Dining in Argentina isn’t just about eating – it’s a cultural journey that will transform how you experience food. When you’re ready to order food in Argentina, you’ll discover a world where meals are social celebrations and flavors tell stories of diverse cultural influences.
Essential Phrases to Order Food in Argentina
The moment you step into an Argentine restaurant, these phrases will be your golden ticket to an authentic dining experience:
- “Quisiera hacer una reserva para dos personas” – I’d like to make a reservation for two people
- “Una mesa para cuatro, por favor” – A table for four, please
- “Para mí, bife de chorizo a punto” – For me, a medium sirloin steak
- “¿Qué me recomienda del menú?” – What do you recommend from the menu?
- “La cuenta, por favor” – The bill, please
Understanding Argentine Menus
Starters (Entradas)
You’ll find picadas (meat and cheese platters) and empanadas (savory pastries) leading the charge. These aren’t just appetizers – they’re conversation starters, meant to be shared and savored.
Main Courses (Platos Principales)
When ordering your main dish, you’ll encounter these essential terms for steak doneness:
- Jugoso: Rare
- A punto: Medium
- Bien cocido: Well-done
Must-Try Argentine Dishes:
- Asado: The king of Argentine cuisine. “¿Me trae un mixto de asado, por favor?” (Could you bring me a mixed grill, please?)
- Locro: A hearty stew. “Quisiera probar el locro tradicional” (I’d like to try the traditional locro)
- Milanesa: The Argentine answer to schnitzel. “Una milanesa napolitana con puré” (A Neapolitan-style milanesa with mashed potatoes)
- Choripán: The ultimate street food sandwich. “Un choripán con mucho chimichurri” (A choripán with lots of chimichurri)
Beverages (Bebidas)
- Mate: The national drink. “¿Podemos compartir un mate?” (Can we share some mate?)
- Malbec: Argentina’s flagship wine. “Una botella de Malbec de la casa” (A bottle of house Malbec)
- Fernet con Coca: The unexpected but beloved cocktail. “Un Fernet con Coca, por favor” (A Fernet with Coke, please)
Dining Customs and Etiquette
Timing is Everything
In Argentina, lunch typically runs from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, while dinner starts fashionably late – after 9:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, you might find yourself dining alone!
Payment and Tipping
While tipping isn’t mandatory, leaving 10% is a gracious gesture that’s always appreciated. “¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta?” (Can I pay by card?) is a useful phrase to know.
Social Customs
- Expect relaxed, lengthy meals
- Don’t rush through your courses
- It’s common to be invited to share mate. “Gracias por compartir el mate” (Thank you for sharing the mate)
Regional Specialties
Every region in Argentina offers unique specialties:
- Buenos Aires: World-famous steakhouses. “¿Cuál es la parrilla más tradicional del barrio?” (Which is the most traditional steakhouse in the neighborhood?)
- Mendoza: Fresh farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines. “¿Tiene vinos de la región?” (Do you have wines from the region?)
- Patagonia: Incredible cordero and mariscos. “¿El cordero patagónico es de la zona?” (Is the Patagonian lamb from this area?)
- Northwest: Empanadas salteñas and locro. “Quisiera probar las empanadas salteñas” (I’d like to try the Salta-style empanadas)
Remember, when you order food in Argentina, you’re not just having a meal – you’re participating in a cherished cultural tradition. Each dish tells a story, and every meal is an opportunity to connect with one of the world’s most passionate food cultures.