Buenos Aires is also known for its food. From a croissant with coffee to a slice of pizza with fainá, there are flavors that are part of everyday life in the city. Here are eight classics worth trying during your trip.
Buenos Aires cuisine blends Argentine traditions, immigrant influences, and customs that have been passed down for generations.
Some meals are enjoyed while sitting down for hours. Others are enjoyed standing at a bar or while walking through the city.
If this is your first time in Buenos Aires, these eight are a great place to start.
1. Croissants
Sweet, flaky, and with that characteristic sheen.
Medialunas are served for breakfast and as an afternoon snack, almost always accompanied by café con leche, cortado, or some other hot beverage.
They come in butter and lard varieties, with different flavors and textures. Trying them at a Buenos Aires café is one of those simple experiences that are part of the trip.
If you want to continue exploring the city’s coffee culture, check out our article **Must-Visit Coffee Shops Near Downtown Buenos Aires**.
2. Empanadas
An Argentine classic that varies by province and recipe.
In Buenos Aires, you’ll find everything from the traditional beef, chicken, or ham-and-cheese varieties to many other options.
They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or sharing.
3. Buenos Aires-style pizza
Buenos Aires pizza has its own distinct identity.
It usually has a thicker crust than other pizzas, plenty of cheese, and classic flavors like mozzarella, Neapolitan, or fugazzeta.
And there’s a very Buenos Aires-style way to eat it: a slice on the go, often standing at the counter.
4. Fainá
If you order pizza in Buenos Aires, you’ll likely come across this word.
Fainá is a dish made from chickpea flour. It’s served in slices, and it’s common to eat it alongside pizza.
A classic way to enjoy it is to place it directly on top of the slice.
Pizza and fainá make up one of the most quintessentially Buenos Aires combinations on the list.
5. Asado
Talking about Argentine food inevitably leads to the asado.
More than just a specific dish, it’s a way of cooking and getting together.
Beef, offal, and various cuts are grilled while the meal is enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
In restaurants, you’ll find grilled platters and different cuts of meat. If you don’t know the names, it’s always a good idea to ask.
6. Choripán
Simple and very Argentine.
Grilled chorizo in a bun, usually served with chimichurri or salsa criolla.
It’s common to find it at parrillas, fairs, events, and food stalls.
If you’re looking for something casual and authentically local, it’s hard to go wrong.
7. Artisanal Ice Cream
Buenos Aires has a strong tradition of ice cream shops.
The Italian influence is evident in the creamy texture and the huge variety of flavors.
Dulce de leche is a must-try. You can also find chocolate, fruit, and cream flavors, as well as combinations unique to each ice cream shop.
And yes: ordering ice cream for delivery is also a very Buenos Aires tradition.
8. Alfajor
Two cookies, a filling, and many possible variations.
The most classic version has dulce de leche and may be coated in chocolate or icing.
There are brands known throughout the country and many artisanal options.
It’s easy to find, easy to carry, and also makes a great souvenir from your trip.
Buenos Aires Bonus: coffee, dulce de leche, and something to share
Not everything necessarily fits on a list of dishes.
Coffee is part of the rhythm of Buenos Aires. Dulce de leche appears in croissants, alfajores, ice cream, cakes, and breakfasts.
And there’s a tradition that runs through much of this cuisine: sitting down, sharing, and staying a little longer.
Where to start?
If you only have a few days, you can keep it simple:
1. Croissants and coffee for breakfast.
2. Empanadas for a quick lunch.
3. Pizza with fainá one evening.
4. Asado for a more leisurely meal.
5. Ice cream or an alfajor to finish off the meal.
You don’t have to try everything at once.
Part of getting to know Buenos Aires is discovering these flavors as you explore the city.
From HTL hotels, downtown, Corrientes, San Telmo, and other culinary hotspots are all within easy reach, so you can keep adding to your experiences as your trip goes on.