Food, Drinks & Traditional Dishes in Buenos Aires

Every city has a dish that defines it; something you can't fully understand until you've eaten it fresh, straight from a market stall or a no-frills local spot that's been there for decades. In Buenos Aires, that feeling is no different. Dig into the iconic dishes locals actually eat, explore the markets worth getting lost in, and let the food do the talking.

CITY FLAVOUR PROFILE

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Local City Specialties

From Buenos Aires's kitchens; dishes invented here or loved like nowhere else

  • STREET FOOD ARGENTINE

    Sausage Sandwich

    CHORIPÁN

    This beloved, unpretentious street food consists of a thick, juicy beef and pork sausage sliced down the middle and served inside a crusty bread roll. It is aggressively slathered with chimichurri, a sharp, garlic and herb sauce that cuts perfectly through the rich fat of the meat. You will smell these cooking on makeshift grills outside football stadiums, public parks, and political rallies. It is the definitive, messy, and immensely satisfying fast food of the working class. Eating one while standing on the pavement is a quintessential local experience.

    TASTING NOTES
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  • MAIN DISH ARGENTINE

    Stuffed Onion Pizza

    FUGAZZETA

    A devastatingly heavy and delicious local variation of pizza that completely ignores Italian traditions in favour of overwhelming indulgence. It features a thick, doughy crust stuffed to the brim with a massive layer of gooey mozzarella cheese. The top is devoid of tomato sauce, completely covered instead with a mountain of thinly sliced, sweet roasted onions and oregano. It is incredibly rich, greasy, and usually requires a knife and fork to successfully consume. Trying a slice at a historic, standing room only pizzeria downtown is an absolute necessity.

    TASTING NOTES
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National Staples

Classic Argentina cuisine you'll find perfected here in the city.

  • SNACK ARGENTINE

    Stuffed Pastries

    EMPANADAS

    These small, golden half moon pastries are the ultimate comfort food and a staple of local delivery and takeaway culture. They are traditionally baked in a scorching hot oven or deep fried until blistering and crispy. Fillings vary wildly, but the most classic local versions feature hand cut beef, hard boiled eggs, olives, and a blend of savoury spices. They are incredibly cheap, satisfying, and perfect for eating quickly while standing at a casual counter. Grabbing half a dozen of these forms the backbone of a cheap, authentic local lunch.

    TASTING NOTES
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  • DESSERT ARGENTINE

    Dulce de Leche Cookies

    ALFAJORES

    These incredibly popular, decadent treats consist of two soft, crumbly biscuits glued together with a thick, generous layer of sweet milk caramel. They are then typically coated entirely in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or dusted heavily with powdered sugar. Every local has their fiercely defended favourite brand, available at every corner kiosk, bakery, and supermarket across the city. They serve as the perfect, sugary accompaniment to an afternoon coffee or a bitter cup of mate. It is essentially impossible to leave the city without trying at least half a dozen varieties.

    TASTING NOTES
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