Cuisine of Argentina and Chile:
Argentina
Argentine cuisine is influenced by waves of European immigration, particularly from Italy. You'll find many Italian restaurants and pizzerias, plus heladerias, or ice-cream parlors, serving Italian cuisine and gelatos . Argentina is known for its beef, and many meals are based on substantial amounts of carne, but other foods are certainly available. Lingering after an evening meal with a sobremesa is a customary time for conversation.Soft drinks and fruit juices are popular. As elsewhere, ask for [b jugo puro, or jugo exprimido, for fresh squeezed. Licuados, milky fruit shakes, are popular. Do try maté tea at least once. Other tea is served black with lemon. Ask for té con leche if you want milk in your tea. Hot chocolate is served at breakfast. Coffee is usually an espresso.
Local beers and wine are excellent. Many Argentines mix a bit of mineral water in their wines to make a spritzer. Try these Recipes from Argentina. When you're in Argentina, be sure to try:
Chile
Chilean cuisine tends to the international, plus wonderful seafood that forms the base of many favored dishes. Ethnic restaurants abound in the cities. Vegetarian meals are available.Soft drinks and juices are everywhere. The licuados, fruity milk shakes, are good. Try moté con huesillo , a peach and barley drink. Coffee is usually instant, but espresso is becoming popular. Tea is served black with lemon. Herbal teas, aguitas, are popular after dinner drinks. Try manzanilla, camomile, or a boldo .
Chilean wines are superb. Beer, pisco, aguardiente and imported hard liquors are popular. Make sure you try a Pisco Sour, made with egg white, lemon juice and powdered sugar. Try these Recipes from Chile. And when you're in Chile, be sure to try:
Enjoy the
No matter where you travel in South America, or make a South American recipe at home, enjoy! Take a look through the offerings from Our Latin Table : Celebrations, Recipes, and Memories (direct buy), Argentina Cooks! (direct buy) and Tasting Chile (direct buy) for some great recipes.
Buen provecho!
