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Food and Drink
Argentina boasts an exceptional standard of food and drink and eating out is an experience in itself. But be warned: Argentines tend to dine very late (2100 is considered early). Famed for the quality of its steaks, Argentina is a meat-eater's dream and a visit to a parrillada restaurant should be on a visitor's to-do list. Conversely, pure vegetarian food is hard to find but most restaurants have a veggie option and salads are widely available.
The country's Italian heritage is evident in the popularity of pizza and pasta eateries throughout the country. Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires, while North American and European style dishes are readily available in large hotels and tourist areas. Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value.
Many international beers are available but local brand Quilmes is eternally popular. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina, and there are many fine local varieties. Whisky, gin and rum are the most popular and form the basis for some exotic and potent cocktails. Mate is a national institution in Argentina (like tea is to the English). Made from dried yerba leaves, mate is served in a gourd and is shared between friends.
National specialities:
• Charrasco Argentino (a large, juicy gaucho steak).
• Carbonada en Zapallo (squash stuffed with a beef and vegetable stew).
• Empanadas (tasty little pastry pies usually stuffed with meat).
• Ñoquis (gnocchi - potato pasta dumplings usually served with a tomato and herb sauce).
• Alfajores (shortbread-type biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche - caramelised milk sauce).
National drinks:
• Yerba mate (tea-like drink).
• Quilmes is the national brand of lager.
• Malbec wine.
Legal drinking age: The legal age for drinking alcohol in a bar/cafe is 18.
Tipping: Service charge is sometimes added in hotel restaurants but tipping is largely discretionary. It is normal to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and bars.
The country's Italian heritage is evident in the popularity of pizza and pasta eateries throughout the country. Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires, while North American and European style dishes are readily available in large hotels and tourist areas. Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value.
Many international beers are available but local brand Quilmes is eternally popular. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina, and there are many fine local varieties. Whisky, gin and rum are the most popular and form the basis for some exotic and potent cocktails. Mate is a national institution in Argentina (like tea is to the English). Made from dried yerba leaves, mate is served in a gourd and is shared between friends.
National specialities:
• Charrasco Argentino (a large, juicy gaucho steak).
• Carbonada en Zapallo (squash stuffed with a beef and vegetable stew).
• Empanadas (tasty little pastry pies usually stuffed with meat).
• Ñoquis (gnocchi - potato pasta dumplings usually served with a tomato and herb sauce).
• Alfajores (shortbread-type biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche - caramelised milk sauce).
National drinks:
• Yerba mate (tea-like drink).
• Quilmes is the national brand of lager.
• Malbec wine.
Legal drinking age: The legal age for drinking alcohol in a bar/cafe is 18.
Tipping: Service charge is sometimes added in hotel restaurants but tipping is largely discretionary. It is normal to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and bars.
Nightlife
Argentines like to party and even the smallest of towns in rural areas have late night bars and discos. Nightlife in Buenos Aires is particularly vibrant and the city has become a centre for South American clubbing, boasting line-ups of world famous visiting and home-grown DJs. Things rarely get going until midnight and the music keeps pumping until well after daylight.
Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. People who want to dance themselves can learn and practise the tango at lively milongas (tango nightclubs). There are many theatres and concert halls, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras. There are casinos throughout Argentina.
Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. People who want to dance themselves can learn and practise the tango at lively milongas (tango nightclubs). There are many theatres and concert halls, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras. There are casinos throughout Argentina.
Shopping
Buenos Aires has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a shopper's paradise, possibly of even being the best shopping city in Latin America. Plush shopping centres are lined with boutique shops selling local and international fashions. Leather goods are a good buy and can be made to measure in a few days. Native arts and handicrafts are also popular and can be purchased in special markets in most tourist areas.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-1300. In the outskirts and provinces, they tend to close at midday.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-1300. In the outskirts and provinces, they tend to close at midday.