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Top 15 Local Cuisines You Must Try in Argentina
Argentina is a country celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, indeed, but also for its rich and various foods. Its cuisine is the typical combination of European influences, basically Spanish and Italian, mixed with the ethnic traditions and flavors of this part of the Americas. With a strong emphasis on high-quality beef, hearty stews, and delicious pastries, Argentine food is a true reflection of the cultural variety of this country. The tour of Argentina is full of special dishes for every taste from a family gathering barbecue to street food at the local market. Indulge in Argentina's culinary delights: savor empanadas, asado (barbecue), choripán, milanesa, dulce de leche, provoleta, and locro. Don’t forget to apply for your Argentina visa online for an unforgettable trip!
Asado (Argentine Barbecue)

Asado is more than a meal in Argentina; it is a social event and a national tradition. These Argentine barbecues, common on weekends and special occasions, generally involve families and friends who get together around the parrilla or grill, preparing many cuts of meat over an open flame. Beef is usually the star, given the country's reputation for world-class cattle, but lamb, pork, and sausages are present as well. Some popular cuts include bife de chorizo, or sirloin steak; vacío, which is a type of flank steak; and morcilla, blood sausage. The meat is tenderly cooked to perfection, yielding tender and very flavorful results, usually served with chimichurri, a piquant garlic and herb sauce that truly complements the grilled meats. Asado is a symbol of Argentine hospitality and culture, and experiencing one is simply unmissable for any guest.
Empanadas

Empanadas are iconic in Argentina-snacked on and eaten as a meal. These salt savories are made with dough and stuffed with a variety of fillings, including minced beef, chicken, ham and cheese, or even vegetables. Each region of the country boasts its unique empanada style: baked, fried, and from spicy to sweet. The famous Salta-style empanadas boast a juicy pastry packed with a flavored beef filling. Empanadas are either eaten at every family dinner or bought from a street vendor and are relished throughout the country.
Milanesa

Milanesa is Argentina's answer to the Italian schnitzel. It consists of thin slices of beef or chicken breaded and then fried until golden brown. This modest yet delicious dish comes most often with either French fries or mashed potatoes and, for this reason alone, is considered a favorite in households and restaurants alike. For a more decadent take, Milanesa a la Napolitana adds a topping of tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese, almost like a pizza on top of the crispy meat. It is comfort food full of Argentine Italian heritage and love for rich, hearty meals.
Choripán

If you are out seeing the sights in Argentina and need a quick snack, choripán is the street food that goes to. This includes a grilled chorizo sausage in some sort of crusty baguette, usually topped with chimichurri or salsa. Choripán is very available at football matches and outdoor events and is an extremely popular snack due to its smoky, spicy flavor throughout the nation. It's simple, but packed with flavor. It's a must-try for any visitor looking to experience authentic Argentine street food.
Provoleta

For cheese lovers, provoleta is the stuff of dreams. This Argentine appetizer takes the humble provolone cheese, grills it until it develops a crispy outer layer while still being gooey on the inside, and is usually seasoned with oregano and a drizzle of olive oil. It's often served as part of an asado and is enjoyed with a bit of chimichurri for an extra punch of flavor. The provoleta is crispy, melty, and savory, providing a nice textural contrast and making for a delicious tease of the feast that usually waits at an asado.
Humita

A dish steeped in indigenous cuisine out of the Andean region, humitas are made with fresh corn, milk, onions, and spices. Wrapped into corn husks, these are steamed and result in dishes both savory and somewhat sweet. It is especially popular in the northern provinces of Argentina, including Salta and Jujuy. Humita can be eaten as a side course or light course; its comforting earthy flavors throw a person into a time capsule of pre-Hispanic Argentina.
Locro

Locro basically means a very thick type of stew that really represents traditional Argentine cooking. It is made on a base of corn, beans, and potatoes, to which cuts of pork, beef, and chorizo sausage are often added. The days when locro is normally consumed are national holidays; thus, this dish is especially consumed on May 25th, a date that commemorates the Independence of Argentina, which turned it into a patriotic symbol of unity and heritage. Locro is believed to have been of indigenous origin, and with time, it turned into one of the more consumed dishes within the Argentine cuisine, mainly during the colder months.
Matambre a la Pizza

This is the perfect combination of Argentine and Italian food whereby matambre a la pizza takes the cut of thin beef and prepares it in a manner that is similar to a pizza. After grilling, the meat is smothered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese sprinkled with oregano, hence making it a tasty, satisfying combination. The ideal dish for those people who love both steak and pizza, because it has the best of both in one unique Argentine dish.
Carbonada

This is a particular type of stew that is made from beef, corn, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables and is typically sweetened with dry fruits like raisins or peaches. The reason that this carbonada is so particular is due to the fact that it is usually served in a big hollow pumpkin shell that gives a natural, rustic flavor to this stew. This is a nutritious, hot meal that is very popular in the colder parts of Argentina, such as Patagonia.
Fugazzeta

Fugazzeta is a thick, stuffed pizza-one of the comfort foods Argentinians love the most. This dish is full of mozzarella cheese and topped with caramelized onions; seriously rich and satisfying. Fugazzeta very much reflects the deep Italian influence throughout Argentina and can be found in many a pizzeria around Buenos Aires. Rich, cheesy, sweetly onion-topped-this pizza is unforgettable.
Tamales

Tamales are a type of cornmeal dough filled with seasoned meat, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed. Originating from the indigenous cuisine of northern Argentina, each bite is full of flavor, and they're very much consumed in the provinces of Salta and Tucumán. While tamales can be found all across Latin America, it is in Argentina that they have earned their fame for the very peculiar mix of textures and spices.
Pollo al Disco

This peasant dish is prepared over an open flame with a large metal disc, cooking chicken with vegetables, wine, and spices. The way the chicken is prepared in the disco gives it a deep, smoky flavor; it's a rich, flavored meal normally enjoyed at family gatherings or in rustic celebrations.
Pastelitos

The pastelito is a sweet, flaky pastry filled with quince or sweet potato paste and then fried until golden brown. These treats are particularly popular for such national holidays as Día de la Independencia. These delicate, crunchy layers and sweet filling make them a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion.
Dulce de Leche

No exploration of the cuisine of Argentina would be complete without mentioning dulce de leche, a sweet, velvety-smooth caramel-like spread that results from slowly simmering milk and sugar. This much-loved ingredient is used in an assortment of Argentine desserts, including alfajores-sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche-cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Its rich flavor is a signature of Argentine sweet delicacies, and a trip to the country is never complete without indulgence in some confectionery containing dulce de leche.
Conclusion
With a rich impact of the cultural influences, indigenous, European, especially Spanish and Italian combined to give Argentina its richly gastronomic heritage-from the smoky, saliva-sucking asado to sweet tooth indulgence of dulce de leche. Every region in Argentina has its flavors and ways of cooking, making this gastronomic tour across the country exciting and rewarding, to say the least. Whether you like hearty stews, savory pastries, or grilled meats, Argentina's local cuisines serve up a taste of vibrant culture and history with every meal that leaves you wanting more.