Argentine Gastronomy, from North to South!

As you know, Argentina boasts a unique cuisine featuring beef, lamb, venison, pork, and fish such as trout, along with a variety of seafood from the southern lakes of our country. It also stands out for its exquisite spots to enjoy coffee and savor the regional pastries. Yet, one of our most typical dishes is the barbecue, with grilled meat and empanadas, which come with endless fillings of different meats or vegetarian options. I invite you through this blog to discover the country’s typical dishes, its landscapes, and its myriad of flavors, from north to south.

Wherever you go, every corner of the country offers a place to try a barbecue with the best cuts of grilled meat. Here, it is very common to have a butcher shop in every central area and neighborhood, where you ask the butcher to "prepare a small barbecue for 2 people" and they won’t hesitate to give you the best meat for a great barbecue; these simple words are enough for you to purchase and taste our favorite dish of Argentina. But there are also places in the country you simply cannot miss—let’s start with the north.

NORTHERN ARGENTINA (Jujuy and Salta)

Much of our most traditional cuisine—with its ancient recipes—can be found in northern Argentina: Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán, Catamarca, and Santiago del Estero, among others. However, we will focus on the two most visited by tourists, Salta and Jujuy. These regions offer stunning spots to visit among hills, vibrant colors, and a rich indigenous culture.

Salteña Empanadas

Hill in Salta.

Northern Argentina is a region with a rich culinary tradition influenced by indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures. Every dish has a unique flavor and local seasonings. Some of the most typical dishes include HUMITAS, TAMALES, LOCRO, EMPANADAS, and TORTILLAS. It is also very common to eat goat meat, from which cheeses and local cured meats are derived.

SALTA

Plaza 9 de Julio: The main square of the city of Salta, surrounded by historic buildings and traditional cafes.

Cafayate: A historic place full of unforgettable landscapes.

Here I will share links to places where you can have a coffee and try the delicious pastries of the region, as well as bodegones featuring typical Salta dishes.

Cafetería Kokoro - Salta
https://www.instagram.com/holakokoro?igsh=MW1wN21rZHBuNWRneA==

Finca Las Nubes, Cafayate Salta
https://www.instagram.com/fincalasnubes?igsh=NHEyZmw0Mmc3dXo0

JUJUY

Quebrada de Humahuaca: A narrow and fertile valley that stretches over 150 km, with a wide variety of landscapes and cultures.

Tilcara: A traditional town located in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, known for its artisan market and its Andean music festival.

Purmamarca: A colorful and picturesque town located in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, famous for its hill of seven colors.
 

“Hill of 7 Colors” - Jujuy

Here I will share links to the best places to eat and visit during your stay in JUJUY.

Llama Meat with Malbec, “Los Morteros”
Purmamarca, Jujuy.
https://www.instagram.com/losmorterospurmamarca?igsh=eGg4OWRicTE1YmJy

Humita, Restaurant in Tilcara, Jujuy
https://www.instagram.com/lospuestos?igsh=NTllczg5dWF5bXN3
https://www.instagram.com/elpatiotilcara?igsh=YXhrZHFqcHQwb2gw
https://www.instagram.com/sirvitilcara?igsh=aGZyejgwYTl2d2do

Although Argentina is enormous and every corner has incredible places—with its various climates, regional dishes, and above all, different soils for its animal and vegetable production—we cannot overlook our capital, BUENOS AIRES.

BUENOS AIRES, UNMISSABLE CAFÉS AND BODEGONES!

When it comes to its iconic pastry shops, you must not miss visiting the shops of Betular and Maru Botana, two major pastry chefs in the Argentine industry who have served as judges on various TV shows and have their own pastry shops, as well as a renowned tea house called Togni's Café. Below you will see links and photos of their wonderful products among the must-see spots in the area.

MARU BOTANA: A renowned pastry chef and cook from Argentina, who never ceases to amaze with her delicious cakes.


Maru Botana, great Argentine pastry chef.

Maru Botana Cake, a classic of Buenos Aires.
https://www.instagram.com/marubotanapilar?igsh=YnJ1c2tzdjRnam0y

BETULAR PASTRY SHOP: Another great pastry chef, judge on the "Bake Of" pastry show in Argentina, with an incredible career, who brings to Buenos Aires a pastry shop inspired by unique themes and the playful pink sugar—an icon of his establishment!

