What food should I try in Argentina?

Are there local dishes I should try in Argentina?
What are the typical meal times?
Any food or drink precautions?

Argentina is famous for its rich culinary traditions, heavily influenced by European influences, notably from Spain and Italy, along with indigenous traditions. Here are some iconic Argentine dishes and dining customs you should consider during your visit:
Local Dishes to Try:
1. Asado:
• The quintessential Argentine barbecue, featuring various cuts of meat like beef ribs, chorizo sausages, and morcilla (blood sausage), all grilled to perfection on a parrilla (grill).
2. Empanadas:
• These are savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, corn, or other fillings, and each region has its own variation.
3. Milanesa:
• A breaded and fried meat cutlet that is similar to the Italian cotoletta or the German schnitzel.
4. Dulce de Leche:
• A sweet caramel spread used in many desserts, such as pastries, pancakes, or ice cream.
5. Alfajores:
• These are shortbread cookies sandwiching dulce de leche or jam and often covered in chocolate.
6. Mate:
• A traditional infused drink made from yerba mate leaves, consumed with a metal straw from a shared hollow gourd.
7. Malbec Wine:
• Argentina is renowned for its Malbec wines, especially from the Mendoza region.
8. Chimichurri:
• A sauce made of herbs, garlic, vinegar, and oil that accompanies meats and choripan (a type of sandwich).
Meal Times:
• Breakfast (Desayuno): Light and typically includes coffee or tea with medialunas (croissants) or toast.
• Lunch (Almuerzo): The main meal of the day, eaten from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
• Dinner (Cena): Argentines eat dinner late, often starting around 9:00 pm or even later, especially on weekends.
Food and Drink Precautions:
• Tap Water: In Buenos Aires and major cities, the tap water is generally safe to drink. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, sticking to bottled water may be prudent, and it’s advisable in some rural areas.
• Food Safety: Just as when traveling anywhere, observe basic food safety. Eat at busy establishments that have a high turnover of fresh food, and be cautious with street food.
• Ice: In reputable bars and restaurants, ice is usually made with purified water, but if you’re concerned, you can ask for your drinks without it.
Additional Tips:
• Argentine Beef: Argentina is famous for its high-quality beef, so visiting a local steakhouse, known as a parrilla, is highly recommended.
• Regional Specialties: Different regions have their specialties, like Patagonian lamb or river fish like surubí in the Mesopotamia region.
• Vegetarian Options: Although Argentina is a meat-loving country, larger cities and tourist areas offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Argentinian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s diverse cultural heritage, and exploring its flavors is an integral part of the travel experience. Enjoy the hearty meals and don’t forget to complement them with a local wine for a complete gastronomic delight!
Keywords:
Argentine local cuisine, Traditional Argentine dishes, Argentina dining customs, Food safety tips Argentina, Argentine meal times