Food Guide to Argentina for Expats

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Argentina, a country of vast plains and rich culinary traditions, offers expatriates a unique gastronomic experience. This guide will take you on a journey through local flavors, from colorful markets to iconic restaurants, including contemporary culinary trends shaping the Argentine food scene.

The Pillars of Argentine Cuisine

Argentine gastronomy is deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. It reflects the diverse influences of indigenous populations, European settlers, and successive waves of immigration.

Asado: King of the Argentine Table

At the heart of Argentine cuisine lies the asado, much more than just a barbecue. It’s a true social and culinary institution. The asado brings together family and friends around grilled meats, primarily beef, but also pork, lamb, and sausages like chorizo.

Preparing the asado is an art in itself. Cuts of meat are slowly cooked on a grill called a parrilla, often for several hours. Seasoning is minimalist, highlighting the exceptional quality of Argentine meat. Chimichurri, a sauce made from herbs, garlic, and vinegar, is the traditional accompaniment to asado.

Empanadas: An Unmissable Classic

Empanadas are stuffed pastries that come in a multitude of flavors. Each region has its specialty, but the most popular are those with meat, cheese, or corn. These little delights are perfect for a quick meal or as an appetizer during a more formal dinner.

Italian Influences

Italian immigration has left an indelible mark on Argentine cuisine. Pasta and pizza are integral parts of the local diet. Sorrentinos, large stuffed ravioli, and milanesa, a breaded cutlet, are perfect examples of this culinary fusion.

Markets and Local Ingredients

To truly immerse yourself in the local gastronomy, nothing beats a visit to traditional markets. These vibrant places are the beating heart of Argentine food culture.

Mercado de San Telmo in Buenos Aires

This historic market is a true paradise for lovers of fresh produce and local specialties. You’ll find an impressive variety of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, as well as stalls offering traditional prepared dishes.

Mercado Norte in Córdoba

In Argentina’s second-largest city, this market is renowned for its regional products. It’s the ideal place to discover specialties from the province of Córdoba, such as salame from Colonia Caroya.

Essential Ingredients

• Yerba Mate: This herb is used to prepare mate, Argentina’s national drink.
• Dulce de Leche: A caramelized milk spread, essential in desserts.
• Alfajores: Cookies filled with dulce de leche, perfect with coffee.
• Queso Cremoso: A creamy cheese very popular in culinary preparations.

Iconic Restaurants and Culinary Trends

Argentina, and particularly Buenos Aires, offers a dynamic food scene that blends tradition and innovation.

Traditional Parrillas

• Don Julio (Buenos Aires): Renowned for its asado and impressive wine cellar.
• La Cabrera (Buenos Aires): An iconic parrilla offering a high-end dining experience.
• El Desnivel (Buenos Aires): A more casual but equally delicious spot to taste authentic Argentine cuisine.

Contemporary Cuisine

The new generation of Argentine chefs is reinventing local cuisine by incorporating modern techniques and international influences.

• Tegui (Buenos Aires): A Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative author cuisine.
• Aramburu (Buenos Aires): An avant-garde dining experience highlighting local products.

Emerging Trends

• Vegetarian and vegan cuisine: More and more restaurants offer meat-free options, a growing trend in major cities.
• Culinary fusion: Restaurants blending Argentine cuisine with Asian or Mediterranean influences are gaining popularity.

Table Etiquette and Cultural Tips

Understanding local mealtime etiquette is essential for integration and avoiding cultural missteps.

In a Family Setting

Family meals are generally friendly and relaxed occasions. It’s common to arrive with a small gift, like dessert or a bottle of wine. Punctuality isn’t always strict; arriving 15-30 minutes late is acceptable.

In a Professional Setting

Business lunches are common and can last several hours. It’s important to maintain light conversation at the beginning of the meal before addressing professional topics. Avoid talking business until your host brings it up.

During Formal Occasions

• Wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal.
• Keep your hands visible on the table, but not your elbows.
• It’s polite to taste all the dishes served.
• A small gift for the host is always appreciated.

The Mate Ritual

Sharing mate is an important social ritual in Argentina. If you’re offered mate, accept it and drink it entirely before returning it. Don’t say thank you before finishing, as this means you don’t want to drink any more.

Finding International Ingredients

Although the local cuisine is delicious, it’s natural to sometimes want to cook dishes from your home country. Here are some tips for finding international ingredients in Argentina:

• Specialized supermarkets: In large cities, you’ll find supermarkets dedicated to imported products.
• Ethnic neighborhoods: The Chinese or Korean neighborhoods in Buenos Aires are excellent sources for Asian ingredients.
• Farmers’ markets: Some markets have stalls selling imported products.
• Online stores: Many Argentine websites specialize in selling international food products.

Conclusion

Argentine gastronomy offers a wealth of flavors and culinary experiences that will delight any curious expatriate. From traditional asado to contemporary cuisine innovations, including Italian influences and regional specialties, there’s always something new to discover.

Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone, try new dishes, and immerse yourself in the local food culture. It’s by sharing meals with Argentines that you’ll truly understand the importance of food in their culture and create lasting bonds.

Enjoy your meal and bienvenidos a Argentina!