Betular with his iconic pink sugar and exquisite desserts.
https://www.instagram.com/betular.patisserie?igsh=MTdkejU2Z3F5YnBzNw==

TOGNI’S CAFÉ: A perfect spot for that Instagram post and to give your palate a distinctive taste, undoubtedly the most popular choice among Argentines when picking a place for coffee.

Breakfast at Togni’s Café
https://www.instagram.com/togniscafe?igsh=MTVtdHVsbTRibDZ0dg==

And of course, you can’t miss the lunch and dinner options offered by the capital of our province, BsAs. With venues that let you experience our culture, enjoy street tango, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere where people love to share and welcome tourists, showing their passion for football, barbecue, and all things Argentine. Next, I will mention some of the most iconic spots that you simply cannot miss when visiting Buenos Aires.

"DON JULIO PARRILLA", awarded with a Michelin star, is a place where you eat the best grilled meat and, not to mention, is also a spot chosen by our world champion Lionel Messi.

“Don Julio Parrillada”


https://www.instagram.com/donjulioparrilla?igsh=c2VsY3hrMWJtczFt

“PLAYER N°12 ARGENTINE BODEGON”: A restaurant inspired by the Boca Juniors club, offering an experience of Argentina's most exquisite dishes: Milanesa with french fries, empanadas, blood sausage, and even chorizos.

Napolitana Milanesa from “Player N°12”

“JUAN BAUTISTA PARRILLA”: The best experiences in meat and wine tasting can be found at this top-notch meat restaurant.

A classic empanada served with a glass of wine at Juan Bautista Parrilla.
https://www.instagram.com/juanbautistaparrilla?igsh=eHRhb2Vqcm03cG0y

“ARREDONDO”: A venue for wine and burgers, one of the highest-rated spots to sit down and enjoy the perfect combination!

Arredondo, a classic in downtown Buenos Aires.

“GUERRIN”: The best pizza and the most popular throughout Argentina, a place you simply cannot miss if you visit here! For decades, this pizzeria has held a rich history and a vibrant culture.

“Guerrin” – Located on Corrientes Avenue
https://www.instagram.com/pizzeriaguerrin?igsh=ZTBsaHEycjEzbWlq

ARGENTINE PATAGONIA

The beautiful south of our country cannot be missed—it is composed of provinces. Argentine Patagonia is made up of the following provinces: Chubut, Neuquén, Río Negro, Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the Southern Atlantic Islands.

Río Negro, Bariloche

But in this section, we will focus on one of the most touristy and beautiful places in our south, along with the most incredible culinary experiences in Argentina!

BARILOCHE: Located in Río Negro, surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains, making it an incredible place for nature lovers.

This destination is renowned for its lamb, the red fruits from its forests that perfectly complement the local pastries, its famous alfajores and chocolate shops, and its beers that you simply must try! Here is one of the best dishes and places you will want to return to a thousand times!

Tea House “Bellevue”
https://www.instagram.com/bellevue.bariloche.oficial?igsh=OWNoZ3dwdXBqOHl6

Lamb Plate, Restaurant “La Marite”
https://www.instagram.com/lamarmite.restaurant?igsh=c2VhaTkwenRpZmhy

Chocolate Shop “Mamushka”
https://www.instagram.com/mamuschkachocolate?igsh=MXMzenVnNjV6MWdoaQ==
https://www.instagram.com/heladeria.bariloche?igsh=MXZoam03bnJ0NnJ3eA==
https://www.instagram.com/cuchara.resto.bariloche?igsh=MTR2YTRnYWIwOTBrMQ==

Argentina has stood out for its gastronomy for decades. The most sought-after dish by tourists is the barbecue, its famous chocolatería in both ice creams and national alfajores, as well as its various meats such as venison, lamb, or beef. Prices can vary, but what is somewhat more expensive compared to the rest is the south of the country, one of the most touristy regions. Buenos Aires—as well as the rest of the country—offers a variety of prices to enjoy a great meal for every budget! Do not forget to add Argentina to your list of places to visit—you won’t regret it!

Regards,
Sabrina Palmieri

This article was written by Sabrina Palmieri for Traveossa. All rights reserved.
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