Argentina is a country known for its rich culinary heritage, from its world-renowned beef and steakhouses to its vibrant street food culture. Buenos Aires, the country’s bustling capital, is a melting pot of flavours where traditional recipes blend with modern influences, offering visitors an authentic taste of Buenos Aires street food.
Argentina cuisine is deeply rooted in the country’s history and traditions, shaped by indigenous ingredients and a rich tapestry of immigrant influences, from Spanish and Italian to Middle Eastern flavours. Whether you’re wandering through the lively stalls of San Telmo Market, grabbing a choripán from a street vendor in Palermo, or enjoying freshly fried empanadas while strolling along the riverbank in Puerto Madero, there’s always an irresistible bite waiting for you.
This guide is designed for travellers eager to explore the city’s vibrant street food scene, showcasing must-try traditional dishes, local favourites, and where to find the best flavours of Buenos Aires on the go.
Get To Know The Buenos Aires Street Food
1 – Choripán: Argentina’s Street Food King
The Choripan, often referred to as «chori,» is iconic street food. This Argentinian food consists of a grilled chorizo sausage, sliced in half, and served in a crusty bread roll. The sandwich is accompanied by chimichurri sauce, a tangy and herby sauce made from parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.
This sandwich is often associated with futbol matches and political rallies in Argentina, where vendors gather to serve thousands of hungry attendees. The key to a perfect choripán is a generous helping of chimichurri or salsa criolla, a fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Also, for the bravest, there is the option of choripan but with blood sausage.
- Main ingredients: Juicy and flavorful pork chorizo, grilled and served in a crispy bread roll.
- Where to enjoy it? Head to Costanera Sur, a riverside promenade lined with food trucks. Popular spots include El Puestito del Tío. For a more upscale twist, Chori in Palermo offers gourmet versions of this classic.
2 – Chipa: A Real Cheesy Delight
The Chipas are small, round bread rolls made with cassava flour and filled with cheese. Originally from the northern provinces of Argentina, especially in regions near to Paraguay and Brazil, these gluten-free snacks are crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside.
Chipa has Guaraní roots and is popular in the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, and Formosa. This snack reflects the indigenous influence on Argentina, and it has become a popular in cafés and bakeries in Buenos Aires. Chipa is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, where the cheese is still melty. Pair it with coffee or mate to try the traditional Argentine merienda (afternoon snack).
- Main ingredients: Small cheese bread made from cassava starch, cheese, eggs, and milk, with a chewy texture.
- Where to Find It? While chipa is traditionally found in Argentina’s northern provinces, but you can find some places in Buenos Aires like Atelier Fuerza, Oli Café, Anchoita, or any neighbourhood bakery.
3 – Empanadas: The National Favourite
Empanadas are savoury pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, most commonly beef, chicken, or ham and cheese. Each region of Argentina has its own version, from the spicy empanadas of Salta to the sweeter, raisin-filled versions in Tucumán, each with its own delicious flavours.
Empanadas are a local food of Argentine cuisine, served at family gatherings, festivals, and as a quick meal on the go. Their origins trace back to the Spanish colonization, but the dish has been adapted over centuries to reflect local ingredients and preferences.
The best way to enjoy empanadas is with your hands, straight from the oven. Try them with a side of chimichurri sauce or salsa criolla. There are different flavours like beef empanadas, sweet corn (humita) or spiced lamb.
- Main ingredients: Wheat flour pastry filled with knife-cut beef or matambre, onion, boiled egg, cumin, and chili powder, then either fried or baked.
- Where to Try Them? Empanadas are ubiquitous throughout Argentina, but for some of the best, head to El Imperfecto or El Kiosco De Empanadas.
4 – Sandwiches: A Feast Between Two Breads
Argentina’s sandwich culture is strong, with offerings ranging from bondiola sandwich (pork shoulders) to sandwich de milanesa (breaded steak) and sandwich de lomito (lomo steak) or steak sandwich.
These are hearty and often piled high with different other types of grilled meats and other ingredients such as lettuce, cheese, tomato, fried egg or hard-boiled eggs, ham and chimichurri. They’re usually accompanied by French fries and chimichurri sauce.
