is a traditional Argentine dish that showcases the country’s love for hearty and flavorful cuisine. This dish features mondongo, which is tripe or beef stomach, prepared in a tangy escabeche sauce. The escabeche sauce typically consists of vinegar, oil, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and various herbs and spices, creating a zesty and aromatic flavor profile. The mondongo is slow-cooked until tender, allowing it to absorb the vibrant flavors of the escabeche.
Matambre a la Pizza
Argentinian Stuffed Flank Steak, also known as “Matambre a la Pizza,” is a mouthwatering dish that exemplifies the country’s love for grilling and bold flavors. The star of this dish is the flank steak, butterflied and marinated to perfection. The steak is then layered with a savory stuffing that typically includes ingredients like ham, bell peppers, onions, and a generous amount of aromatic herbs and spices.
Picada
A popular snack or appetizer, picada consists of an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and bread, perfect for sharing over drinks.
Pastel de Papas
This Argentine version of a shepherd’s pie features layers of mashed potatoes, ground meat, onions, and hard-boiled eggs, creating a comforting and flavorful casserole.
Chorizo al Vino Tinto
This dish typically features chorizo sausages simmered in red wine, infusing them with a deep and savory flavor. The chorizos, known for their bold taste, absorb the essence of the red wine, creating a mouthwatering blend of smokiness and richness. Often seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices, the dish is simmered until the chorizos are tender and infused with the delightful wine-infused sauce.
Humita en Choclo
Similar to humita en chala, this dish involves a creamy corn mixture, often with added cheese, baked to perfection in cornhusks.
Lengua a la Vinagreta
Lengua a la Vinagreta is a delectable Argentine dish that features tongue (lengua) prepared in a flavorful vinaigrette. The tongue is first boiled until tender and then thinly sliced. The vinaigrette, a tangy dressing made with vinegar, oil, onions, bell peppers, and various herbs and spices, is generously poured over the sliced tongue.
Medialunas
A classic Argentine pastry, medialunas are sweet, flaky croissants often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack with coffee.
Flan
This creamy caramel custard dessert is a sweet delight and a common treat found in many Argentine households and restaurants.
Yerba Mate
Although not a food, yerba mate is a traditional herbal tea enjoyed throughout Argentina, forming an integral part of social gatherings.
Humita
Another variation of the humita, this savory pie features a filling of corn, cheese, and spices baked into a delicious pie crust.
Alfajores
These sweet treats consist of two soft cookies sandwiched together with dulce de leche, and often coated in chocolate or powdered sugar.
Dulce de Leche
Dulce de Leche is a beloved sweet treat that holds a special place in Argentine cuisine. This caramel-like confection is made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency, acquiring a rich golden-brown color and a luxurious taste. Dulce de Leche is incredibly versatile and is used in various desserts such as alfajores (sandwich cookies), pastries, cakes, and ice creams.
Cordero Patagónico
In the southern region, Patagonian lamb is a culinary highlight. Roasted or grilled, it showcases the flavors of the region with its tender and savory meat.
