Grilled Meats & Main Dishes

• Parrilla grilled meat: A mixed platter of beef ribs, sausages, offal, and cheese, best enjoyed at Montevideo’s Port Market.
• Chivito: Uruguay’s national sandwich, filled with beef, ham, eggs, and cheese, and usually served in large portions.
• Milanesa: Breaded and fried meat cutlet, commonly served with fries or a side salad.
• Puchero: A hearty winter stew made with meat, corn, and seasonal vegetables.

Desserts & Drinks

• Dulce de leche: A sweet, caramelised spread made from condensed milk, often used in desserts or served on bread.
• Chajá: A layered dessert made with meringue, cream, and fruit.
• Alfajor: A sweet filled biscuit, a popular snack across the country.
• Mate: Uruguay’s national drink, traditionally served hot, with a cold version available in the summer months.

Where to Eat & Price Range

Montevideo’s Mercado del Puerto and Mercado Agrícola are excellent places to try traditional Uruguayan dishes. A parrilla meat platter typically costs around $14–$28 per person, while a street-style chivito is about $7–$13. Punta del Este’s harbour area specialises in fresh seafood, with prices tending to be higher in the summer. For wine, try Uruguay’s well-regarded Tannat red.

Practical Tips

• Parrilla portions are quite large — a shared platter with sides is usually enough for two people.
• Lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day, and many restaurants offer good-value lunch deals.
• Service charges are often included in the bill, and tipping is not mandatory.
• Mate is typically a personal drink. While it might not be served in restaurants, you can bring your own gourd set if you’d like to enjoy it.

A Quick Note on Food Culture

In Uruguay, grilled meat is more than just a dish — it’s a social event. Families and friends often gather for hours on weekends to cook and share food around the grill. The same goes for mate tea, which you’ll often see people enjoying outdoors, whether in parks or on the beach. This tradition reflects Uruguay’s relaxed and community-oriented way of life.