National Classics

• Asado (BBQ): Beef ribs, sausages, offal, and blood sausage—central to weekend family meals. Priced at $11–$28 per person at parrilla restaurants.
• Empanadas: Half-moon savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, cheese, or corn. A top choice for street food.
• Choripán: Sausage sandwich with chimichurri sauce, commonly found at stadiums and street stalls.
• Milanesa: Breaded meat cutlet, served with fries or as a sandwich.
• Locro: Corn-and-bean stew, especially popular in winter and on national holidays.

Desserts & Drinks

• Dulce de Leche: Caramelized sweetened condensed milk, used on bread, as a filling, or in ice cream.
• Alfajor: Sandwich cookie, a beloved snack and souvenir.
• Medialunas: Sweet croissants, a breakfast staple with coffee.
• Mate: National tea drink, often carried in a gourd with a thermos by locals.
• Malbec Wine: Signature wine from Mendoza.

Where to Eat & Price Range

Buenos Aires neighborhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, and the city center have a high concentration of restaurants. Parrilla meals cost $11–$28 per person, while street empanadas are around $1–$4. Puerto Iguazú and El Calafate focus more on tourist dining, with slightly higher prices. Winery lunches in Mendoza often require advance reservations.

Practical Tips

• Portions for grilled meats are large—two people can share a parrilla platter and add sides.
• Dinner service starts late; restaurants get lively after 21:00.
• Mate isn’t usually served in restaurants—it’s typically brought from home.
• Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended in remote areas.