They are intended to be a go-to meal, like a snack during a road trip, a casual lunch at a food stall or even after leaving the clubs dancing. Sandwiches have become a staple of Argentina’s street food.
- Main ingredients of the Bondiola sandwich: Marinated and grilled pork shoulder, served in a bread roll with chimichurri and vegetables.
- Main ingredients of Lomito sandwich: Tender beef tenderloin steak, accompanied by ham, cheese, egg, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise in toasted bread.
- Main ingredients of the milanesa sandwich: Breaded and fried beef or chicken, served in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and condiments.
- Where to Try Them? Some of the best sandwich spots in Buenos Aires include San Guchero and Parilla Amarelo in Costanera Sur. For a more professional option, you can visit Narda Comedor, the restaurant of the well-known Argentine chef Narda Lepes, or visit El Rey de la Bondiola for a classic version.
5 – Tortilla Callejera: A Simple Street Staple
The Tortilla Callejera is a flat, round bread made from flour, water, and fat (typically animal fat), cooked until golden brown and crispy on a griddle or hotplate. It is food that is eaten with the hands, is consumed in areas outside major cities, where vendors set up near bus stops or along highways. These tortillas are simple and affordable, making them a popular choice for workers and commuters looking for a quick, filling snack. They are reminiscent of traditional rural cooking.
Tortillas callejeras are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, still warm and crispy. Many vendors offer them plain, but you can also find them with fillings like ham and cheese, dulce de leche for an extra treat. Pair one with a coffee or yerba mate as a quick snack on the go.
- Main ingredients: A flat, round bread made with flour, water, and fat, crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect as a side or on its own.
- Where to Try Them? You’ll often find vendors selling these tortillas near major transit routes or street corners, especially around Panamericana and other busy roadways. Look for small makeshift stands or carts near bus stops or in high-traffic areas where locals gather during their commute.
6 – Torta Frita: A Traditional Snack
Torta Frita is a fried dough snack that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often dusted with sugar. It’s a simple, comforting treat, perfect during a rainstorm. Torta Frita is a staple in the Argentine countryside, often served with mate during rainy days. The dish has indigenous roots and is similar to other fried bread treats found across Latin America. It’s often eaten in the afternoon as part of the traditional merienda.
- Main ingredients: A simple dough made from flour, fat, and water, deep-fried until golden, with a crispy yet fluffy texture.
- Where to Enjoy It? For a taste of the best torta frita, head to Abuela 22 in the Cañitas neighbourhood, there you can find not only torta fritas, but also churros or pastelitos filled with dulce de leche and covered in chocolate. An insider tip it’s to also try the ones from the street vendors across the city.
Discover Argentina Through Their Street Food
From the smoky, savoury choripan to the cheesy warmth of chipa, every bite offers a glimpse into the most typical dishes of this fascinating country. On your next trip, make sure to immerse yourself in the street food culture—it’s the best way to experience Argentina cuisine, one of the most recognized in South America.
Exploring authentic food quest from Argentina is more than just eating—it’s about connecting with the country’s cultural heritage and local traditions. By stepping away from the traditional restaurant menu and into the vibrant world of street vendors and food stalls, visitors get a true taste of Argentina’s diverse flavours. A real plus it’s that you can now always order the vegetarian options for all of these dishes.
Are you a food lover and want to experience Argentine cuisine? Discover tours in Palermo, San Telmo, Buenos Aires Half-Day tour or Buenos Aires Private Experience.
Buenos Aires Street Food Delights
Exploring Buenos Aires street food is more than just a culinary adventure—it’s a journey through Argentina’s rich cultural heritage, where every bite tells a story of tradition, migration, and local passion. From the smoky aroma of a freshly grilled choripán to the crispy perfection of an empanada, the city’s streets are filled with flavours that capture the essence of porteño life.
Whether you’re indulging in a late-night slice of fugazzeta, sipping on mate alongside medialunas, or discovering hidden gems in the bustling markets, Buenos Aires offers a street food experience like no other. No matter where your cravings take you, one thing is certain: the best way to truly experience the soul of the city is through its food.
