There is no better way to get to know country's culture and history than through their food. Almost every dish that we have on our table has a story behind it: the story of conquests and wars, influences and population movement. Argentinian cuisine was shaped mostly by three historical events: colonization by Spain, life stock export boom and European immigration wave. The agricultural abundance spiced with Mediterranean influences created a cuisine that is hard to resist. Here is the list of my favorite delicacies in Argentina:
Asado
Life stock export made Argentina 7th wealthiest country in the world in the end of 19th century. No other dish matches the national identity as good as Argentinian Asado (Spanish for grill). It is the favorite national pastime, religion, and sport - all together. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, you earn you money by driving a cab or managing a bank, you are woman or you are man, if you are Argentinian - Asado is what you do on weekends. Period (Yearly Argentinians consume around 100kg meat per capital) . Grilling for hours is a perfect way to socialize, share your food with family and friends, enjoy outdoors.
Since Argentinians grill practically all parts of the animal there is a cut for every taste. For us personally the highlight of the Argentinian grill was Asado de tira: delicious beef short rib. The bone and fat lining gives this cut very special, luscious taste. Not to mention the fun of sucking the bones...
Addresses:
http://www.parrilladonjulio.com.ar/
http://www.restaurantlaslilas.com.ar/
http://lacabrera.com.ar/
Patagonian Lamb
Definitely the most delicious lamb I ever ate, made simply on an iron cross placed near the fire in the pit and served with rustically grilled vegetables. Unfortunately I don't think it will taste the same in any other part of the world. Pure Patagonian air and water, stunning views, untouched nature are the factors that make the lamb taste so good. To try it you have to go to Patagonia.
https://www.facebook.com/makofuegosyvinos/
Empanadas
Small filled pastries of Spanish origin are undeniably my favorite thing in Argentinian cuisine. During our trip I made it my quest to try as many empanadas as I could (and then I ask myself where the 5 extra kilos came from...). Every restaurant has their own secret recipe. Fried or baked, big and small, differently shaped, filled with meat, fish, vegetables or even sweet - they all taste incredible.
Meat empanadas are served with another Argentinian cuisine essential - Chimichurri sauce.
4. Dulce de leche
Beyond the doubt, if Argentinians could make a tooth paste of Dulce de Leche they would happily clean their teeth with it. Another gift from the old world - this condensed milk is probably the second most used ingredient in Argentinian cuisine (after the beef). Dulce de Leche is present in most of Argentinian sweets and desserts and can be eaten at any time of the day. You can enjoy it on the bread for breakfast, or in form of sweet empanada, ice cream, crepes, mousse, cheese cake, Alfajores cookie - for dessert. To be fair I didn't understand the obsession before I actually tried it. Argentinian version is indeed very delicious and addictive.
Coffee
Argentina was not left behind in the coffee mania of the last years. While beautiful old fashion cafes of Buenos Aires slowly but surely are turned into tourist traps with mediocre overpriced mishmash, young, energetic and innovative coffeeshops are taking their place. They offer the best coffee blends from Americas and Africa roasted to perfection and brewed using the method of your liking. Our favorite - LAB takes coffee matters seriously: they not only serve coffee brewed using seven different filtration methods (Hipster Heaven), but also offer coffee degustations and trainings.
http://labcafe.com.ar/
Beer
Living in Bavaria turns people into beer snobs. What can you expect after spoiling your taste buds with the best beer in the world (no offense to the people of Belgium, USA and whomever thinks their beer is better)? Before living the country we always have our "last beer" ritual which supposed to help us through the trip. No need to say I didn't expect to find any good beer in "wine country" Argentina. Another misconception from my side...
Beer brewing in Argentina is blooming. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and microbreweries that are brewing their own beer. Number one for us - Cerveceria Patagonia is a real gem (and one more reason to love Patagonia). Located in another "must visit" region of Patagonia - Bariloche, Brewery is growing their own beer hops and brewing their beer according to the Bavarian purity law. Using local ingredients and keeping it simple (and natural) results in excellent quality beer. Definitely worth trying...
http://www.cervezapatagonia.com.ar/cerveceria
Contemporary cuisine
When you cannot see steak and fries anymore (that happens even to meat lovers like me), it is time to discover another side of Argentinian food scene - contemporary cuisine. Reinventing traditional cooking methods using the best local ingredients is in Vogue in Argentina. Young and creative chefs experiment and create eyebrow raising, but still affordable dishes.
Addresses:
http://azafranresto.com/en/
http://www.mariaantonietaresto.com.ar/home.html
Argentina is the country worth visiting for many reason and food, without a doubt, is one of them. It is alway good idea to stay away of beaten paths and keep open mind trying new, "exotic" ingredients and flavor. And you courage will be rewarded.