Popular Argentine food involves a blend of European, indigenous, and African influences. Argentina is famous for its delicious cuisine. From succulent meats to sweet pastries, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular Argentine food that you should try on 25 de Mayo, Argentina’s National Day. Before starting, here’s a list of important vocabulary to sit at a restaurant or café in a Hispanic country:
| RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ VOCABULARY | |
| ENGLISH | SPANISH |
| Sparkling water | Agua con gas |
| Still water | Agua sin gas |
| With / without sugar | Con azúcar / sin azúcar |
| With /without milk | Con leche / sin leche |
| Leave a tip | Dejar propina |
| Oil | El aceite |
| Sugar | El azúcar |
| Waiter / waitress | El camarero / la camarera |
| Knife | El cuchillo |
| Menu | El menú |
| Plate/dish | El plato |
| Main course | El plato principal |
| Dessert | El postre |
| Straw | El sorbete |
| Fork | El tenedor |
| Toasted sandwich | El tostado |
| Drink/cocktail | El trago |
| Glass | El vaso |
| Beer | La cerveza |
| Spoon | La cuchara |
| The check/bill | La cuenta |
| Starter | La entrada |
| Soda | La gaseosa |
| Croissant | La medialuna / la cruasán |
| Pepper | La pimienta |
| Salt | La sal |
| Paper napkins | Las servilletas |
| Gluten free | Libre de gluten |
| Dressings | Los condimentos |
| Cutlery | Los cubiertos |
| Order | Ordenar / pedir |
| Take a seat | Tomar asiento |
This list is part of our ebook “Help! I Am Dating an Argentinian: The Ultimate Guide to Learn Argentine Spanish”. Get it now to start speaking Argentine Spanish like a native!
Pastelitos: The Most Popular Argentine Food To Try on 25 de Mayo
Pastelitos are a traditional Argentine pastry that is often enjoyed during national holidays, such as 25 de Mayo. These sweet treats are made with puff pastry and filled with a variety of fillings, such as dulce de membrillo (quince paste) or batata (sweet potato paste).
The question “¿Son mejores los pastelitos de membrillo o de batata?” generates heated debates amongst Argentinians. To give them a nice crunch, pastelitos are fried until golden brown and covered with colorful granulated sugar. Pastelitos are a perfect snack to enjoy with mate on 25 de Mayo.
Locro: The Most Traditional Argentine Food
Locro is a traditional Argentine stew that Argentinians often serve during patriotic holidays, such as 25 de Mayo. Usually, we make locro with white corn, pumpkin, beans, meat, and spices. Locro is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for cold winter days. It is usually served with a side of bread and is a must-try for anyone visiting Argentina.
Use this phrase to order locro at a restaurant in Argentina: “Te pido un plato de locro, por favor.”
Popular Argentinian Food that I Love: Empanadas Criollas
Empanadas are a staple in Argentine cuisine, and there are many different varieties to try. The criollas are one of the most traditional types of empanadas in Argentina.
Traditional empanadas criollas are my favorite. Made with a filling of ground beef, onions, green onions, and spices, and then baked or fried until golden brown, they never disappoint. Empanadas criollas are perfect for a quick snack or a light lunch, and they are sure to satisfy your cravings.
To order empanadas, we tell the seller the amount of empanadas we want. I often order 3 empanadas, but that depends on their size. Argentinians tend to order half a dozen or a dozen empanadas when they order food for a large group. Here are a couple of phrases to order empanadas in Argentine Spanish:
- Poneme tres empanadas criollas.
- Te pido media docena de empanadas criollas.
- Dame una docena de empanadas criollas, por favor.
Other Popular Foods in Argentina: Torta Fritas
Torta fritas are a simple yet delicious Argentine bread that is often enjoyed during breakfast or as a snack. They are made with flour, water, and salt, and then fried until golden brown. Torta fritas are often served with mate, and they are a perfect way to start your day on 25 de Mayo.
Check out this interview about “el mate” where la profe Mar tells us more about torta fritas in Argentina. There’s a saying, the most Argentinian way to eat a torta frita is on a rainy day.
Conclusion
Trying popular Argentine food should definitely be part of your bucket list. Argentina is home to a wide variety of delicious foods, and there’s no better time to try them than on 25 de Mayo. From sweet pastries to savory stews, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
So, if you’re looking for a new culinary adventure, why not try some of these popular Argentine foods? Who knows, you may find your new favorite dish!
Want to learn more about this topic?
Check out this awesome resource my mom and I created to teach you the imperative mood in Spanish through our home recipes. Click on this link to take a look at it!
