Food
Steak
If there’s one thing Argentina is famous for, it’s steaks of epic proportions. And rightly so. Be sure to order yours muy jugoso (very juicy) to ensure you get it as it was intended: bloody good.
Tenedor Libre (literally free fork)
You’ll recognise these buffet barbecue restaurants by the fire pit in the window and the acres of beef lamb and sausage roasting over it. A set price usually gets you as much as you can eat. Be sure top it all with Argentina’s favourite salsa – chimichurri – a blend of chilli, tomato, olive oil and herbs.
Empanadas
Little parcels of joy, empanadas are mini pies sold on street corners in the north of the country. Traditionally filled with spiced mince, half a boiled egg and an olive (watch out for the stone!)
Dulce de Leche
Sickly sweet caramel made from condensed milk, dulce de leche is the breakfast spread of choice in Argentina. Beware the mid-morning dulce sugar spike.
Medialunas
Argentinian croissants – these are smaller than their french cousins, and ordered by the handful. Try the savoury variety – made with lard instead of butter, sounds awful, tastes sublime…
Drink
Coffee
European-style pavement cafes are an institution here, and the coffee is best enjoyed cortado – espresso topped with a little steamed milk, served with a shot of icy sparkling water.
Maté
To the visitor, it seems that every Argentinian has a little pot – often carved from a gourd – which they fill with this bitter green tea and top up with hot water. Insert a metal straw with a built in filter and you have a drink that’s made for sharing.
Wine
Argentinian wine has been on the up for years. The reds are especially good. Try a local Malbec. Perfect with red meat.
Water
It is safe to drink the tap water in Argentina however alot of people do stick to bottled water.
