Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and is brimming with geographic diversity. This South American nation embodies dramatic mountain ranges, endless deserts and plains, lush forests, rivers and thousands of miles of ocean shoreline. Argentina is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, love of soccer and of course, its beef industry.
Quick Facts about Argentina
- Capital City: Buenos Aires
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
- Climate: Temperate/ varied
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Fun fact: It is Argentina tradition to eat gnocchi on the 29th of each month, a custom that would have been brought in by Italian immigrants.
Overview of Argentinian Cuisine
- Culinary influences of Argentina: Italian, Spanish
- Common ingredients in Argentian cuisine: Beef, potato, chorizo, cheese
- National dish of Argentina: Asados refers to a variety of barbequed meat that is cooked on a large grill over a fire.
Popular Argentinian Foods
- Provoleta- A very popular dish where slices of pungent cheese are topped with chilli flakes and herbs and grilled. The cheese is served crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside!
- Sorrentinos– A type of filled pasta popular in Argentina, these are very similar to ravioli but larger and circular in shape. They often come in a variety of vegetarian filling including grated cheese, ricotta, vegetables, or nuts.
- Tartas saladas– These refer to savoury pies that come with a variety of fillings. This includes everything from onion, corn, spinach, hard-boiled eggs to pumpkin.
- Chimichurri– The go-to condiment of the country, Chimichurri is a green sauce/ salsa made with lots of herbs.
- Empanadas– Literally translating to “enbreaded”, empanadas are baked or fried pastry that encase a wide variety of fillings. Whilst they are typically filled with beef, you can still many options for vegetarian empanadas.
- Alfajores– Two shortbread biscuits sandwiched together, most commonly by dulce de leche (thick caramel made from condensed milk). These are a favourite treat for Argentineans!
