Argentina Famous Food: 20 Must-Try Dishes That Define Argentine Cuisine

Argentina’s renowned cuisine reflects its rich cultural blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Italian influences. Whether you are exploring the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires or relaxing in the countryside, the food in Argentina will impress you with bold flavors, comforting textures, and strong ties to tradition.

In this guide on Argentina’s famous food, you will discover the best food to try in Argentina, from sizzling asado and savory empanadas to sweet alfajor and indulgent dulce de leche.

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1. Asado (Argentine BBQ)

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Asado is Argentina’s most iconic dish. This barbecue feast features ribs, sausages, and steaks grilled over a wood fire. It’s not just food; it’s a social event deeply tied to Argentine identity. The meat is slowly grilled, allowing fat to render and flavors to intensify. Served with chimichurri and wine, asado is a cultural must.

• Must Try With: Don’t miss the short ribs, spicy chorizo, morcilla, grilled provoleta, and plenty of chimichurri.
• Where to Eat: Head to local favorites like Don Julio, La Cabrera, or the rustic El Ferroviario for the real deal.
• Price Range: Expect to spend around ARS 2,500–6,000 (₹2,375–₹5,700), depending on your location and appetite.

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2. Empanadas

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Empanadas are baked or fried turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Each province has its twist. Salteñas are spicy, while Tucumanas are chunky. They are often sold at roadside stands and bakeries, making them accessible everywhere. These hand-held delights are Argentina’s go-to comfort food.

• Must Try With: Beef, cheese & onion, or spinach fillings; each bite feels like a local hug.
• Where to Eat: Found everywhere from roadside stalls to city bakeries; Salta and Tucumán have the best regional versions.
• Price Range: ARS 500–1,000 (Approx. ₹475–₹950)

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3. Milanesa

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Milanesa is a breaded meat cutlet, similar to schnitzel. Served with mashed potatoes or fries, or topped “a la Napolitana” with cheese and ham, it’s a staple of Argentine home cooking. It’s hearty, filling, and often served with a fried egg on top for extra richness. A favorite among locals for its simplicity and taste.

• Must Try With: Milanesa a la Napolitana topped with cheese, ham, and tomato sauce.
• Where to Eat: Try El Club de la Milanesa or any neighborhood café across Buenos Aires.

• Price Range: ARS 1,800–3,000 (Approx. ₹1,710–₹2,850)

4. Choripán

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Choripán is the ultimate Argentine street food: grilled chorizo served in crusty bread and drenched in chimichurri. Found at stadiums and food trucks, it’s fast, flavorful, and filling. Eaten between bites of meat and crunchy bread, it perfectly represents the casual, on-the-move lifestyle.

• Must Try With: Grilled chorizo, chimichurri, and crusty bread, the holy trinity of Argentine street food.
• Where to Eat: Best at street carts (carritos), stadiums, or roadside food trucks.
• Price Range: ARS 800–1,500 (Approx. ₹760–₹1,425)

5. Provoleta

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Provoleta is grilled provolone cheese seasoned with oregano and chili flakes. Served sizzling at the start of an Asado, it’s a cheese lover’s dream, crispy outside, gooey inside. It highlights the Argentine love for cheese and indulgent flavors. It’s served family-style for sharing.

• Must Try With: Provoleta with olive oil, oregano, and chili, crispy outside, gooey inside.
• Where to Eat: Start your asado with one at Don Julio or El Pobre Luis.
• Price Range: ARS 1,200–2,000 (Approx. ₹1,140–₹1,900)

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6. Humita

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Humita is a pre-Columbian dish made from corn, onion, cheese, and spices. It is steamed in corn husks and can be either sweet or savory, depending on the region. Handmade in many mountain villages and sold at local markets, humita is a beloved traditional food of Argentina, offering an authentic taste of rural Argentine life.

• Must Try With: Savory humita en chala, steamed in a corn husk with cheese and sweet corn.
• Where to Eat: Found at mountain markets and traditional restaurants in Salta and Jujuy.
• Price Range: ARS 800–1,500 (Approx. ₹760–₹1,425)

7. Locro

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Locro is a slow-cooked stew of corn, meat, and squash eaten on patriotic holidays. Hearty, spicy, and deeply traditional, it’s ideal on chilly days and rich in Indigenous heritage. It brings families together and remains a festive staple across the country.

