Like most travelers, one of the biggest adjustments I had to make during my semester abroad was getting used to the new foods. However, given the great variety and delicious flavors it didn't take too long. It's been five and a half months since my last Argentine meal and the cravings are getting serious. Here is a list of the top seven foods you must try if you find yourself in Argentina.
7. Panchos
Okay so not a traditional Argentine food but I can honestly say I ate more ponchos (otherwise known as hot dogs) in my semester abroad than I have in the rest of my life combined. And I’m a huge fan of hot dogs. There are pancho shops lining every street in the city I lived in with a selection of toppings that rival the options Chipotle offers including salsa gulf, spicy mayo, and miniature french fries to add on top.
6. Milanesa
Milanesa is a pretty common dish in Argentina. It’s a thinly cut piece of steak or sometimes chicken that is breaded and fried. While it’s not super exciting, it takes sixth place on the list because of all the options it offers- keep simple with a side of mashed potatoes, cover it with ham and cheese, or spice it up with some hot sauce (it took me several months to actually find hot sauce in Argentina but it does exist!). It's hard to go wrong with milanesa.
5. Pasta
If you don't know anything about Argentina it may seem strange that pasta is a common food there, however, so many Argentine families came from Italy that you may forget where you are. Argentine ñoquis (gnocchi) are especially delicious and while I haven't ever been to Italy, I can't imagine that the pasta there is any better than pasta homemade by an Argentine abuela.
4. Alfajores
Coming in fourth place we have one of the most traditional argentine snacks. Alfajores are cookies with a layer of dulce de leche (aka heaven) in between them. You won't find a country on this earth that eats more alfajores than Argentina and there's a good reason for that. Argentine alfajores are delicious.
3. Choripan
Ahh choripan. Basically the older, better brother to panchos. Choripan is chorizo (sausage) + pan (bread), and is better than any hot dog you will ever find in the U.S..
2. Asado
Asado is the epitome of argentine cuisine. In short terms it's Barbecue, but really it's so much more. Being from Texas I pride myself on knowing good BBQ, and let me tell you, this is good. Very few parts of the animal go to waste yet every bite is amazing. For those of you who haven't been lucky enough to enjoy an Argentine asado, please go buy a plane ticket for the next flight to Argentina.
1. Empanadas
If this were a certain reality TV show, empanadas would get the final rose hands down. Empanadas are the whole package. They can be a side dish for an asado, consumed at a fancy restaurant with a glass of Malbec, or thrown into a ziplock bag and carried around for days as a travel snack (not recommended, just added to show how versatile they are). Empanadas are the perfect size, the perfect combination of flavors, just overall perfect.
