If there’s one experience you absolutely must have in Argentina, it’s an asado. An asado is more than just a barbecue—it’s a ritual, a tradition, a social event, and a culinary art form. It involves slow-cooked beef over wood embers, long conversations, laughter, and a deep respect for fire, meat, and friendship. Credits to Argentine Asado In this guide, you’ll learn everything about mastering Argentinian asado : from choosing the right cuts of beef, building a proper fire, grilling techniques, and the cultural meaning behind this time-honored tradition. What Is an Asado? Definition and Overview Asado is Argentina’s version of a barbecue, but with unique techniques and cultural importance: Meat (usually beef, but also pork, lamb, and chicken) is grilled slowly over wood or charcoal embers. The asador (grillmaster) carefully controls heat and timing. The experience is social and ceremonial—meat is cooked slowly, eaten in stages, and enjoyed over hours. Orig...
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What Do Argentinians Eat for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner?
Argentinians don’t just love food—they live around it. Meals are not rushed activities but essential rituals of daily life. From a quick medialuna at breakfast to a two-hour asado at lunch or a late evening dinner, the Argentinian food schedule reflects family values, social gatherings, and national traditions.
Argentine lunch with the family
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Argentinians eat during each part of the day, the cultural significance behind these meals, and the special dishes you must experience.
The Typical Argentinian Meal Schedule
Argentina follows a Mediterranean-style eating rhythm, which means:
• Late breakfasts
• Big, relaxed lunches
• Light afternoon snacks (Merienda)
• Late dinners, often after 9 p.m.
What Argentinians Eat for Breakfast (Desayuno)
The Light Start to the Day
Forget about hearty eggs, sausages, and bacon. Breakfast in Argentina is light and simple, often focusing on bread and coffee.
• Medialunas: Sweet, buttery croissants (smaller and denser than French croissants)
• Tostadas: Toasted bread with butter and jam
• Facturas: Sweet pastries filled with dulce de leche, custard, or jam
• Bizcochos: Crisp, slightly salty pastries, perfect with coffee
Typical Drinks:
• Café con Leche (coffee with lots of milk)
• Mate: Herbal infusion, especially in rural areas
• Fresh orange juice (jugos naturales)
What Argentinians Eat for Lunch (Almuerzo)
The Main Meal of the Day
Lunch is sacred in Argentina—especially on weekends. In many smaller towns and cities, shops close from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. so families can have a long, leisurely lunch.
• Asado: On weekends, this is the centerpiece of family gatherings.
• Milanesa: Breaded beef or chicken cutlet, sometimes served with mashed potatoes or salad.
• Empanadas: Baked or fried pockets filled with meat, chicken, cheese, or vegetables.
• Pasta: Gnocchi (ñoquis) or spaghetti with tomato sauce or meat sauces.
• Pizza: Thick-crust Argentine pizza often loaded with cheese and onions (fugazzeta).
• Locro: Especially in the northwest, a hearty corn stew enjoyed on special days.
Lunch usually ends with a coffee, and if it’s Sunday or a celebration day, with dessert like flan or helado artesanal (artisan ice cream).
Merienda is Argentina’s fourth meal—a late afternoon snack bridging the gap between lunch and late dinner. It’s not optional; it’s a daily ritual!
Common Merienda Foods:
• Medialunas (yes, again)
• Tostadas con Manteca y Dulce de Leche (toast with butter and caramel spread)
• Tortas (simple cakes like bizcochuelo)
• Churros (sometimes filled with dulce de leche)
Common Drinks:
• Mate (most popular choice)
• Coffee or espresso shots
• Tea with milk (té con leche)
Merienda is often social—a way to catch up with friends, coworkers, or family.
What Argentinians Eat for Dinner (Cena)
The Light but Flavorful Finish
Dinner happens late—typically 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in big cities like Buenos Aires.
While weekdays may feature lighter meals, weekends or special nights often involve heartier dinners.
Typical Argentinian Dinners:
• Pizza: Home-delivered or homemade.
• Milanesa: Leftovers from lunch, reheated for a lighter dinner.
• Pastas: Ravioles, ñoquis, or lasagna.
• Pollo al Horno: Oven-roasted chicken with potatoes.
• Ensaladas: Fresh salads, like tomato and onion or mixed greens.
During festive nights or weekends, the dinner could even be another round of asado, particularly in the summer months.
Special Foods for Special Days
Sunday Asados
Sunday is traditionally reserved for large family asados, featuring:
Meals, especially lunch and dinner, are lengthy and communal. Argentinians love:
• Sharing dishes
• Eating with extended family
• Hosting friends over for mate or asado
Strong Italian and Spanish Influence
Because of heavy immigration from Italy and Spain, daily Argentine food includes:
• Fresh pasta
• Pizzas
• Spanish omelets (tortilla española)
• Flan for dessert
Love for Sweets
Argentinians have a huge sweet tooth. Every meal has the potential to end with:
• Dulce de leche treats
• Cakes and pastries
• Ice cream in dozens of flavors
FAQs About Argentinian Meal Habits
Why do Argentinians eat dinner so late?
Warm climate and European customs influence the late dining hours. Social life often starts after dark!
Is lunch more important than dinner in Argentina?
Yes. Lunch is the main daily meal, especially on weekends.
What do Argentinians drink with meals?
• Mate: Especially in the morning and afternoon
• Wine: Malbec and Torrontés wines with lunch or dinner
• Coffee: Morning and post-lunch rituals
Conclusion
Eating in Argentina isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about connecting with others, honoring traditions, and savoring every bite. From sweet medialunas in the morning to sizzling asados at noon and hearty pasta plates at night, each meal is a window into Argentina’s heart and soul.
If you’re looking to experience Argentine life to the fullest, don’t just sightsee—sit down, eat, share, and celebrate.
Ready to learn more? Check out our next guide: Argentinian Food vs Other Latin American Cuisines: A Comparative Look to see how Argentina’s flavors stand out across the continent!
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