Taste the Flavors: 10 Argentinian Dishes to Try in Buenos Aires
Are you a foodie planning a trip to Buenos Aires? If so, you’re in for a treat and I am here to help you discover the best Argentinian dishes to try in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is a city where food is a way of life. From hearty cuts of steak to Italian-inspired dishes and unique street food, the capital of Argentina offers dishes you won’t forget.
Argentinian cuisine blends European influences with local traditions, creating dishes that are bold, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. But where do you start?
I’ve put together this guide to the 10 Argentinian dishes you must try in Buenos Aires. Get ready to discover the flavors that define the city’s food culture, along with tips on where to find the most authentic versions. Let’s dive in!
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Traditional Argentinian food you must try in Buenos Aires
1. Asado and All Cuts of Meat


When it comes to iconic foods of Argentina, asado is king. Argentinian beef is celebrated worldwide for its flavor and tenderness. Even if you are not a big fan of meat, Argentina will quickly change your mind.
Cuts like ojo de bife (ribeye), entraña (skirt steak), and asado de tira (short ribs) are grilled to perfection on open flames. Don’t forget to try choripán, a beloved Argentinian street food made with chorizo sausage and crusty bread.
I have to say that I never really liked red meat, and raw meat was never part of my diet. Now, I can only dream about real Argentinian asado, and to be fair, no other country can do it quite like Argentina. Don’t forget Chimichurri!
Where to try steaks in Buenos Aires:
- Don Julio (Palermo): A world-famous parilla serving Argentinian culinary specialties.
- Parilla Peña (Recoleta): A local gem for traditional Argentinian food.
- El Tano (Avellaneda): Perfect for those seeking authentic and generous portions.
- La Terracita (Palermo): Real Asado experience at a local home
A Quick Guide to Argentine Cuts of Meat
- Morcilla: Blood sausage. A beloved parrilla classic, deeply appreciated by locals.
- Chorizo: Sausage. Argentine chorizo is NOT spicy. It’s mild, juicy, and full of flavor.
- Bife de Chorizo: Sirloin steak. A staple at any parrilla.
- Ojo de Bife: Ribeye steak. A classic cut, rich and flavorful, found in every parrilla.
- Vacío: Flank steak. Known for its extra fat and bold flavor.
- Bife Angosto: Porterhouse or striploin steak. A hearty cut for steak lovers.
- Entraña: Skirt steak. A flavorful, juicy option perfect for true meat enthusiasts.
- Cuadril: Rump steak. Commonly used in sandwiches, making it a popular choice.
- Entraña Gruesa: Hanger steak. A thicker and heartier version of the skirt steak.
- Bife de Costilla: T-bone or porterhouse steaks. A rich cut served on the bone.
- Bife de Lomo: Tenderloin. The leanest cut with almost no fat. My personal favorite.
- Tira de Asado (or Asado de Tira): Short ribs. A parrilla must-try.
- Matambre: Pork belly. A flavorful option for fans of rich, fatty cuts.
- Chinchulines: Small intestines. A delicacy for adventurous eaters.
- Criadillas: Testicles. Only for the boldest of carnivores.
2. Empanadas

Empanadas are one of the must-try foods in Buenos Aires. These flaky, golden pastries come with various fillings, from seasoned beef to creamy cheese and ham.
My favorite empanadas are the Salteña-style empanadas, which originate from the Salta region. They are particularly juicy and flavorful.
Where to try empanadas in Buenos Aires:
- Los Salteños (Chacarita): Known for their authentic Salteña empanadas.
- El Gauchito (San Cristobal): A cozy spot to grab popular Argentinian meals.
- Los 36 Billares (Avenida de Mayo): A historic café serving classic Argentinian snacks.
3. Milanesa

This breaded, fried meat dish is one of the most popular Argentinian meals. As the name suggests, it is inspired by the Italian “cotoletta alla Milanese”, an iconic dish of Milan. It’s similar to schnitzel, but the Argentinian serve with optional toppings.
Where to try Milanesa in Buenos Aires:
- El Antojo (Villa Devoto): Famous for its generously portioned milanesas.
- Don Ignacio (Recoleta): A go-to spot for this Argentinian culinary specialty.
- El Preferido de Palermo (Palermo): An upscale venue that reinvents this classic dish.
4. Alfajores

When in Buenos Aires you will discover that alfajores are one of the most popular Traditional Argentinian food. Alfajores are sandwich cookies filled with luscious dulce de leche and coated in chocolate or powdered sugar. They’re perfect as a dessert or a snack on the go.
Where to try alfajores in Buenos Aires:
- La Ideal (Centro): A historic café serving traditional Argentinian food and sweets.
- Alfajores Cachafaz (Various locations): Known for premium alfajores.
- El Sr Alfajor (Palermo): Offering artisanal versions of this famous Argentinian dish.
5. Dulce de Leche