• Must Try With: Loaded versions with beef, pork, corn, white beans, and squash.
• Where to Eat: Popular during national holidays or at rustic spots in Northern Argentina.
• Price Range: ARS 1,200–2,000 (Approx. ₹1,140–₹1,900)

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8. Fugazzeta

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Fugazzeta is a cheese-stuffed onion pizza with a thick crust, born from Argentina’s Italian influence. Rich, hearty, and perfect with soda or wine, it’s a Buenos Aires favorite. The gooey cheese and sweet onions bring a comforting, satisfying flavor.

• Must Try With: Classic fougasse with sweet onions and loads of melted mozzarella.
• Where to Eat: Try it fresh from the oven at Guerrin or El Cuartito in Buenos Aires.
• Price Range: ARS 1,500–2,500 (Approx. ₹1,425–₹2,375)

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9. Matambre a la Pizza

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Matambre is a thin cut of flank steak, grilled or baked, and topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s like pizza on beef. Juicy, cheesy, and unforgettable. A creative example of Argentine fusion cuisine.

• Must Try With: Matambre a la pizza, a thin steak topped with cheese, tomato, oregano, and chili.
• Where to Eat: Try it at a traditional parrilla or weekend family asado.
• Price Range: ARS 2,000–3,500 (Approx. ₹1,900–₹3,325)

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10. Medialunas

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Medialunas are small, crescent-shaped pastries enjoyed for breakfast or merienda (afternoon snack). Flaky, buttery, and sometimes sweetened with syrup, they’re Argentina’s croissant alternative. Often enjoyed with coffee, they brighten up everyday routines.

• Must Try With: Medialunas de manteca for buttery sweetness or de grasa for a flakier, savory bite.
• Where to Eat: Grab them fresh at any local café or panadería with a cup of coffee.
• Price Range: ARS 500–900 (Approx. ₹475–₹855)

11. Alfajores

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Alfajores are sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche and coated in chocolate or coconut. You’ll find them in cafés, kiosks, and bakeries across the country. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, they capture sweet nostalgia in every bite.

• Must Try With: Try the triple-layer ones or go for chocolate-covered ones for an indulgent treat.
• Where to Eat: Found in bakeries, airport shops, kiosks, everywhere.
• Price Range: ARS 400–800 (Approx. ₹380–₹760)

12. Dulce de Leche

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Dulce de leche is a rich milk caramel used in pastries, cakes, and breakfast spreads. It’s Argentina’s signature sweet, and nearly addictive. Its creamy texture and sweet taste make it a pantry staple and a perfect topping for desserts.

• Must Try With: Spread it on toast, drizzle it over pancakes, or scoop it into helado (ice cream).
• Where to Eat: Found in every home, café, and dessert shop across Argentina.
• Price Range: ARS 700–1,200 (Approx. ₹665–₹1,140)

13. Carbonada

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Carbonada is a sweet-savory stew made with beef, vegetables, corn, and dried fruits. Traditionally served in a hollowed pumpkin, it’s both comforting and Instagram-worthy. It blends flavors from rural Andean culture and festive gatherings.

• Must Try With: Carbonada criolla served hot in a carved-out pumpkin—sweet, savory, and festive.
• Where to Eat: Look for it in traditional restaurants, especially during winter.
• Price Range: ARS 1,500–2,800 (Approx. ₹1,425–₹2,660)

14. Pionono

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Pionono is a rolled sponge cake filled with either savory or sweet ingredients. Sweet versions have dulce de leche; savory ones feature ham and cheese. It’s a versatile snack, commonly found at celebrations and teahouses.

• Must Try With: Sweet pionono with dulce de leche or whipped cream for dessert perfection.
• Where to Eat: Often served at family celebrations, bakeries, and tea shops.
• Price Range: ARS 800–1,500 (Approx. ₹760–₹1,425)

15. Mate (with Snacks)

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Mate is a strong herbal tea drunk from a gourd using a bombilla (metal straw). Shared socially across all generations, it’s often enjoyed with local pastries or biscuits. It’s a moment for bonding and often accompanies conversations, walks, or rest breaks.

