GASTRONOMY

The legacy of immigration in Argentina left behind varied customs that are carried forward up to these days. That is why the Buenos Aires cuisine is mostly Italian and Spanish, with French touches and a little bit of pure local taste. The menu is based on fish, beef, ?milanesas? (deep fried breaded steak original from Milan, Italy), chicken and pasta, accompanied by salads and side dishes (mashed potatoes, French fries). The Argentinean meat is healthy and tasty; you can eat it grilled or baked. The barbecue that deserves a separate title is a synonym for families and friends gatherings, as well as feasts. The Creole barbecue (Asado Criollo ) is made of sausages, offal and beef including different cuts.

The empanadas ? beef, chicken, corn or ham and cheese stuffed pastries/turnovers, among other alternatives ? are a classic that can be purchased at many different places and tasted without having to sit at a table so allowing you to continue your trip. Pizzas are found in any restaurant or pizza parlor in the city in its many varieties.

The typical regional meals are the Andean dishes such as the ?locro? (cooked with tripe, red sausage, corn, beans and beef), the tamales (corn flour, beef, and cheese, wrapped in corn leaf). The ?alfajores? are available at the snack stalls and bakeries and there are also homemade ones. They are small pastry or biscuit sandwiches filled with Creme Caramel (?Dulce de leche?). The street sweets are the sugar coated peanuts and almonds (?garrapiñada?).

Tips: The restaurants and bars of Buenos Aires do not charge a fee for service, so it is customary to leave a 10% tip.
 

Habits: El MATE

The infusion feature throughout Argentina is the mate. It is drunk at any hour of day and under any circumstances. It is prepared by pouring hot water into a small container of the same name that contains mate herb (yerba). Some add sugar to it others simply enjoy it bitter. In addition, depending on the taste and the region where you are, you will be able to drink flavored mate, adding to the yerba orange peel, lemon, coffee or different types of herbs like chamomile, mint, boldo, etc...
Undoubtedly, the mate is much more than a drink, mate is an element of linkage, a symbol of trust, friendship and intimacy among people who share a delicious South American infusion brimming with flavor. It is a symbol of brotherhood and tradition.