Argentina boasts an exceptional standard of food and drink, although choices are often restricted to meat, pasta and pizza. 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
parrilla (grill) restaurant should be on a visitor's must-do list. Conversely, pure vegetarian food is hard to find but most restaurants have vegetable options and salads are widely available. Traditional confiterías (cafes) as well as more fashionable resto-bars (restaurant-bars) are popular in big cities.
Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires.
Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina - although at heavily inflated prices, but there are many fine local varieties.
National specialties:• Bife de chorizo (rump or sirloin steak).
• Bife de lomo (tenderloin or filet mignon).
• Empanadas (little pastry pies stuffed with beef, chicken, vegetable or cheese).
• Parrillada (mixed grill) which might include morcilla (blood sausage).
• Alfajores (shortbread-type biscuits sandwiched with
dulce de leche - caramelized 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: Around 15% is acceptable in restaurants as well as bars (unless you were dissatisfied) which waiting staff rely on to survive.
NightlifeArgentines 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 center 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 practice the tango at lively
milongas (tango nightclubs). There are many
theaters and
concert halls in
Buenos Aires, Córdoba and
Mendoza, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras.
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