• Must Try With: Pair mate with medialunas, alfajores, or simple toast for the full local vibe.
• Where to Eat: Enjoy it anywhere in homes, parks, or plazas; it’s a national ritual.
• Price Range: ARS 600–1,500 (Approx. ₹570–₹1,425)

16. Entraña (Skirt Steak)

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Entraña is a flavorful cut of beef (skirt steak) that’s grilled over an open flame and typically served medium-rare. Known for its deep, beefy flavor and slight chew, it’s often featured in Asado platters. It’s less fatty than ribs but incredibly juicy, especially with a generous drizzle of chimichurri.

• Must Try With: Juicy grilled entraña with chimichurri and crispy roasted potatoes.
• Where to Eat: Found at asados or top parrillas like Don Julio and La Cabrera.
• Price Range: ARS 2,000–4,000 (Approx. ₹1,900–₹3,800)

17. Lomo Sandwich

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The Lomo sandwich is a tender steak sandwich made with grilled beef tenderloin, lettuce, tomato, cheese, ham, and egg, all stacked into crusty bread. Popular among locals and travelers alike, it’s a must-try when exploring street food in Argentina. Found in bustling street food stalls and casual eateries, this hearty treat is one of the most filling and flavorful sandwiches you’ll find in the country.

• Must Try With: Go for the lomo completo steak, ham, cheese, egg, tomato, and lettuce.
• Where to Eat: Popular at food trucks, sandwich bars, and casual street stalls.
• Price Range: ARS 1,800–3,200 (Approx. ₹1,710–₹3,040)

18. Patitas de Pollo (Chicken Nuggets)

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Patitas de Pollo are Argentina’s take on chicken nuggets—crispy, bite-sized, and often homemade. While especially loved by kids, they’re also a popular comfort snack for adults. You’ll find them in casual restaurants and food delivery menus.

• Must Try With: Dip these crispy bites in garlic mayo or chimichurri for extra flavor.
• Where to Eat: Found on kids’ menus, food delivery apps, and casual eateries across Argentina.
• Price Range: ARS 800–1,500 (Approx. ₹760–₹1,425)

19. Tarta Pascualina

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Tarta pascualina is filled with spinach, ricotta, and whole eggs baked inside. Originally from Italy, it’s now a staple of vegetarian-friendly Argentine cuisine. Found in bakeries and lunch cafés, it’s light yet satisfying.

• Must Try With: Go for the spinach, ricotta, and whole egg version with a sprinkle of herbs and cheese.
• Where to Eat: Common in bakeries, lunch cafés, and vegetarian-friendly spots.
• Price Range: ARS 900–1,700 (Approx. ₹855–₹1,615)

20. Helado (Argentine Ice Cream)

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Helado in Argentina rivals Italy’s gelato. Creamy, dense, and available in unique local flavors like dulce de leche, malbec, and flan, it’s a beloved treat year-round. Try it in cones, cups, or “kilograms” for sharing.

• Must Try With: Try dulce de leche granizado or sambayón for a true local scoop.
• Where to Eat: Visit chains like Freddo or local heladerías; it’s a must in any season.
• Price Range: ARS 1,000–2,000 per ¼ kg (Approx. ₹950–₹1,900)

FAQs

What is the most famous food in Argentina?

Asado (Argentine BBQ) is the most famous and culturally significant dish in Argentina, known for its rich flavors and social tradition.

What is the national dish of Argentina?

Asado is widely considered Argentina’s national dish.

What are the top dishes to try in Argentina?

Asado, empanadas, milanesa, choripán, and locro are among the top dishes in Argentina.

Is Argentine food spicy?

No, most traditional Argentine dishes are savory or mildly seasoned rather than spicy.

Is street food safe in Argentina?

Yes, street food like choripán and empanadas is generally safe when bought from popular, clean vendors.

What are some must-try desserts in Argentina?

Alfajores, dulce de leche, and pionono are some of the most popular desserts in Argentina.

What is the most popular drink in Argentina?

Mate is the most widely consumed beverage, followed by Malbec wine and coffee.

Are vegetarian options available in Argentine cuisine?

Yes, dishes like Humita, Fugazzeta, and sweet Pionono offer great vegetarian options.

Where can I try Authentic food in Argentina?

Local parrillas (grill restaurants), bakeries, and food markets like San Telmo in Buenos Aires are excellent places.

How much does food typically cost in Argentina? 

Meals range from ₹400–₹1,500 for street food and casual dining to ₹2,000+ for premium Asado experiences.