No list of must-eat foods in Buenos Aires is complete without mentioning dulce de leche. This caramel-like spread is found in almost every Argentinian dessert. Pair it with creamy flan, churros, or ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat.
Where to try dulce de leche in Buenos Aires:
- El Topo (San Telmo): Renowned for its churros filled with dulce de leche.
- Dulce de Leche & Co. (Recoleta): A paradise for dulce lovers.
- Rapanui (Palermo): Famous for ice cream and desserts featuring this Argentinian treasure.
6. Pizza and Fainá

In Argentina, pizza and fainá are iconic dishes with roots in Italian cuisine. Argentinian pizza is thick, cheesy, and topped with ingredients like caramelized onions (fugazzeta), ham, and peppers, reflecting Italian influences.
Fainá, a thin chickpea flatbread inspired by Genoa’s farinata, is often served alongside or layered on top of pizza slices. This pairing, popular in pizzerias across the country, showcases how Argentina has transformed Italian recipes into something uniquely its own.
Where to try pizza and fainà in Buenos Aires:
- Guerrin (Corrientes): A legendary pizzeria in Buenos Aires.
- El Cuartito (Retiro): Loved for its authentic atmosphere.
- Banchero (La Boca): Home of the iconic fugazzeta pizza.
7. Provoleta

Provoleta is one of the best dishes to try in Buenos Aires. The origin is an immigrant from Calabria who wanted to produce a cheese similar to provola. Provoleta is a melted cheese dish, often topped with oregano and olive oil, served as an appetizer at parillas.
Where to try provoleta in Buenos Aires:
- Desnivel (San Telmo): A classic parilla for traditional Argentinian food.
- Parrilla El Pobre Luis (Belgrano): Known for its perfectly melted provoleta.
- El Mirasol (Various locations): An upscale take on this cheesy delight.
8. Tartas and Tortillas

Savory pies (tartas) and hearty omelets (tortillas) are popular Argentinian meals. The influence from Spain and Italy is once again evident, with the famous Tarta Pascualina – originating from Genoa’s Torta Pasqualina, or the tortillas coming from the famous Spanish dish.
Where to try tartas and tortillas in Buenos Aires:
- La Poesía (San Telmo): A charming café for tartas.
- Todo Tartas (Palermo): Specializing in savory pies.
- Hasta La Masa (Villa Crespo): Perfect for homemade-style tortillas.
9. Tamales and Locro


Looking for a traditional Andes cuisine in Buenos Aires? You need to try tamales and locro. Tamales, made of cornmeal dough stuffed with meat or cheese, are a regional dish from the northwest. Locro, a hearty corn, beans, and meat stew, is a winter favorite.
Where to try tamales and locro in Buenos Aires:
- El Sanjuanino (Recoleta): Famous for its tamales and locro.
- Tamales El Antojo (Caballito): A hidden gem for authentic tamales.
- 1810 Cocina Regional (Palermo): A must-visit for regional dishes in Argentina.
10. Sorrentinos

Finally, one of the best dishes to try in Buenos Aires is Sorrentinos. These oversized, Argentinian-style ravioli are filled with ham, mozzarella, or ricotta and served with rich sauces. A nod to the country’s Italian heritage, they’re a comfort food favorite.
Where to try Sorrentinos in Buenos Aires:
- Ristorante Maria Fedele (San Telmo): Offering authentic Italian roots.
- Nápoles (Palermo): A trendy spot with creative twists.
- Trattoria Olivetti (Recoleta): Known for handmade pasta and top Argentinian cuisine.
What to Drink in Argentina

And, of course, Buenos Aires culinary scene wouldn’t be complete without its iconic beverages. Here are three must-try drinks you can’t miss when you visit Buenos Aires.
Mate
Mate is a cultural ritual, not just a drink! You will see literally everyone sipping their mate everywhere you go. Shops, supermarkets, bars, parks. This herbal tea made from yerba mate is sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla and shared among friends.
Wine
Argentina is world-renowned for its wines, particularly Malbec and Torrents. The French and Italian influence helped to create a unique culture and high-quality products with excellent value for the money.
If you are planning a trip to discover more Argentinian wines, head to Mendoza or the area of Salta. This is the heart of the country’s wine production, offering rich reds and crisp whites. Pair a glass of Malbec with your steak for the ultimate Argentinian experience.
Fernet and Coca
Fernet is one of the most famous Italian “Amaro” (bitter) produced in Milan for centuries. My Italian boyfriend was shocked to see the incredible popularity of this specific bitter in Argentina, which is now the biggest producer of Fernet, even before Italy itself.
While Italians drink this bitter herbal liqueur with coffee, the Argentinians mix it with cola. Fernet’s strong, unique flavor may be an acquired taste, but it’s a drink you have to try to understand the local vibe.
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In conclusion…

This is the end of the best Argentinian dishes you must try in Buenos Aires and I am sure you are super hungry by now. Where would you like to start?
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
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