Typical Argentinian Dishes Ideal for Sharing

Empanadas, asado, pizza. Emblems of any Argentine menu for their delicious flavor and because they are the go-to choice for a feast among friends. Argentine cuisine is much more than a culinary experience: it is a social ritual, the perfect excuse to gather and share unforgettable moments. From asado to picada, each traditional dish reflects the country's identity and is best enjoyed in good company. If you're looking for ideas for a get-together with friends, here are the traditional Argentine dishes that must be on the table.

Asado: The King of Argentine Gatherings

If there is something that represents Argentine culinary culture, it is asado. More than just a meal, it is a sacred tradition that can last for hours and is the centerpiece of countless gatherings among friends and family.

What does a good asado include?

• Achuras (chorizo, blood sausage, sweetbreads)
• Meat cuts such as short ribs, flank steak, and skirt steak
• Grilled provoleta cheese
• Chimichurri (garlic, parsley, and spice sauce)
• Salads and grilled vegetables

The aroma of meat cooking over the embers, the sound of laughter, and toasts with red wine or beer complete the perfect scene. Beyond the ingredients that make up the barbecue, the heart of asado runs deeper than its intense and delicious flavor. Asados are the Sunday ritual that can last for hours, hide memorable anecdotes, encapsulate iconic moments, and, why not, be accompanied by card games, sweet treats like ice cream or dulce de leche, and endless hugs. Asados among friends are simply sacred.

Empanadas: The Must-Have at Any Gathering

Argentine empanadas are an undisputed classic. Easy to eat, share, and enjoy on any occasion, they are the ideal choice for a relaxed get-together.

Most popular types of empanadas:

• Beef empanadas: With onion, egg, olives, and spices
• Ham and cheese empanadas: Perfect for those looking for something creamier
• Chicken empanadas: A delicious and juicy alternative

Whether fried or baked, they pair perfectly with craft beer or a good glass of Fernet with Coke.

Argentine Pizza: Fluffy Dough and Lots of Cheese

If there is one dish that Argentines have turned into a true delicacy, it is pizza. Unlike Italian pizza, Argentine pizza is distinguished by its thick dough and abundant melted mozzarella.

Most iconic pizzas:

• Mozzarella: The most classic and popular version
• Fugazzeta: With onions and a generous amount of cheese
• Napolitana: With tomato slices and garlic

The best way to enjoy it is in true Buenos Aires style: with a cold beer and among friends. The alternative to professional recipes (whose epicenter is Corrientes Street in Buenos Aires) is just as valid. Homemade pizzas are always a hit, and the designated chef of the group can occasionally prepare them for the guests. The result will always be an evening where eating with your hands, using plenty of napkins, and trying different flavors is an honored tradition.

Picada: The Ritual of Friendship and Football

If there is something that unites Argentines, besides mate, it is picada. It is the perfect appetizer to accompany a conversation, an informal gathering, or a match of the Argentine national team.

Essential elements of a good picada:

• Variety of cheeses (pategrás, sardo, fontina)
• Salami and cured ham
• Olives and nuts
• Bread and breadsticks
• Chips and peanuts

The recommended drink is undoubtedly a cold beer or a glass of Malbec wine.

Where to Try the Best Traditional Argentine Dishes?

If you visit Argentina, you cannot miss these dishes in some of the country's most traditional spots:

• Buenos Aires steakhouses for an unforgettable asado
• Pizzerias on Corrientes Avenue to taste the best mozzarella
• Empanadas from northern Argentina, with unique flavors in Salta and Tucumán
• Traditional bars and bodegones in Buenos Aires, ideal for a good picada

Other Unmissable Regional Dishes in Argentina

Each region of Argentina has its own traditional delicacies worth trying:

• Northern Argentina: Tamales, humitas, locro, Salta-style empanadas.
• Cuyo: Chivito a la llama, tortitas mendocinas, pastelitos cuyanos.
• Patagonia: Patagonian lamb, smoked trout, king crab.
• Litoral: Mbaipy, Paraná River fish, chipá.
• Buenos Aires and Córdoba: Milanesa a la napolitana, Córdoba-style lomito, Tandil salami.