Most Common Meals in Argentina

Argentine cuisine is famous for its high-quality beef, Italian influences, and simple, hearty flavors. Here are the most common and beloved everyday meals:

1. Asado (The National Dish)

• The absolute heart of Argentine food culture.

• Grilled meats (beef, chorizo, morcilla, chinchulines, etc.) cooked on a grill (parrilla).

• Usually eaten on weekends with family and friends.

• Served with chimichurri sauce, bread, and salad.

2. Empanadas

• Small savory pastries filled with:

  • Ground beef (most popular)

  • Chicken

  • Ham & cheese

  • Spinach & cheese

• Eaten as snacks, appetizers, or light meals.

3. Milanesa

• Breaded and fried beef or chicken cutlet.

• Often served with mashed potatoes, fries, or salad.

• Milanesa a la Napolitana (with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese) is very popular.

4. Locro

• Traditional thick stew made with corn, beans, squash, and different meats (beef, pork, chorizo).

• Especially popular during winter and on May 25 (Independence Day).

5. Pizza & Pasta

Due to strong Italian immigration, Argentina has excellent pizza and pasta:

• Thick-crust Argentine-style pizza (often with mozzarella and faina).

• Tallarines (spaghetti) with tuco (meat sauce).

6. Choripán

• Grilled chorizo sausage in a crusty roll with chimichurri.

• Classic street food and stadium snack.

7. Humita

• Sweetcorn tamale wrapped in corn husks, often with cheese.

8. Mate & Facturas (Breakfast / Afternoon Snack)

• Mate (yerba mate tea) is drunk daily.

• Paired with facturas (pastries) like medialunas (croissants), vigilantes, or cañoncitos.