With a Flavor of Innovation: the New Era of Argentinian Pastry

Masters of pastry concoctions who redefine local gastronomic standards. Masters of culinary art who create new recipes and innovate with traditions typical of Argentina.

In the constant evolution of Argentinian pastry, creativity and innovation are key ingredients. The country's pastry chefs, recognised for their passion for dulce de leche and traditional pastry making, are embracing a trend that goes beyond what’s traditional: the search for natural and healthy products. They concoct works of art with deluxe ingredients and a lot of inventiveness, resulting in unique creations that position them on the world stage. Authentic flavours, reinventions of classics and many alternatives for those with a sweet tooth: these are some of the most outstanding chefs in the country.

Belén Melamed

It’s been just a few months since the opening of its gastronomic establishment, La Pastelería. In the meantime, an amazing recognition of her style and cuisine. Belén Melamed is the young face of the new Argentinian pastry making and her culinary skills have already become known internationally. Her shop located in the Villa Ortúzar neighbourhood won the Pastry Opening of the Year Award by La Liste, an organization that is responsible for selecting the best restaurants in the world. The blue tints of the façade intermingle with white tones, an open window facing the street, and completely warm and homely vibes. Belu works at the shop and is passionate about her profession: it shows in the details, in the service, and in the way she takes care of the products. In addition, she also teaches pastry classes, with sold out places for 2023. The chocolates are a work of art, the mini raspberry and white chocolate cakes make you fall in love, and the dates filled with peanut butter and covered in semi-bitter chocolate and salt flakes come from another planet!

Osvaldo Gross

When it comes to pastry making, the pastry chef from the province of Santa Fe is another national emblem. A student of the industry, he learned from Francis Mallman and continued in infallible gastronomic countries, such as France (Paris), Italy, Germany, and the United States. His professional path continued to rise until he attracted the interest of international entities, receiving awards, such as the Best Pastry Chef in Latin America according to the World's 50 Best, diplomas in Le Cordon Bleu, and participating as a member of the Académie Culinaire de France. The television screen also played an essential role in his career, as he hosted programs on Utilísima and El Gourmet channels. Osvaldo Gross is a holy word and one of the great teachers from whom the younger generations always want to learn.

Maru Botana

A character that has been going strong for years. So much so that Maru Botana is a direct synonym of pastry excellence in our territory. She forged her passion for cooking from an early age and, while pursuing her studies in Business Administration, she came across the unique opportunity to collaborate with the renowned chef Francis Mallman. Initially, she played the role of pastry assistant and, from there, her career became a story of dedication, commitment and effort, which catapulted her to participating in various television shows and the publication of books exploring the art of pastry making. Today, her presence extends through five locations across Buenos Aires, where her charisma is well received by the local community. Her specialization is cake making, ranging from the exquisite marquise with berries, the tempting bonbon cake with walnuts and chocolate, cheesecakes, rogels and three varieties of mousses.

Damián Betular

A pastry revolution revolves around this chef full of charisma. His participation in important television shows, such as Master Chef and Bake Off, ended up positioning him at the top of Argentina’s pastry podium. With a French-rooted style, Betular made the most anticipated opening of 2022: a pastry shop in Villa Devoto neighbourhood that brings together countless fans queuing to taste his impressive macarons, cookies, truffles and cakes with the brushstrokes of an authentic artist. In his past, he was Executive Chef of the Duhau Palace, an icon of Buenos Aires, and with time, he has managed to be in the position he deserves. The aesthetics of the place are worthy of a photoshoot for Instagram and, in addition, a small flower shop lies next door combining his two passions: pastries and flowers.

Mauricio Asta

A name that does not go unnoticed in the industry. His path to recognition in the gastronomic scene began with an unwavering passion for sweets. Over the years he knew how to combine his charisma with his skill in baking, earning a renowned place in Argentina. His innovative and creative approach hand in hand with his warm and friendly personality led him to participate in television shows on El Gourmet channel, which only favoured his rise to fame. At his shop La Pastelería in Martínez, Province of Buenos Aires, you can taste some of his recipes, from macarons, muffins, alfajores and cookies to puddings and cakes.

Isabel Vermal

Cooking began as a hobby and later became her passion that led her to create pastry delights. On her Instagram profile, with a million followers, she shows recipes for classic cakes and sweet dishes with her distinctive creativity. She is part of the staff of El Gourmet, the Argentinian TV channel that specializes in gastronomy, offering master classes on sweet preparations. She studied at the Colegio de Cocineros Gato Dumas and currently has an online shop that sells elements for complementing the raw materials necessary to cook some of her best-known recipes: aprons, bowls, molds, thermometers, special spatulas, colourings and more.

Yanina Bloch

The world of Yanina Bloch has an undisputed main star: chocolate. It abounds in all her preparations, and she has become a specialist when it comes to working with that raw material. A modern pastry shop including natural and seasonal products led her to teach classes and open her own gastronomy academy. The main focus of her career is, precisely, teaching about the art in which she has specialized since she was a child.