This is the word I’d choose to summarize the best part of Christmas in Argentina: food.
Christmas Eve is a big deal here, with families dressing up and coming together to enjoy a delicious dinner. On the other hand, Christmas day is the day when we eat the leftovers of the previous night.
Each family member usually takes responsibility for at least one dish and brings it to the table.
So, what are the seven most popular dishes for this holiday in Argentina?
Keep reading for a complete food guide and all the details on these mouthwatering Christmas dishes!
How Does Argentina Celebrate Christmas?
The temperature in Argentina in December can go over 40°C because it’s summer time.
Therefore, Christmas time in the Southern Hemisphere can be quite different from what you’d consider a “normal” Christmas if you’re in the Northern hemisphere.
Learn more about how Argentina celebrates Christmas and its seven best traditions on this blog post.
Dressing for Christmas in Argentina
With all the food and the summer heat, loose, comfy clothes are the way to go for Christmas in Buenos Aires.
For us Argentine women, wearing a flowy dress is practically a Christmas tradition.
As for the men, nothing too tight either. They usually stick to a comfy short-sleeve shirt or polo and some stretch dress pants—perfect for enjoying Christmas dinner without the fear of splitting their pants or sweating all night!
Christmas Food in Argentina: “La mesa fría”
In Argentina we call our Christmas table “la mesa fría”. This is when we prepare several cold dishes for Christmas Eve.
Cold, fresh dishes are preferable when the temperature is too hot outside.
So forget about warm soup, stuffing, and hot chocolate because you won’t find that for Christmas Eve in Argentina.
Christmas in Argentina: Food Guide
There are seven popular dishes that tend to be present in every Christmas table in Argentina. Read about them below.
7 Popular Dishes
- Pionono
This dish is similar to a Swiss roll but it’s usually savory, stuffed with ham, cheese, mayo, olives, red peppers, sometimes tuna or other ingredients. It ‘s just delicious!
- Ensalada rusa
Russian salad is very common for Christmas Eve. Some grandmas call it “mayonesa” because it’s usually done with lots of mayonnaise. My grandmother used to make the best one.
- Ensalada Waldorf
Another popular salad is the Waldorf salad, which makes an excellent refreshing dish since it’s got apples, grapes and greens. Ensalada de frutas or fruit salad is also very popular.
- Vitel toné
The famous vitel toné is a very popular Italian dish that Argentinians love. It’s basically sliced veal served with an anchovy and tuna-based sauce. I know, this one sounds a little strange, but I promise it makes a great appetizer.
- Pollo relleno
Chicken stuffed with onion, spinach, ham, cheese, bacon and mushrooms. The filling may vary, though. I prefer it with ham, cheese and plum.
- Matambre arrollado
The word matambre comes from the combination of the words “mata” (kills) “hambre” (hunger).
This is a thin cut of meat that is stuffed with peppers, carrots, hard boiled eggs, herbs and spices. Then it is rolled or “arrollado” and sliced. You must try this!
- Asado
The traditional Argentine barbecue, better known as asado is a classic for Christmas. Lots of families opt for an asado as it can be done outdoors and is, tipically, everyone’s favorite meal.
Where Do Locals Get the Best Christmas Food?
All these Christmas food can be purchased at a “rotisería” or rotisserie. My suggestion, though, is to cook everything the old way!
To get the chicken and matambre meat, head over to the bucher’s shop “la carnicería”.
Get all the vegetables and fruits at a green grocer ‘s or “la verdulería”.
Supermarkets also provide a wide variety of Christmas ingredients for a tasty “mesa fría”, a table with dishes often served cold.
What Are the Traditional Christmas Sweets in Argentina?
We haven’t even touched on the delicious traditional Christmas sweets in Argentina yet! There’s so much to say about them, I might just write a separate blog post.
For now, here’s a quick list of three must-try Argentine Christmas sweets:
- Garrapiñadas – Crunchy, sugar-coated nuts that are impossible to stop eating.
- Mantecol – A melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter bar, full of nostalgia for many Argentines.
- Pan dulce – Our take on the Italian panettone, packed with dried fruits and nuts, and a holiday classic on every table.
Prepare your sweet tooth!
Conclusion
When we talk about Christmas in Argentina, food is a relevant topic. Argentinians prepare a “mesa fría” or cold table with 7 popular dishes:
- Pionono (similar to a Swiss roll)
- Ensalada rusa (Russian salad)
- Ensalada Waldorf (Waldorf salad)
- Vitel toné (creamy sliced veal)
- Pollo relleno (stuffed chicken)
- Matambre arrollado (meat roll)
- Tomate relleno (stuffed tomato)
Related Posts
- Preparaciones para la Navidad en Argentina
- Navidad en Capioví: decoraciones con objetos reciclados
- How Argentina Celebrates Christmas: 7 Best Traditions
